GRADE 2* LISTED BUILDING RESTORATION
This stunning Grade 2* Listed Building has been restored back from a poor state of decay and is now fully habitable. See the full specialist construction journey of this wonderful historic manor house.
LISTED BUILDING RESTORATION
Bledlow, Buckinghamshire
PROJECT BRIEF
To bring a Grade 2* listed manor house back into habitable condition and restore it to the status of a beautiful building of historic and architectural interest. The Grade 2* listed building belongs to a high-status client whose family have owned it for over 200 years. The manor house had fallen into a critically decayed state and the client wanted it restored and conserved in accordance with listed building status so that it should be comfortable, beautiful and convenient to live in.
WHAT
Grade 2* Listed Building Restoration
WHERE
Bledlow, Buckinghamshire
DURATION
102 weeks
ARCHITECT
The Build
Structural decay of the manor house was more advanced and widespread than initially realised. The structural engineer was called upon to design additional reinforcement and the project programme was modified accordingly. For some parts of the building a temporary works designer designed temporary support and the reinforcement was installed.
The drainage systems, both surface water and foul water, were seriously decayed. This was only discovered when closed circuit video was produced of the system. The necessary repairs were incorporated into the scope of works and put in hand.
Brickwork and stonework repairs were also much more extensive than originally understood which resulted in further repairs and reinforcement where necessary.
environmental considerations
As part of the construction, bat protection and tree protection were required.
Recycling of healthy materials and items such as doors and ironmongery reduced the carbon footprint.
The Gutex insulation which was installed is made from wood fibres, increasing the incorporated carbon figure for the project. The extensive installation of insulation throughout the roof space and the linings to the external walls will have reduced greenhouse gas emissions from the house considerably as will the installation of more efficient heating.
traditional & specialist
building skills
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Gauged brickwork to door & window arches and in string course
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Brickwork repairs using lime mortar
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Lime plastering including lath and plaster work in walls and ceilings
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Restoration of windows glazed in crown glass
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Specialist leadwork to roof
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Rebuilding of original dormer windows
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Repairs and replacement of complex oak roof structure
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Uncovering and restoring original fireplaces
THE RESULT
A stunning Grade 2* listed manor house has now been fully restored into a habitable condition and has regained the status of a beautiful building of historic and architectural interest.
SUMMARY
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High status home now fully restored
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Specialist and traditional building methods
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Satisfied listed building requirements
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High standard of finish
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Environmentally aware
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Built to client's specifications
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Bespoke joinery elements throughout
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Enhanced existing property
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Historic and architectural interest
Client Testimonial
“Saunders Brothers were the main contractors for the repair and refurbishment of a substantial Grade 2* listed manor house which was undergoing major works for the first time in 70 years.
The project coincided with the Coronavirus pandemic, causing complications for social distancing, availability of manpower and difficulties in sourcing materials. The scope of the necessary works also became significantly greater than had been apparent at the start of the project.
Saunders Brothers overcame all of these challenges, coordinating multiple subcontractors and specialists to deliver a consistently high standard of workmanship, an empathy for the conservation of the historic building and a much-appreciated versatility in accommodating the clients’ requirements. Their aftercare has been impressive, and we have enjoyed working with them.”
Neil Taylor – Estate Manager, The Carington Estate