Country Houses


Not understanding a building can have disastrous consequences when considering change. Two key parts of the process to reduce that risk are a Heritage Assessment and Condition Survey.

sensitive alteration

There are three simple stages to justifying major change; providing a clearly defined and undeniable need, being able to demonstrate the best way of making change and a collaborative relationship with the local authority

adaptive re-use

Change of use of historic properties often requires substantial alteration to historic fabric. An understanding of these technical requirements cannot be left until building regulation as these changes are likely to require listed building consent


Historic Interiors


Successful restoration achieves long lasting authenticity. Restoration is specialist field of conservation, requiring extensive research and analysis, specialists and a collaborative working approach.


Recreation within a room aids interpretation providing it is based on clear evidence of a former state. Historic, literary, graphic, pictorial, archaeological or scientific evidence can inform authentic recreation  


Many historic buildings have interiors of exceptional quality. Well intentioned repairs can cause irreversible damage. The need and scope of repair should be clear, phased appropriately working with the appropriate specialist 


Grants and Funding


The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) are currently the largest funding agency for heritage projects. Over the past ten years the HLF process has had a considerable impact on the way heritage projects are run and procured. 

feasibility studies

Sustainable heritage projects, often come from a client with something very special. Long before a building is considered, working with an experienced multidisciplinary team, a feasibility study can help to define a unique story that can be developed with a sound business model.


One of the key changes to heritage projects is the long lasting benefits of engagement. Building projects provide opportunity to increase public awareness, visitor numbers and income generation before, during and long after the building project. 




For many years the value of a heritage asset has been defined as its architectural and historic importance. Historic England's Conservation Principals has provided a greater understanding of significance values and an awareness of intangible values that can significantly affect development 

fire damage

Damage from a fire can continue long after the fire has been put out. Rot and decay caused by the water used in cooling the fire and precipitation can lead to further structural failure. It is the duty of the client and professional team to ensure that all is done to secure as much surviving fabric as possible


Carrying out repairs to an historic building without doing it harm or causing it to lose its value is an artistic endeavour which calls in to question, what needs renewal, how much may be retained and what technical methods should be employed.