Cottage Revival: Grade II Listed Heritage Transformation

EX3   |   Harmonising Modern Family Life with Historic Character near Exeter

A Delicate Challenge

A Grade II listed cottage near Exeter presented an intriguing puzzle: how to unlock the potential of its beautiful garden while addressing compromised historic integrity from 20th-century alterations. The property required thoughtful intervention to enhance both its heritage character and family functionality.

Understanding the Brief

The existing property faced several key challenges:
  • Impractical and insecure entrance configuration.
  • Essential facilities inappropriately housed in the garage.
  • Compromised bathroom arrangements affecting privacy.
  • Deteriorating mismatched 20th-century joinery.
  • Limited connection to the impressive gardens.
  • Poor northern aspect visible from Ebford Lane.

Crafted Solutions

Working alongside oak frame specialists, we developed a sensitive scheme that:
  • Introduces a traditional porch with a draught lobby.
  • Creates a meticulously detailed oak-framed garden room.
  • Restores appropriate bathroom configurations.
  • Enhances views through considered window placement.
  • Employs traditional materials, including adobe/earth wall, natural oak, and local riven slate.

The Oak Frame Feature

The new garden room stands as a testament to traditional craftsmanship:
  • Hand-crafted oak framework with exposed beams and joints.
  • Traditional slate-pitched roof.
  • Natural materials creating seamless integration.
  • Enhanced visual connection to the grounds.
  • Celebration of historic timber framing techniques.

Sustainable Heritage

As certified members of the Sustainable Traditional Buildings Alliance (STBA), our approach incorporates:
  • Sensitive retrofit improvements using the 'whole house approach'.
  • Historic England-supported assessment methods.
  • Period-appropriate windows and doors, improving energy efficiency.
  • Careful restoration of original features.

Future Legacy

With planning and listed building consents secured, this project demonstrates:
  • Successful transformation of challenging historic properties.
  • Enhanced property value through sensitive intervention.
  • Improved energy efficiency whilst preserving heritage character.
  • Harmonious balance between modern living and historic fabric.

Construction is anticipated to begin in 2025, marking another milestone in our commitment to thoughtful heritage conservation.

Testimonial

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