Unlocking the potential of listed buildings

Old buildings need to adapt to accommodate our modern lives but when renovating listed buildings it’s important to preserve the historic character whilst maximising the potential of the spaces.  This involves discussions with both your client and the local authority conservation team to achieve design solutions that are practical whilst being sympathetic to the building. 

We’ve recently completed this refurbishment of a beautiful Georgian building in Salcombe Regis where our clients wanted to remove the kitchen from the main space, relocate it to the rear of the building, and open up access to join the spaces.

It’s often difficult to determine the history of adaption that most old buildings have gone through so getting to know the property is important.  Seemingly historic features can be younger than they look so understanding what is of real historic value (to be retained) and what can be altered is the key to unlocking potential.

The previous kitchen design ran round the perimeter of the room around a large farmhouse style kitchen table.  Not very practical in terms of layout and not ideal for entertaining where you might want to hide away the mess of a busy kitchen from your party guests.  

 

 

A series of more modern utility rooms provided space for the kitchen to be moved into.  Investigation of the layout and structure revealed a filled in opening, which previously provided access to a service corridor.  Reinstating this archway provided the link between the two spaces

Use of materials and colour help to make the most of the space.  Cornice, skirting and architraves are reinstated to match the originals and a new stone floor, running through from front to back, unifies the kitchen and dining area, which are decorated in a pale off white, which helps bounce light around the spaces.

 

A long table provides dining for 12 and there’s room for fireside seats with the alcoves providing space for a free standing dresser and a day bed.  It’s a multi-functional family room that looks like its been here for years.