How To Choose Ceiling Roses For A Period Property

When updating a period property, many people want to do justice to its original architecture and charm by adding features that are characteristic of the era it was built. If one of the things you are bringing up to date is the ceiling roses, read on to find out how to choose the right one for your home.

-      Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian eras

These days, houses are built as quickly and inexpensively as possible, but a couple of hundred years ago, a lot of thought went into the design of residential architecture, with each house having elaborate and intricate details.

One such feature were ceiling roses, which were designed to protect the ceiling from getting too hot or stained from candles or gas lanterns.

They were first introduced in the Georgian period (1714-1837) and remained popular through to the Edwardians, becoming more detailed and complicated as time went on.

-      What type of house do you have?

The best way to choose the right ceiling rose for your property, therefore, is to honour its origins. If you have a Georgian property, styles tended to be more subtle, with different sized circular patterns around the moulding.

They became more elaborate over time, with Victorian homes (1837-1901) having lots more floral motifs.

By the Edwardian period (1901-1910), a huge array of styles could be found, including swirling leaves, rosettes, acanthus designs, and fluted patterns.

If there are any original ceiling roses in your home, try to replicate these as much as possible. Alternatively, look for designs that complement the rest of your authentic features as much as possible.

Can A Listed Building Be Delisted?

Historical preservation has always been a hotly contested topic, with fierce discussions about the extent and nature we should preserve our architectural history raging since the days of John Ruskin.

Even decades later, whilst there are slightly more concrete definitions of listed buildings and buildings selected for historical preservation, there are still questions regarding how significant listed building restoration is carried out, as well as how to preserve somewhat divisive buildings that are still part of Britain’s architectural heritage.

As well as this, there is the question of what happens if a building that has been listed based on its historical character becomes a victim of either a natural disaster or the ravages of time. Can a listed building ever be delisted?

The simple answer is yes, and Historic England has a process for removing historic buildings from the list. The exact circumstances when delisting will be approved are still on a case-by-case basis, however.

The process is the same as applying to have a building listed, with the same levels of scrutiny and evidence required throughout the process, alongside inspections, reports and consultations.

Because fewer buildings receive delisting applications, most of the rules are historical precedents rather than a more stringent set of guidelines, particularly when it comes to buildings that will not be delisted.

Typically, a building will not be delisted if the building is currently subject to a dispute over listed building consent, as that would undermine the process. Similarly, if there is a repairs notice, enforcement action or prosecution related to the building, it will not be delisted.

Buildings that are currently subject to a compulsory purchase procedure or urgent works notice will not be delisted until either of those are completed.

Similarly, if listed building consent has been granted, especially if works are underway, a building is unlikely to be delisted, although this is often on a case-by-case basis.

Finally, there are the complications surrounding fire damage, with many buildings still maintaining a special interest even with serious fire damage. An investigation must be carried out and any relevant enforcement action taken before a delisting application would continue.

What Are The Most Common Renovation Mistakes?

Renovating a period property is an immense but extremely satisfying task. The reward is of course a beautiful property which is renovated to your specifications, which you can either enjoy living in or sell on for a profit. 

Period homes often occupy prime locations with elegantly proportioned rooms, good natural light, and many have plentiful outside space. They are usually built from good quality materials which have stood the test of time, even if some repairs and upgrading are in order to bring the property up to modern standards.

However, it is important to plan the restoration work carefully, to make sure that you retain the original character of the house, and don’t bite off more than you can chew. Here are some of the most common mistakes when renovating an older house.

Using incompatible materials

Older houses are constructed from natural materials such as oak timbers, natural stone, and lath & plaster walls, which are flexible and breathable. If you introduce rigid, non-permeable materials without professional advice, you risk structural damage and problems with damp. 

Furthermore, if the house is on the listed building register or is in a conservation area, you may be legally required to use only certain materials during the renovation process. 

You should always seek planning permission for any changes to a listed building, even if they seem to be essential repairs, because there may be specifications about materials, contractors, and so on. This applies to both the interior and exterior, and windows and doors. 

