DESIGNED FOR LIFE
Prioritising design was the key to success for Lucetta and Matt when they turned a 1930s semi into a quirky family home
A kitchen extension and loft conversion to a characterful family home in Cornwall
When Lucetta Radcliffe and Matt Scott bought their four-bedroom semi-detached property in Cornwall, the appeal was in its original features. Unfortunately, the rest of the property struggled to hit the mark, both in terms of the way it felt and when it came to modern living. “We were so delighted to get it, we were just happy to live in it for a while, even though the kitchen was awful, and the attic rooms were dark and murky,” begins Lucetta.
At the time, their youngest child was just three weeks old, so the couple decided to tackle a loft conversion first, transforming three murky rooms into a spacious master en suite where a repaired roof, roof lights and windows now make the most of the breathtaking views southwards, towards the sea.
ORGANISING THE TEAM
Neighbouring properties had set a precedent for the conversion, so there were no planning problems. Lucetta and Matt began by hiring a builder on a day rate and as a result costs spiralled out of control. In response, the couple began looking for a team who would be able to help them with their plans.
They hired Tom Salkeld from Bear Joinery, a cabinet maker they had worked with before, to finish the works. “It was so nice to have someone who shares our ideas and whom we trust,” says Lucetta. Keeping a handle on costs was a valuable lesson the couple heeded when they decided to tackle the kitchen a couple of years later. They were introduced to their architect Ben, of Ben White Architecture, by neighbours. “We found it super-useful to get advice from neighbours who had done their own project.” Lucetta also found their main contractor Shepherd Consulting by word of mouth, as the building firm had worked on a property on the same road.
A SECOND CHANCE
Reassuringly, in this second phase of the renovation, the couple had assembled the right team to start work on creating a home that worked for them.
After discussions, their architect Ben came up with three options to transform the family’s dark, north-east facing kitchen. Lucetta and Matt chose the most comprehensive option, extending all the way across the back of the property.
Built with cavity blockwork with a suspended beam and block floor, the extension’s timber rafters in the roof are supplemented by steel to support large spans of sliding doors.
When it came to addressing the connection to an existing party wall, Ben specified the application of Thoroseal, a waterproof “slurry” to the party wall, overlaid with a corrugated membrane tanking system linked to a base drain, which channels water to the bottom of the cavity. “It’s belt and braces, but the only real way to deal with it in this case,” says Ben.
“The impact has been pretty amazing. It’s just transformed everything and it was definitely worth all that pain”
WORK PROGRESSED
Although the build process went much more smoothly during the second phase, the family still decided to move out during the extension works.“i didn’t want to live on site with three kids, so we camped all summer,” says Lucetta. “We were hoping to have it done in time for school, but it just wasn’t. We ended up camping in the front room and washing up in the bathtub.”
Lucetta also found it was fortunate that, as a freelancer working from home, she was able to be on site every day ensuring good communication, which she found essential. Luckily, being on site to inspect deliveries also meant that Lucetta was able to manage suppliers and materials, such as the limestone paving, being delivered.
“If you can’t be on site, have a project manager,” she advises. “The impact has been pretty amazing. It’s just transformed everything and it’s magic. It was definitely worth all that pain!”
INDIVIDUAL INTERIORS
Internally, the central element of the new extension is, of course, the kitchen which was the product of a collaboration between Lucetta, Matt and Tom Salkeld, of Bear Joinery.with no wall units, a striking turquoise colour band runs right around, connecting the space. “The starting point was quite retro, but fun,” says Tom. The cabinet carcasses are made from birch ply, with oak doors, runners and framing finishes with timeless brass hinges. The real transformation has been the house’s connection with the garden as large sliding doors and a picture window give stunning views across the countryside.
“It’s true in/outdoor living, even if it does rain,” continues Lucetta. “Having that fluidity of space makes such a positive difference to a family with very fast-growing and screen-hungry kids. To have the garden in constant view is such a bonus and I think it makes us all appreciate an outdoor lifestyle more!”