Stone Cottage in Birmingham

Buildings to the rear were dangerously unstable, and were pulled down and rebuilt, using the original doors and windows. A third tollhouse window, to the left was preserved by the local History Society, who kindly offered to allow us to re-instate it within the structure. The walls are all lime rendered - all external timberwork and joinery is in oak.

The main bedroom was clad in cement render, and painted bright gold. Extensive work was needed to the walls and roof, and the entire room is now restored, and plastered in lime. Windows are solid oak, with powdercoated black metal inserts to closely replicate the originals. 4" of concrete flooring was removed to reduce weight loading on the structure, with a modern timber floor being added.

The loungeroom took a great deal of work. The walls were so wet that the stone was crumbling. Allowing them to dry out, and repeaded washing down with limewater, has allowed strength to return with the result that we were able to preserve them in-situ. Two bread ovens were found, and the original fireplace opened up again. Beams were cleaned down, stone repointed, and new, insulated floors laid throughout. The floors here are clad with sandstone flags, pointed with hydraulic lime mortar. All wiring is now completely concealed within the structure.

The dining room is now within the area which was completely demolished and rebuilt. The pyramid skylight allows light to flood the area, and provides a feeling of space and light to the otherwise quite small room. Out of view to the right are three huge cast iron windows, formerly in the Quinton Tollhouse, which may have originated in the Coalbrookdale Foundries. The oak used is all local green oak, air dried for over 2 years before being cut to size. Again, the walls are lime plastered to create a subtle, pastel shade to the decor.