Rushing into decisions

When purchasing a property, we often don’t have as much opportunity as we would like to view it before signing the contracts or getting the keys for the first time. This may be because there was lots of competition in the market, and you had to put in an early bid to secure it, or just from time pressures, or an unhelpful vendor or estate agent.

Therefore, it can be tempting to draw up grand plans in the first flush of enthusiasm, without really getting to know the property and all of its idiosyncrasies. It is much better to live in the property for a few months first if possible, then you can really get a sense of which spaces you would like to extend, which features to preserve, and so on.

You may come to realise that old fixtures and fittings which you initially thought looked dated or shabby are actually a part of what gives the house character. 

Completely modernising the interior of a period property can create a jarring incoherence, so think carefully about what could be restored with some time and expertise, and what you genuinely can’t live with. 

Not having a contingency fund

One of the most common issues people have with a period property is underestimating the work involved. This is to some extent inevitable, as hidden problems will almost always arise at some point along the way. Therefore, you should add a margin of at least 20% onto your budget to cover this eventuality.

175 Sites Added To The Heritage At Risk Register

Historic England have revealed the latest Heritage at Risk register, which keeps a database of noteworthy heritage sites which are deemed to be the most in need of safeguarding action, whether through neglect, decay, or unsuitable development. There are 175 new sites added to the list this year, the Lottery Heritage Fund reports.  

There is also some more positive news, as 233 sites were taken off the register in 2022, thanks to the combined efforts of fundraisers, local communities, and charities. Many of the sites on the list have been repaired with the help of specialists listed building restoration experts. 

Eilish McGuinness, Chief Executive of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “It is so heartening to see so many significant heritage sites removed from the Heritage at Risk Register, and given a new lease of life as part of their local communities and places.”

She added: “Conserving and saving heritage at risk for the next generation to enjoy is core to our purpose, and we’re incredibly proud that the Heritage Fund has been able to support the work to make this fantastic news possible.”

Examples of recent restoration projects include the Coventry Charterhouse, which is a fine example of a 14th century medieval building, and one of only nine Carthusian monasteries in England. The Grade I listed building is made from red sandstone and timber, with additional outbuildings that have been added at various points throughout the centuries.

In the former refectory are some superb examples of Elizabethan wall murals, which are remarkably well preserved. The monastery is owned by the Historic Coventry Trust, who have recently received a £4.7 million heritage Lottery Fund grant to help create a visitor attraction which will have educational value, and be open as a wedding/conference venue.

Should You Repair or Replace Lath & Plaster?

Lath and plaster is a method of plastering interior walls which was used widely from the 17th century, all the way up until the mid-20th century. Here’s a look at what the technique involves, and what the advantages and issues of this type of plasterwork are.

If you have a period home that is over 70 years old, then chances are that it will have lath and plaster walls, unless it has been renovated with more modern techniques.

Laths are thin strips of timber which are built as a framework over the wall, with gapping of about 6mm. The laths are then coated in three layers of plaster. The first layer filled the gaps between the laths, whilst the second layer of about 6mm thickness covered the laths. The third and final layer was the smoothest layer to provide a surface for painting or paper.

The plaster was made up from a mixture of lime putty and sharp sand, sometimes with horse hair added into the mix. The third and final layer was made up with fine sand to give a smoother finish.

Because lath and plaster walls are found in older properties, they may not always be in great condition. If you have an period property with cracks or even chunks missing from the lath and plaster, you may be wondering whether to have it restored or whether to update it with a modern drywall plaster method.

However, it is often worth restoring the original wall if you can. This is because all the layers have some distinctive advantages over drywall plaster. Firstly, the thickness of the boards plus three coats of dense plaster provides a good level of thermal insulation, which helps to keep the heat in the house, and keep it out during hot weather.

Traditional plasterwork also provides a good level of soundproofing, so that you will notice less noise transference between different rooms in the house, or from any adjoining properties. It may also offer a better level of fire protection. Finally, the slightly uneven texture when compared to drywall panels can add character to a home.

