Restoration
The engine room
On the 2nd of September 2016 Dawn and I moved in and in mid-December a new kitchen began a journey of restoration and refurbishment which was to last into May 2020. The house is a grade 2 listed building requiring that the structure remains original as it is built in stone quarried locally. That was great as we wanted to show off its original features, some of which had been hidden cosmetically 70s style e.g. a tong and groove false ceiling, carpet tiles covering quarry tiles and oak beams boxed in. A complete rewire commenced in March 2017 including emergency landing lighting, new consumer unit with RCBO breakers serving the rooms and smoke detectors in each room. This was finished in May 2019 and a new 400L pressurised hot water central heating system was installed in September 2017. The B&B
The previous residents of 90 years ran the house for many of them as a B&B offering 2 bedrooms and a shared bathroom. The Scary room was a box room at that time. We now offer 4 ensuite rooms each with their own story as told in the following 'before and after' section:
Before and after
Wonky Room
The Wonky Room beam was exposed and restored and the ceiling renewed and lowered to connect to it and loft hatch removed. The ensuite was created, window ledges, door and skirts replaced and fully plastered. New beds, mattresses, soft furnishings and carpets fitted in March 2020.
Before
After
AB Room
The AB Room had a low tong and groove ceiling which was replaced exposing the oak beams which were restored. The ensuite was created, window ledge, door and skirts replaced and fully plastered. New beds, mattresses, soft furnishings and carpets fitted in March 2020.
Before
After
XB Room
The XB Room had a boxed beam ceiling which was replaced exposing the oak beams which were restored. The ensuite was created, window ledge, door and skirts replaced and fully plastered. New beds, mattresses, soft furnishings and carpets fitted in March 2020.
Before
After
Scary Room
The Scary Room ceiling hid the oak beam and had part collapsed so was replaced exposing the beam which was restored. The ensuite was created, window ledge, door and skirts replaced and fully plastered. New beds, mattresses, soft furnishings and carpets fitted in March 2020.
Before
After
Dining Room
The Dining Room was part plastered, fireplace replaced, shutters and window ledge restored and skirts replaced. A dresser, clocks, 43" smart TV and furniture were installed and carpet fitted in May 2020.
Before
After
Kitchen
The Kitchen and Utility room were completely gutted plastered and tiled. Lighting, power, heat detector, cooker and kitchen units installed by March 2017. It provided the only power to the rest of the house via extension cables for the following 18 months during the rewire. It is equipped with a 60 years old oil fired Esse range and a new electric cookmaster.
Before
After
Man Cave
The Cave is a large annex room to the right of the house that is home to the boiler. It is not part of the B&B but we are quite proud of the changes as part of the overall restoration so thought it worth sharing. The plaster on the walls and the ceiling was falling away and as it is below ground level, it was liable to flooding during exceptional and prolonged rain. We initially used it as a storage area and workshop but in June 2019 began its transformation into a music, gym and games room it is today. It also has the essential beer fridge.
Before
After
