Nestled in the Blackdown Hills, Widcombe Grange is a substantial country house dating back to the 1830’s. It’s a beautiful Arts & Crafts building, retaining many of it’s period features & charm whilst constructed of mellow flint & dressed stone with a flint roof.
Having previously been run as a luxury holiday home & event venue, our clients were keen to turn it back in to a private residence.
Projects like this come with a different set of considerations compared to modern builds. The structure is solid, but with that comes the need to carefully assess how new work ties into the existing fabric – whether that’s matching materials, working around original features, or upgrading elements without losing the character that defines the property. The internal layout, with its large rooms & high ceilings, also presents both opportunities & challenges when it comes to improving flow, services & usability for modern living.
In this project, our focus was on delivering high-quality improvements while maintaining the integrity of the original building – bringing it up to modern standards without compromising what makes it special.
A real focal point at the front of the property is the newly constructed doorstep. Built using natural stone, the step was carefully designed to feel in keeping with the age & character of the building while offering long-term durability. Solid stone forms the main structure, with neatly laid slabs on top to create a clean, level finish underfoot. The step sits comfortably within the existing façade rather than appearing like a modern addition – adding that all important curb appeal!
Alongside the new doorstep, exterior wise we installed galvanised guttering alongside custom fascia boards & soffits, ensuring the property is well protected from the elements while maintaining a clean, traditional look.
Wherever possible, original timber elements were carefully stripped back & redecorated, preserving the character of the building rather than replacing it unnecessarily. Subtle additions like louvres within the arched windows help improve ventilation while respecting the property’s original style.
Extensive roof & chimney repairs were also carried out, all while retaining the original roof structure. This included replacing broken tiles, renewing the flaunching on the chimney & resolving ongoing water ingress & damp issues – critical work to safeguard the property long-term.
Structurally, the project required underpinning to the front left corner of the property, alongside masonry repairs using helibars & resin to stabilise & strengthen the existing walls. We also undertook significant drainage improvements, including the installation of a soakaway system, increasing the number of ACO drains to the rear & rerouting soil vent pipes from the exterior to the interior. This presented its own challenges, particularly in making good the external landscaping afterward by carefully restoring the cobbled-effect paving so it blended seamlessly with the existing surroundings.
Additional external works included damp proofing where required, repointing sections of stonework & laying new tarmac to improve access & finish.
The real star of the show at this renovation is the windows. This was a significant undertaking & one that required real expertise. Our master joiner Paul was incredible as always – carefully producing each unit to ensure consistency in quality while accommodating the unique dimensions of every opening. You can read more about this process here.
As is often the case with period homes, no two openings were quite the same. Varying in size, shape & detail—including some more unusual features like arched openings so each window had to be individually measured, designed & crafted to suit its exact position. It’s these quirks that give older properties their charm, but they also demand a much higher level of skill & precision during manufacture.
Once complete, the windows were fit on site, along with some beautifully finished Ham stone cills that complement the character of the property.
We also crafted & installed a couple of sets of French doors, designed to tie in seamlessly with the rest of the joinery while opening up the space & enhancing the flow of natural light.
All of the windows & doors were handcrafted in our joinery workshop from Accoya, a material chosen for its durability, stability & suitability for traditional-style joinery.
From inside, the impact of these windows is even more striking. They flood the rooms with light while adding a huge amount of charm. The subtle variations between each window, rather than detracting from the finish, actually enhance the overall feel of the property, celebrating its history while improving its performance for modern living.
Internally, we carried out a wide range of improvements to enhance both layout & usability. This included extensive plastering works & the construction of new stud walls to divide a large room off the kitchen into two functional spaces. Care was taken to match in pine flooring so it flows seamlessly from the kitchen into the newly created rooms.
In the bathrooms, we installed new shower trays & created a standout feature by exposing an original stone wall. This was carefully cleaned, raked out, repointed & sealed with a clear protective coating – bringing texture & history into the space while ensuring it remains practical & watertight.
The kitchen saw some thoughtful adjustments, including bespoke cabinet work & the addition of a shelf within the AGA alcove, improving both storage & visual appeal.
We also took care of various additional “bits & bobs” along the way that really help bring a home together. This included installing decorative tongue & groove style panelling in a few rooms – adding depth & character. We also fit cabinetry to form a large, practical utility room, helping to keep the main living spaces organised & clutter-free.
Structural improvements continued internally too, with floor strengthening carried out in areas that required it, followed by the replacement of floorboards where necessary. To bring everything up to modern standards, our electrical team Benjamin Henry Electrics also undertook a comprehensive rewire of the majority of the property.
Projects like this are all about respecting the history of a period property while quietly strengthening it for the future. By carefully restoring original features, introducing sympathetic upgrades & addressing underlying structural & environmental issues, we’ve helped ensure this home not only retains its character but is well prepared to stand strong for many years to come.
If you’re considering a similar renovation, have questions about your own property or would like to arrange a free no-obligation quote, we’d be more than happy to help. Get in touch with our friendly team today to discuss your plans & see how we can bring your project to life.