The age of the plasterwork does mean that it needs regular inspections to check that it is not deteriorating. If you do notice any problem areas, it’s important to deal with them straight away. The good news is that it is possible to repair and restore lath and plaster walls to its original condition.

It’s even possible to commission a newbuild with modern lath and plaster walls, which tend to be made from clay, lime, and acrylics, and won’t contain any horsehair. This is increasingly being seen as a more sustainable option to drywall, because it is more durable, damp resistant, and provides a better level of insulation and soundproofing.

All these advantages mean that you won’t have to invest in further treatments for your walls. However, traditional plastering should only be carried out by building restoration professionals, because of the specialist nature of the materials and methods involved.

Ideas For Renovating An Edwardian Home

Edwardian era homes, which were built between 1901 and 1910, are highly prized for their elegant proportions and light and airy feel. Although it was a relatively short period in history, it was a prosperous and productive time, and many of the houses built during this era display high standards of craftsmanship which have stood the test of time.

Why is it worth renovating an Edwardian home?

Although there is no single definitive style of Edwardian home, many of them share beneficial characteristics. They were often built in what we now refer to as the ‘leafy suburbs’ of towns and cities, which remain desirable places for commuters to live today.

One characteristic you will often find is that they are set back from the road, with a larger than usual front and back garden, with ample room for parking a modern car. Inside, they are often generously proportioned, with wide hallways and spacious living areas, as they were built at a time when land was more readily available.

Many Edwardian homes are also beautifully light and airy, with large bay windows to allow for good levels of natural daylight to flood the room. The front doors often feature glass panels, both set into the door, and above and to the side. Upper stories may feature decorative Juliet balconies and mock-Tudor woodwork on the exterior.

For those looking to add extra space, Edwardian homes usually have high pitched roofs which are ideal for loft conversions, and the generous back gardens often allow room for an orangery or kitchen extension.

Which features should you keep in an Edwardian property?

It is worth thinking carefully before removing any original features in your Edwardian home, as they will add value. If the building is listed, you will not be able to alter or remove them without permission.

Heating, electrics, drainage and plasterwork may need some attention to bring it up to modern standards. Edwardian homes were the first to have central heating installed, and the classic column cast iron radiators may still be in place. This style of radiator is currently making a resurgence, although modern versions are made of stainless steel.

Other classic Edwardian features include parquet flooring, carved fireplaces, cornicing, and ceiling roses. Colour schemes tended to be brighter and more neutral than the preceding Victorian era, and the muted natural paintwork is currently very fashionable for homes from all eras.

In terms of interior design, the Art Noveau movement was the presiding influence of the era. This emphasised flowing curved lines, and was inspired by the plants and flowers of the country garden. Pastel colours and floral designs which were popular in the era are currently very fashionable, so updating the interior of an Edwardian home should be very easy to do.

Edwardian style bathrooms often made a free-standing roll-top bath the centre piece, with clawed feet and ornate decorative taps. Finishing touches included larger mirrors to reflect more light around the room, and woodwork finished with gloss paint.

If you are looking for cornice repair in London, please get in touch today.

Which Are The Most Popular Period Homes?

One of the most sought-after qualities in a home is often described as ‘character.’ But what exactly does this mean, and what gives a house character? Often, people mean a period property which was built before the First World War, particularly Edwardian, Victorian, or Georgian houses.

This is because many of these buildings have already stood the test of time, proving that they have been built from good quality materials by well-trained craftsmen. Many of them are also well situated, because land was more readily available and there were fewer restrictions on where new developments could be built. 

Modern housing is often built to a cookie-cutter mould, and there are regularly reports of shoddy materials and poor construction standards. Older houses have their problems too of course, but a well renovated period property can be a joy to live in, and will generally be worth more than a more generic modern house. 

