the stream but due to its relatively shallow depth and the water clarity, the pipes would be visible which was not an aesthetically viable option,” says John. “Likewise we investigated solar slates for the farmhouse that could generate power while still keeping a traditional look but the cost/performance ratio was pretty poor.” “We installed high capacity radiators and underfloor heating as part of the renovation, to future-proof a switch to a ground source heat pump at a later date.” The end result is a large farmhouse with six
bedrooms. The interior is white washed and retains the feel of a farmhouse – not least a huge kitchen which forms the hub of the home, as a farmhouse kitchen should. There is an open plan living space – a snug for
children to play in (or for enjoying gaming or watching TV), and a utility room hiding unsightly but necessary elements of a modern home. There’s also an open plan kitchen/diner with doors opening up onto a sheltered terrace, perfect for breakfast al fresco. They say when you budget for major
renovations or a new building, you should add in 10% for unforeseen events – and the Alsia farmhouse was no different. “During the works, we discovered most of the first floor was rotten and so the entire farmhouse had to be gutted leaving the granite exterior walls and roof remaining (which had been replaced in the 1980s).” But it wasn’t all bad news. “Granite was traditionally quarried from the hillside on the property, so we did not have to go far for stone during the repairs,” he adds.
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www.sbhonline.co.uk
“It’s not
HIGH POINT
overwhelming as long as you tackle it piecemeal”
PROJECT MANAGING AT A DISTANCE Overseeing the renovations from the couple’s then home in Winchester had its challenges. “We visited one weekend when the loft bathroom stud walls were being installed,” he remembers. “The roof angle had been incorrectly calculated resulting in much less usable floor space and the bath that was planned simply wasn’t going to fit. Some on-the- fly redesign saved walls having to be rebuilt.” “The unexpected challenge was the state of the excavation on the ground floor,” agrees Jon Reed, contracts manager from building firm Gloweth. “When we reduced the levels we found large boulders, and we had to bring large machinery to remove those so we could install damp proofing and insulation.”
“On a period building of this age and nature you can get all kinds of unexpected findings as you carry out the works, but our weekly meetings onsite really helped the project to go as well as possible.” The couple currently spend most of their time living in a converted flat above the garage, allowing the farmhouse to earn its keep as a holiday let. Eleanour mentions that plumbing
sep/oct 2021
“The kitchen – we moved it to the front of the property and made an open plan dining area.”
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