VANDALS have caused extensive damage to a listed 18th-century farmhouse which was bequeathed to the National Trust for Jersey by the property’s late owner.
Described as “heartbreaking” by the trust’s chief executive, Alan Le Maistre, the vandalism at La Ronde Porte included the smashing of every glass window in the property, doors being kicked in, pantiles broken and paint thrown around. An adjacent glasshouse was also destroyed.
The States police were yesterday called to investigate the incident at the St Saviour farmhouse and an appeal for information has been made to anyone who may be aware of any suspicious behaviour.
Mr Le Maistre said: “It is heartbreaking to witness such mindless destruction.
“Plans have just been passed to install services and to make the main house habitable and we have been working on establishing the site as a community hub to support rural enterprise and the agricultural industry.”
La Ronde Porte was bequeathed to the National Trust for Jersey in 2022 by the late Philip Le Sueur, who was born in 1931 and lived at the property throughout his life, with confirmation of the bequest coming in the aftermath of his death.
The farm complex is Grade 3 listed in recognition of its historic character and overall integrity, and includes brick paviours, cow byres and an apple crusher, as well as pigsties connecting to a two-storey bakehouse that retains a corbelled fireplace with bread oven.
Mr Le Maistre said the trust was calling for anyone living in the vicinity to keep an eye out for any suspicious behaviour and for any information to be passed to the police.