Well-constructed Georgian properties (which were built during the era of the four successive King Georges I, II, III, and IV, between 1714 and 1820) are always in demand. Late Georgian era townhouses with distinctive white stucco rendering, sturdy black doors and window frames, and symmetrical framing are especially popular. 

Victorian homes, built during the reign of Queen Victoria (1837-1801), tend to be more variable in quality, as by this time, massive industrial expansion meant that a lot of new houses were built to accommodate the burgeoning city populations. However, there are many fine examples to be found.

Edwardian properties (built during the reign of King Edward VII between 1901 and 1910) tend to be less functional, and more spacious and aesthetically pleasing than Victorian houses. They are often found in pleasant suburban areas, and are well proportioned, with front and back gardens, porches, and bay windows.

All of these styles of property may still have the original features which give them that distinctive character. For example, they may have moulded coving (where the top edge of the wall meets the coiling), and architraves (moulding around the doorframes), ceiling roses, and high skirting boards.

They may also have ornate fireplaces and dado or picture rails. All of these features can be restored to their former glory by specialist craftspeople if they are looking a little worse for wear. Beautiful white plasterwork can really add a finishing touch to a room, especially when set off with a bolder paint or paper on the walls. 

Even if you buy a period home where many of the vintage features have been removed or damaged beyond repair, it may still be possible to find ideal replacements in salvage yards. Fireplaces were commonly ripped out of Victorian homes during the 1970s for example, or even just boarded over. There may be a work of art lurking behind the plasterboard. 

If you are thinking of purchasing a period property, you will have to be prepared for some extra maintenance and upkeep, as the electrics, damproofing, and energy efficiency may not be up to modern standards. However, many people consider the rewards of a beautiful and well-proportioned home to be well worth the effort. 

If you need any help with listed building restoration, please get in touch today.

4 Tips For Renovating A Period Property

Renovating a period property brings the reward of a characterful and unique home, which can be a joy to live in. However, often these properties have not been well treated over the years, and it may take a lot of hard work to bring them up to a decent standard. Here are a few of the major points to consider when renovating an older building. 

Always check if you need planning permission 

Listed buildings, whether Grade I or II, will need planning permission and Listed Building Consent before even seemly essential and minor alterations, both inside and outside the property. For example, you cannot replace the windows in a listed building without consent, and in some cases, you may be asked to refurbish rather than replace them. 

Even if the building is not listed, you may well need planning permission for certain alternations or extensions. Furthermore, it is advisable to check if the building is within a conservation area. These are areas of particular historical and architectural interest, which are subject to extra planning controls and restrictions. 

Have a full survey carried out

It is definitely worth investing in a full structural house survey, rather than a more basic investigation, to get a thorough picture of the condition of the property. They are more expensive than regular surveys, but could save you thousands of pounds in the future, when unwelcome problems can unexpectedly rear their head. 

A full structural survey will uncover any hidden defects, and recommend the most appropriate course of action for remedial work. 

Check if you need to serve a Party Wall Notice

If you are planning to carry out work near or on a shared boundary, either internally or externally, you will need planning permission, and you will also need to let your neighbours know. It’s best practice to do this during an informal chat if possible, but you are legally obliged to back it up with a Party Wall Notice.

A party wall notice tells your neighbour about plans to work on the existing party wall or structure, or near to the foundation level of their property. You must give your neighbour at least two month’s notice, and obtain their written consent in the form of a Party Wall Agreement. 

Even if you are not working on the party wall, it is advisable to build up good relations with your neighbours, especially if they will have a lot of dust, noise, and disruption going on during the works.

Maintain the original features of the property

Part of the charm of an older building are period features such as fireplaces, cornices, and floorboards. Where possible, it is far better to restore rather than replace them, even in a non-listed building. 

Statement features, such as dado rails, ceiling coving, high skirting boards, period fireplaces, and architraves around windows and doors, are highly sought after in houses of Georgian, Edwardian, or Victorian vintage. If you want a second opinion as to whether they can be salvaged, it’s worth talking to a company which specialises in cornice restoration in London.