A Shropshire Farmhouse

With a watertight and weatherproof shell, work could then begin on the inside. All windows and doors were replaced or restored where appropriate. Every oak beam and floorboard was removed, cleaned and replaced in its exact position. Timbers were replaced with reclaimed beams where too badly damaged to return. These were colour matched to tone with the dark, almost black oak throughout the house. Witching symbols have been found on some of the beams in the attic rooms, and coins were found under floorboards which show us that the house looked much as it does now in the days when Bonnie Prince Charlie was fighting the English at the battle of Cullodden. Dozens of lintels were used to stitch cracks in external walls and dozens more steel straps used to strengthen corners and hold walls together.

The upper floor consisting of a series of attic rooms was the first to be restored. Throughout the house, we have used a system of insulated steel framing, which allows the creation of an air gap between outside walls and inner skin. This helps keep the house dry and warm. The same ventilation gap is used to carry electrics, plumbing, ducted vacuum and other services such as security camera cabling, and computer wiring. (See these photos) and below:

Bridgnorth sandstone, Broseley brick, and 18th century brick enjoy a sometimes complex relationship in this house...

Outside staircase gives independent access to the guest suite. Oak portico is to be added to the front door shortly. Rolls on membrane on the driveway are for construction of the manege for working horses.

The hallway was a major project in itself.  The design of the stairs evolved over a period of time, and required the complete removal of the existing timber carcassing.  All the re-usable oak was stripped and saved, and a new oak staircase installed with new carcassing.

The kitchen was made out of the old kitchen, knocked into what was the old dairy.  The two rooms are now one big, bright and airy room - with exposed brick and stone, together with granite worktops and light oak kitchen units.

The original lounge was drab and uninteresting.  A new window was added, and the original Coalbrookdale fireplace restored.  New window panels were built, and the ceilings decorated and 'coffered' with Georgian styled plasterwork to create a formal living room that would have been the centrepiece of the house..