Former Coaching Inn

Conversion and full refurbishment of a former coaching inn to a stunning detached dwelling with annexe. Preserving the character of this historical building, while modernising for comfortable living, was key to the success of this project.

Upstanding

Enterprises & Developments Ltd

Location

Blagdon Hill, Somerset

Contact

enquiries@upstanded.com

Overview

This impressive property had been a coaching inn with many lives, with the original parts of the building likely dating as far back as the 17th Century, or earlier. When converting it into the stunning home it is today, thoughtful consideration needed to be given to how to create modern, comfortable living while preserving the many original features that made it so unique.

Revealing ancient beams, characterful stone and even a completely hidden original fireplace, we carefully preserved and renovated to create the perfect balance of old and new - and a truly stunning and characterful home.

Features

Refurbishment project featur case study

Planning and Purpose

Having reviewed the original planning approval for the change of use of the building it was decided that improvements could be made to make better use of the existing building. A variation application was submitted, and approved, based on new designs which ultimately created a more practical and stylish new dwelling.

Under the current permission, an original stone rear extension (possibly a former animal byers) was due to be demolished. New designs for the building allowed for the creation of a utility room and boiler room, and freed up more space in the main building for other purposes.

The single-storey former kitchens for the inn had originally been designed as an open fronted building (not large enough for a vehicle to fit in). New designs helped to create a self-containable, adaptable annexe with its own access and a fully-fitted walk-in shower room.

Innovative Design

Designing the conversion of a building that's hundreds of years old, to make best use of the existing features while creating a comfortable home fit for modern living (and passing Energy Efficiency 'SAPs' requirements), requires careful thought as well as innovation.

The construction of an entirely new first floor structure, the re-location of the main staircase and the opening-up of roof space allowed for the creation of some truly stunning spaces.

Original flagstones were lifted and, after damp-proofing and insulating, bespoke-designed underfloor heating system was installed across the ground floor before both new and original floor coverings were laid.

Making the most of the existing building

When you are converting a historical building of character key decisions need to be made about what features to keep, what to renew and how to go about restorative renovation while ensuring the creation of a comfortable and practical modern home.

Old buildings, by their nature, often contain dark and cramped spaces. By retaining existing features and introducing new openings it is possible to create a light, spacious home that makes the most of its character.

It is impossible to keep the whole building original when undertaking a conversion, but retaining individual features which 'tell a story' and preserving the character, results in the perfect balance of old and new.

Dealing with the unexpected

Very rarely does a conversion or renovation project reach its completion without at least a handful of unexpected revelations. In the case of this former coaching inn there was a continual process of assessing and adapting and ultimately using the unexpected to our advantage, particularly when we uncovered a real 'hidden gem'.