I’ve mentioned before that our home is listed.
The main part of it was built in the 17th century with a shiny new extension added in 1890 (modern hey?!).
But even though it could really do with being dragged into the 21st century, extending a listed building is easier said than done.
That said, 15 years or so ago the previous owners managed to get planning approved for a conservatory.
Wooden framed — and a decent size — it’s turned the house into an L shape.
We currently use it as our ‘smart’ sitting room; basically a child-free room that isn’t strewn with an assortment of plastic toys and stuffed animals.
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Extending a Listed Building
I *like* the conservatory (the space but not the look of it) but what I really want to do is knock the whole thing down and rebuild across the whole of the back of the house.
It’s freezing in the winter and like an oven in the summer. It just doesn’t serve it’s purpose.
But I don’t want our extension to look like it was built in the 1600s either — a pastiche of the era — I want it to look super modern but still tie in with the existing building.
Not too much to ask eh?
It is a big ask — and a BIG job — but I’ve been trawling the internet and there are some gorgeous examples that make me think it could work beautifully.
A Room With a View
One thing’s for sure.
If we did knock down our existing conservatory and replace it with something fabulous, I’d *definitely* have plenty room for the dream kitchen I’ve been banging on about!
Editor’s note: Since this post was written, we managed to get planning permission passed. Plus listed building consent on our Grade 2 listed cottage. You can read all about it here.
Extending a listed building certainly isn’t as straightforward as extending a modern, unlisted home. But the rewards are amazing!! I wrote a post with tips on how to get listed building consent approval.
Caro Davies is a former art-director turned writer and content-creator, and editor behind UK lifestyle blog The Listed Home. She writes about home-related topics, from interiors and DIY to food and craft. The Listed Home has been featured in various publications, including Ideal Home, Grazia, and Homes & Antiques magazines.
Wow that conservatory looks amazing and what a beautiful house and kitchen you have!! Lucky you!! #twinklytuesday
Haha!! I *wish* it was my house and kitchen!! Nope! As I said in the post, it’s my dream conservatory — and dream kitchen!! Chance would be a fine thing!! ;)
Those houses look totally beautiful, I know the problems with listings, we have a cottage here at Coombe Mill that is listed and another the planners are trying to list but which we are fighting. I hope you make your dream come true.
Aah the listings planners are a nightmare aren’t they? Some boroughs seem more open to change and are happy to work with you. Ours — sadly — are not. They seem to be stuck in a time warp!!
We’ve ended up at the Ombudsman a year later and still waiting a final response, don’t give up xx
Aaargh Fiona!!!! I really do feel your pain. It’s an absolute nightmare isn’t it? I love listed properties and am 100% all for preserving our beautiful heritage properties. But not so they can’t be brought up to today’s living standards. No-one wants to live in a museum. Good luck pet! Will keep everything crossed for you xx
I absolutely LOVE the combination of old and super modern in a house! I also regret not having bi-fold doors across the back of our house but decided against it as the lounge backs onto our garden rather than our kitchen/diner. I think you need to do this so that I can admire your project! :) #TwinklyTuesday
Yes — I love bi-fold doors. Really help to bring the outside in doesn’t it? Maybe you can do it in your next house? ;)
Those pictures have given me major conservatory/kitchen envy! It’s the stuff of dreams! Looking forward to seeing how you get on – I love a good old project :) #TwinklyTuesday
Totally the stuff of dreams!! I’m holding out that *one day* it might just come true ;)
Those are gorgeous looking conservatories/extensions. Yes, the rating sites are a great idea when trying to find people to do work. #twinklytuesday
It’s such a cool idea isn’t it? Really takes the headache out of finding a reputable tradesman!
Oh that kitchen is gorgeous. I hope you get what you want one day soon.
Visiting from #twinklytuesdays. Thanks for hosting :-)
Thanks so much Janine!! Me too!!!! :D xx