Architeam restores Grade II listed Georgian house in line with the strict criteria of English Heritage
The successful restoration of a Grade II listed Georgian house has required expert architectural guidance in order to meet the strict criteria of English Heritage.
When architect and designer Nico Rensch of Architeam first visited this impressive manor house he instinctively knew that this property had the potential to become a sophisticated and comfortable family home.
However, gaining planning approval for the necessary work would prove far from easy. Working with his client prior to the purchase of the house meant that all possibilities and planning issues could be investigated fully. “I knew the main structure could form a grand home however, all the later modernisations and extensions would prove interesting as they would need to be carefully incorporated into a plan that worked well and felt natural” said Nico Rensch.
Providing detailed visuals of what could be achieved gave his client a clear image of how the house could be brought back to life. On the strength of Nico’s guidance the sale was finalised and work began on turning this neglected and partially derelict property into a luxurious contemporary home.
Previously the property had endured a number of unsympathetic and detrimental extensions and the result was a house with many disconnected and impractical spaces. The status of this grade II listed building meant that even the ugly and out of place extensions were protected and therefore had to remain in situ. Something that proved a challenge to Nico:
“English Heritage had numerous stipulations many of which I view acted against the historic value and future of the property, however, we worked very closely with English Heritage to ensure that we avoided compromising on the unique potential of the building. We saved and re-instated original features wherever possible and employed traditional methods both in the construction and internal decoration of the house. We used traditional cob walls and a kitchen garden was restored and extended with a lime render finish to form the swimming pool structure that is built into the hill.”
Nico was also responsible for the interior design and decoration, by sensitively selecting furnishings that won’t date and that work well within a period house, he has achieved a classic feel that also enjoys a quirky artistic edge.
Although a complex renovation project in terms of fusing historic elements alongside modern lifestyle requirements the result is one of natural beauty. The house looks as it should, a timeless classic.
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