BACK TO BRICK
Architect Jules Coleman stripped back her Victorian home to create a modern layout for her, husband Simon and cockapoo Percy
‘The property was dated in a 1990s kind of way, and was in need of some TLC and modernisation. It had been subdivided into flats before being converted back to a single dwelling, but there were still a couple of odd layout choices – the main bathroom was on the bottom floor while the bedrooms were on the top floor.
‘We renovated all four storeys, taking it back to brick. Structurally, the house was fine, but we reorganised three of the four floors, removing the bathroom on the lower ground floor and creating an open-plan kitchendiner. There was a large bay window looking out onto the garden but no door – you had to access the outside through a small scullery – so we put in aluminium doors. On the upper floors, we created a master suite and turned one of the bedrooms into a utility room, then added a bathroom.
‘Some of the period features were still intact, including fireplaces and some cornicing, but some of the moulding was in a bad state of repair, so we replaced it. We also replaced the sash windows like-for-like, which was quite a large expense. Planning laws meant we had to wait three months for permission – we live in a Conservation Area, so anything facing the street needs special consideration to be changed.
‘We do have issues with a slightly damp lower ground floor – it’s the reality of living below the waterline, and the trade-off you make in exchange for living in a beautiful old home. We’ve really grown into the house over the last couple of years. A new build might have been more energy efficient, but we like the rougher edges and the character this house has accumulated over time.’
COSTS & CONTACTS
Project cost £200,000
Architect Resi, 020 8068 4811, resi.co.uk
General contractor Kisiel,
020 3984 7410, kisiel.co.uk
Rear aluminium doors Yes Glazing,
0808 115 8395, yesglazing.co.uk
Kitchen Handmade Kitchens Direct, 01202 475515, handmadekitchens-direct.co.uk
LOOK AT LAYOUT
Period homes can present challenges when it comes to layout: think separate rooms and tiny galley kitchens where we now tend to prefer bigger, more open-plan spaces. Knocking two rooms into one can be a good solution, and is less expensive, messy and time-consuming than extending. If you struggle with a middle room that receives little to no light, internal glazing could brighten up that space. An architect or architectural designer can provide innovative internal solutions for older properties, so consider hiring one for advice if you need help.