Customer - Private Client

Architect - Ridge

Contract value - £376,000

Contract duration - 26 Weeks

Procurement - Competitive Tender

Sensitive reinstatement of period cottage following fire damage to meet exacting client requirements

Beard carried out the work on this Grade II listed thatched cottage over a period of 26 weeks, refurbishing the building to extremely high standards and as near original condition, following damage by fire.

Great care and a sensitive approach were required to save and preserve as much of the original building as possible. Stabilising the fragile structure, parts of which were in danger of collapse, was the team's first priority.

Traditional building skills and craftsmanship were used throughout, combined with a variety of reclaimed materials, including oak beams and floorboards, as well as specialist materials and finishes such as Earth Borne Clay Paints. The Beard team ensured all were in keeping with the original cottage.

Internally the building was completely renovated to meet the owner's exacting requirements, with new plumbing and wiring, a John Lewis of Hungerford kitchen, John Cullen lighting and CP Hart Bathrooms.

Challenges & Solutions

Stabilising the structure and reinstating the stone walls and roofing timbers required a sensitive approach combined with traditional construction skills.

Sourcing reclaimed oak beams presented a significant issue; these were found in Surrey and needed to be individually agreed with the client prior to procurement.

Strong client collaboration to co-ordinate the procurement of specialist materials helped to deliver project on time and in budget.

"Renovating the Grade II listed cottage after it was damaged by fire was a major undertaking. Beard's attention to detail and the high quailty finish the team achieved were excellent ”
Marcus Vere , Private Client