Thame, Oxfordshire.
We were challenged to restore and breathe new life into a beautiful but neglected Grade II* listed home (one of the top 3% of protected properties in the country).
What was the client’s brief?
In short, the brief was ‘everything’! The house needed a new roof, heating, plumbing and electrics, and interior design throughout. According to the estate agents, people looking at the dilapidated property were put off by the idea of tackling a grade II listed building extension.
What did we do?
Because the property was Grade II* listed we needed to work collaboratively with the conservation team, and get agreement and sign off at each stage of the project. We needed to take particular care that the new kitchen to the side and rear extensions were in keeping with the building.
So we worked closely with Historic England, the local authority’s conservation team, and the client as we completely overhauled the property from top to bottom, and added the kitchen extension.
We restored neglected but beautiful heritage features, such as the 300-year-old windows and historic joinery and plasterwork. We even rebuilt a chimney in the same shape as the historic style, using old photographs.
We also sympathetically modernised the property, introducing two new bathrooms, a larger kitchen extension and replacing the roof. The contemporary interior design gave the client the best of old and new.
What challenges did we need to overcome?
Given the nature of this property, getting planning permission involved Historic England, and detailed input from the conservation teams. We needed to check that we were abiding by the rules even by moving a skirting board!
We also needed to find a clever solution for the kitchen that was originally built for servants and wasn’t compatible with 21st century living.
What did the client like best?
The client appreciated our attention to detail and respect for property as we faithfully restored it, and ensured the new building was in the spirit of the original property. The invaluable input of Louise Holt from Louise Holt Interior Design and the team at Stuart Barr CDR and Barr Kitchens helped to reinstate the stunning property to its former glory.
History England also complimented us on the improvements, particularly the new kitchen space.
What is the result?
The Grade II listed building was refurbished from top to bottom to bring in bright light and put a contemporary twist on the original Georgian design. The main house was transformed in line with modern living, creating fantastic new family living areas with sofas and plenty of natural light.
Status: Complete
Hear what our client had to say.
Interior Design.
As Interior Designers, we are passionate about creating beautiful homes that capture your personal style and enhance the essence and purpose of each space.
Landscape Design.
As Landscape architects and garden designers, we are passionate about creating wonderful gardens that perfectly frame your home and connect you to nature. Whether you are embarking on a large garden design project or would like help with planting schemes, our team will work with you to turn your aspirations into beautiful unique spaces, seamlessly linking indoors and out.
Renovations.
We’ve helped transform many wonderful living spaces through renovations and extensions over the years.
Whether you’re looking for a contemporary glass addition, a complete makeover for a period Victorian or Edwardian property, internal remodelling options for houses built more recently, or a complete restoration of a derelict building, we’ll be able to help.
Using our 3D design process, you can explore a range of alterations before embarking on the more detailed phase of your renovation or extension.
Listed Properties.
With our wealth of experience working on listed and heritage properties across London and the South East, HollandGreen has successfully negotiated consents with Local Authority Conservation Officers and with Historic England for a wide range of renovation and extension planning requests.
We work with Specialist Heritage Consultants, and Archaeologists to provide detailed assessments of historic buildings, and have gained approval for ambitious, but sympathetic alterations to properties of historic interest, including those Grade ii* which fall within the top 3% of protected properties in the UK.
New Builds.
For many people the prospect of building their own home is the ultimate dream. At HollandGreen, we’re proud of the fact that we have helped a number of people achieve this dream.
If you are fortunate enough to have a plot of land that has the potential to be built on, or a house that you would like to knock down and start again with a blank piece of paper, we’d love to help.
We can advise on likely planning implications to help establish the feasibility of your project. Our exciting design journey will help you navigate through planning, choosing your builder, and delivering your dream new home.
Barn Conversions.
Barn conversions offer the perfect opportunity to create a unique countryside home, packed with character. At HollandGreen, we’ve had extensive experience in converting existing agricultural buildings into residential dwellings, in accordance to the recent changes to ‘Class Q’ Permitted Development Rights.
From traditional listed stone walled buildings with slate roofing, to more modern metal clad farm sheds for the modern, industrial look, you can create luxurious country living perfect for you. What a great opportunity to create a characterful family home that’s sympathetic to its rural setting, and generally larger in volume and scale than a modern build.
Conservation Areas.
Many properties fall within locations specified as a Conservation Area or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and we have specific experience working with planning departments across London, Surrey, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire.
Please do get in touch if you have any specific questions around what can be possible within a Conservation Area, even if you are just at the early stage of purchasing the property.
Luxury Basements & Pools.
If you’re battling to add space to your property, creating a basement storey can provide the perfect option to add significant living space, without having to move.
With basements closer to the main living areas than lofts, there is greater flexibility in terms of use, from home cinemas, wine cellars and playrooms, to office spaces, personal gyms and swimming pools.
To find out whether adding a basement to your property will add value to your house, we recommend seeking advice from your local estate agents. Talk to us about Permitted Development Rights, as basement extensions are often possible, if a cellar space already exists.
Luxury Kitchens & Lofts.
The way people use their living space is changing. We find that for most of our clients, the kitchen is now the hub of the modern home, and we’re proud that we’ve become known for our inventive and aspirational kitchen extensions.
We’ve helped hundreds of home owners across London and the South East create open, bright and contemporary kitchen living spaces that combine cooking, dining and living within one social and inviting area.
We’re also known for our carefully considered, aesthetically pleasing loft extensions that both increase living space and add a wonderful new aspect to your home.
- Interior Design
- Landscape Design
- Renovations
- Listed Properties
- New Builds
- Barn Conversions
- Conservation Areas
- Luxury Basements & Pools
- Luxury Kitchens & Lofts
