Over the last 30 years, we have contributed to the restoration and renovation of many historical buildings in Cheltenham and surrounding areas in all shapes and sizes – from uncovering and restoring a unique basement well, in Cheltenham Spa to bringing life back to Manor Houses in The Cotswolds.
If you’re fortunate to own a piece of history you will know first-hand that they hold a unique charm and character that is hard to replicate in modern structures. Renovating historical buildings can be a challenging but rewarding task. They are not only a part of our cultural heritage but an important part of local history.
One of the main challenges of renovating historical buildings is preserving their original character whilst making them functional and accessible for modern use. This requires a delicate balance between preserving the original architecture and making necessary updates to meet current safety and accessibility standards.
The first steps in renovating historical buildings are to conduct a thorough assessment of the building’s condition. We work closely with experienced architects and engineers as well as in-house professionals who can assist in identifying any structural issues, potential hazards, and areas that need to be updated. Once the assessment is complete, a renovation plan can be developed to address any issues and bring the building up to current standards.
Another important consideration is the use of materials that are appropriate for the building’s age and style. This includes using period-appropriate materials, such as traditional building methods, and avoiding modern materials that may be incompatible with the building’s original character.
One of the biggest challenges of renovating historical buildings is obtaining the necessary approvals and permits. Many historical buildings are protected by local or national preservation laws, which means that any renovations must be approved by the relevant authorities. This can understandably seem like a daunting process if you do not know where to start but we can help you through this either in-house or point you in the right direction of a trusted surveyor, architect, or advisor. We understand this can be a time-consuming and complex process, but it is important to ensure that the building’s historical character is preserved.
We have established excellent working relationships with trusted suppliers and merchants at a national and local level. Our trusted suppliers are equipped with the technical knowledge and considerations involved in the challenges of preserving historical charm whilst adhering to the requirements of local planning authorities and maintaining sustainability targets.
Finally, one of the most important aspects of renovating historical buildings is the preservation of their historical significance. This includes preserving any original architectural elements, artifacts, and historical details. It is essential to document the renovation process so that future generations can understand the building’s history and evolution. We take pride in providing the physical preservation of buildings with historical significance and detailed reporting throughout the duration of a restoration project.
As well as restoring the fabric of many buildings, over the last decade our sister company Leckhampton Joinery has engaged with architects, designers, and clients in restorative projects across the Cotswolds bringing back to life all things joinery related from Grade listed windows and doors to timber beams and internal furniture.
If you have a restoration project in mind or you’re restoring your own piece of history would welcome the opportunity to help you.
