The installation of the windows seemed to mark the change from a building site to a prospective home
surrounding countryside.
Despite the fact that when purchased the property was in a very poor state of repair, the couple still faced objections when they applied to renovate and extend it – even though from the road all that can be seen is the front elevation, which still retains the original 150 year old cottage’s bucolic charm, and a wall that formed part of the 110 year old barn. However, working with planning department and their architect, objections were overcome and neighbours soon became fascinated by the works.
“It was really exciting to see my original rough-sketched concept brought to life by the architect’s rendering,” says Jodie. The planning application was a rollercoaster and took six to seven months to get passed. “They were very strict on what we could do – the roadside appearance had to stay the same, even down to how we replaced the air
72
www.sbhonline.co.uk
bricks on the wall of the barn,” says Mark.“Working with the rigidity of it was hard, but we had a cracking architect in DnA Group from Chester; Mark and Rachel helped us fight for the planning.”
The local authority stipulated the necessity for a bat and barn owl survey, and an archeological survey, although no issues were found that delayed or changed the plans. Once the build project was progressing the couple left their previous home and moved in with Mark’s parents to be closer to the site, hoping that shortly it would be advanced enough for them to move in, with the project continuing around them.
Once the works were finally underway, they thought it was going to be an easy ride – but the original builder laid a traditional foundation, and Jodie and Mark discovered to their dismay that a reinforced raft foundation was required. The resulting works to take out and replace the foundations added £10k to the build cost. “Do not rely solely on your builder for information; establish the legalities of things,” advises Mark.
After the problems with the foundations, the couple parted ways with the builder, and a frustrating, dormant few months followed. But with great timing, one of Mark’s best friends, Tom, set up a building company, Prestige Building Services, and they knew they could trust him!
Tom arranged all of the work, which was carried out on site by Tommy, who kept the
september/october 2019
OPEN
The open-tread hardwood staircase leads up to a glass- balustraded landing – adding further to the property’s open plan airiness
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84
