Protecting your historic listed property this Christmas

Water damage

Real Christmas trees can be a source of water damage if not properly managed. Ensure your tree stand is waterproof and place a protective mat underneath to catch any spills. This is particularly important for historic wooden floors and original carpets in listed properties, which can be difficult and costly to repair or replace. Consider using a tree skirt that complements the period style of your home to add both protection and aesthetic appeal. Listed home insurance can help cover the costs of any unexpected repairs, but it is best to use as many preventative measures as you can.

Fire safety

While fires can provide listed properties with a cosy atmosphere and a great deal of warmth in the winter months, they also pose a number of risks to your home. Ensure your fireplace is well maintained and regularly cleaned and when using your fire, have a guard in place to protect not only you and your family (including pets), but also to stop any embers flying out.

Christmas decorations

When decorating your listed home, be careful around the original fittings and windows. These features are often irreplaceable and can be easily damaged. Use secure hooks and avoid overloading them to prevent cracks and damage. Consider using suction cup hooks for windows to avoid harming historic wood or plaster.

Accessing lofts or high shelves for decorations can be hazardous, especially in older and listed homes with steep, narrow staircases or fragile plaster ceilings. Use stable ladders and avoid overreaching to prevent accidents like putting a foot through a ceiling. If your home has original plasterwork, be extra cautious to avoid causing cracks or damage.

If you’re looking for some historic festive décor inspiration for your listed property there are Grade I listed properties all over the UK opening their doors, lighting up their gardens and putting on Christmas entertainment for the whole family to enjoy. Find out more: Festive fun of only the highest grade

Party precautions

Hosting a Christmas party in a listed home can be delightful, but it also increases the risk of damage to delicate features. Protect your valuable items by storing them safely and ask guests to be mindful of  any fragile or historic elements in your home. Use protective coverings on high-traffic areas and consider setting up a designated area for coats and bags to prevent accidental damage to antique furniture.

More generally the festive season brings more visitors than usual. Whether it’s a glass of mulled wine spilt on a cream rug, or a vase knocked over by an excited child, accidents are more likely to happen.

Listed home insurance can help cover accidental damage caused by guests, however every policy is different so check your home insurance policy for Accidental Damage cover.

Kitchen safety

Cooking a big Christmas dinner can be chaotic, especially in a historic kitchen with original features. Use heat-resistant mats to protect antique countertops and keep a fire extinguisher nearby. Be mindful of open flames and hot surfaces and ensure that your kitchen ventilation is adequate to prevent smoke damage to historic woodwork and plaster.

Crafting care

Christmas crafts can be messy. Use protective coverings on tables and floors, especially if they are original or have historic value. Clean up promptly to avoid damaging historic interiors. If you’re using glue, paint, or other potentially damaging materials, consider setting up a crafting area in a less sensitive part of your property.

Home security

The holiday season is a great time of the year for opportunistic burglars. Ensure your home security is up to scratch by checking locks on doors and windows, installing security cameras, and using timers for lights to give the appearance that someone is home. Consider an alarm system for added protection. Choose security solutions that are sympathetic to the historic character of your home, such as discreet cameras and period-appropriate locks.

Contents Insurance

The festive season often means your listed home is filled with valuable items, from antique Christmas decorations to the latest gadgets, to jewellery beautifully wrapped under the tree. The total value of items in your home typically peaks between Christmas and the New Year. Some insurers automatically increase coverage during the festive season, but this isn’t universal so check your policy wording. After Christmas, update your content sums insured to reflect any new or valuable gifts. A specialist broker like Abode can help you navigate these adjustments and ensure contents are fully protected, it’s just one of the benefits of using a broker. To find out more, read our article: Insurance brokers vs insurance companies: What’s the difference?

Leaving your home unoccupied

Amid the excitement of a holiday get away, it’s easy to forget about the things you need in place to keep your listed property safe. From home security to preparing for bad weather here are some things to think about: Steps to take if you’re going away this Christmas

If your home is unattended for more than 30 days, you may need to tell your insurer, as many policies will include an unoccupancy condition.

For more advice and comprehensive listed home insurance tailored to your needs, visit Abode Insurance, call us at 01234 567890, or email us at info@abode-insurance.com.

We wish you a safe and Merry Christmas!