Georgian

House

Restoration

The Conservation Challenge

This Grade II Listed Georgian house required careful refurbishment that would respect its historic character while addressing necessary repairs. The project required both Detailed Planning Permission and Listed Building Consent, reflecting the sensitive nature of alterations to this heritage asset.

The Conservation Officer initially objected to the proposed window replacements, recommending 2-panel Victorian sash windows instead of the historically accurate 12-panel Georgian sashes specified in our design. This objection threatened to compromise the authentic restoration of the building’s original Georgian character.

Research-Led Heritage Approach

Rather than accepting an inappropriate Victorian design that would have misrepresented the building’s true period, we undertook extensive historical research to support the case for authentic Georgian windows. This research formed the basis of a comprehensive Heritage Report that examined the building’s architectural history, typical Georgian fenestration patterns in Somerset, and the specific design characteristics appropriate to the property’s construction period.

The Heritage Report provided compelling evidence that 12-panel Georgian sash windows represented the most historically accurate solution, demonstrating a thorough understanding of period-appropriate detailing and the building’s place within Somerset’s Georgian architectural heritage.

Detailed Design Approval

This evidence-based approach proved successful. Mendip District Council approved the proposed alterations, acknowledging the appropriateness of the authentic Georgian window design. The approval was granted subject to the completion and submission of full-scale technical details for all new windows and doors—a condition we fulfilled through precise technical drawings that ensured the new elements would be manufactured to exacting historical standards.

The specification for painted hardwood windows aligned with traditional Georgian construction methods, providing durability and authenticity while meeting modern performance standards.

Heritage-Sensitive Restoration

The completed project demonstrates how thorough heritage research and carefully prepared technical evidence can secure appropriate Listed Building Consent that respects a building’s true architectural character. The restoration work included repairs to the stone walls, which were cleaned to reveal their original quality, and the installation of the approved 12-panel Georgian sash windows throughout.

Key Features

• Historically accurate 12-panel Georgian sash windows throughout
• Painted hardwood construction aligned with period detailing
• Cleaned and restored stone walls revealing original masonry
• Full Listed Building Consent secured through comprehensive heritage evidence
• Technical drawings prepared to ensure historically appropriate manufacture

Contributing to Village Character

The sensitive restoration has transformed the house into an attractive focal point within Stoke St Michael. The historically informed approach to the alterations ensures the building makes a positive contribution to the character and heritage of the village, demonstrating that rigorous research and attention to period detail can deliver outcomes that satisfy both conservation requirements and architectural authenticity.

This project exemplifies the value of investing time in thorough heritage analysis when working with Listed Buildings, proving that well-researched proposals backed by detailed evidence can overcome initial objections and secure consent for the most appropriate design solutions.