Renovation

Victorian Townhouse Restoration

A full restoration of a Grade II listed 1860s townhouse, combining conservation repair with a completely modern services installation.

A Grade II listed 1860s townhouse that had been poorly converted into flats in the 1970s and was being returned to a single family dwelling.

The work involved removing the later partitions and services, repairing the original staircase and cornicing, replacing failed lintels, and installing an entirely new electrical, plumbing and heating system without disturbing surviving historic fabric.

All new plasterwork was lime based, and the original sash windows were repaired and draught-sealed rather than replaced, as required by the listing.

Before & After

The Challenge

Cement render applied in the 1970s had trapped moisture in the solid brick walls, causing widespread damp and decayed joist ends. Two structural lintels had failed. Listed status ruled out replacement windows and modern plasterboard finishes.

Our Solution

Cement render was removed and replaced with lime, allowing the walls to dry over a controlled six-month period. Decayed joist ends were spliced with resin repairs rather than full replacement. New lintels were installed with needle propping to preserve the facade. Original sashes were repaired, slim-profile double glazed and draught-sealed under conservation officer approval.

The Outcome

Wall moisture readings fell from 18% to below 5% over the drying period. The scheme was approved by the conservation officer without amendment and the property was independently valued 34% above its pre-works figure.