Dramatic extension to a period property

OWNERS Julia & Nick Keem

PROJECT Renovation & extension

LOCATION Kent

SIZE 280m2

PROJECT COST £406,100

DESIGNER Richard Gill Architects

Having sworn they wouldn’t take on another fixer-upper, Julia and Nick Keem couldn’t help but fall in love with a 16th century farmhouse. However, it was in desperate need of some attention. It was draughty, the cellar was prone to flooding and the boiler packed in after a week of the couple moving in. It was liveable for the time being, but the couple had long-term plans to transform it into something extra special.

The building was a mix of different ages that had resulted in a higgledy-piggledy layout – there was a Victorian rear extension and two poorly built 1980s areas. After reaching out to several architects, one design by Richard Gill caught the pair’s attention – a curved double-storey side extension featuring lots of glazing. It ticked the boxes in terms of providing the modern family living space the couple were after as well as boosting bedroom numbers. The original building would be transformed, too, with the kitchen becoming a workspace for Julia and several of the Victorian rooms combined into one living area.

Obtaining consent for the large extension was a bit touch and go, as the local planning department was not convinced on the size or contemporary look of the proposal. However, thankfully, the Keems received permission to go ahead first time round.

They lived in the house while work took place, but it wasn’t easy, especially given they had a young son and new baby. “I don’t know how we did it,” says Julia. “We were just trying to save money, even though we were told it would ultimately end up extending the build time.”

The original building was gutted, windows replaced and some inevitable issues with restoring an old property experienced, such as damp joists and crumbling windowsills. Meanwhile, in the new part of the home, the foundations came in more expensive than planned and the cost of all the glass pushed the budget beyond what was available. The Keems ended up remortgaging based on the value of the finished house – a stressful time, but it proved to be worthwhile in the end. The layout has been streamlined at the same time as original details restored. “Our home now feels contemporary, spacious and bright,” says Julia. “I have my own office with 400-year-old panelling in it. The experience has been life-changing.”

Full story online: www.self-build.co.uk/keem