Tag Archives: redecoration

Thatched cottage

Summary = A complete restoration of a fire damaged thatched cottage.

Value= £550,000

Location= Bedfordshire

Bakers are near completing a restoration of a three-bedroom thatched cottage after it had been devastated by a fire, which broke out in the roof.

When works started in July 2021 Bakers removed all of the fire damaged interior, saving the floorboards where possible, installed new oak roof trusses and carried out structural oak repairs throughout the property. The existing kitchen extension was demolished to make way for a larger 8m x 5m modern kitchen/utility room extension.

A complete renovation was necessary out throughout the whole property; upstairs Bakers of Danbury installed a new fitted family bathroom and ensuite and refurbished all 3 bedrooms some of which feature exposed timbers. On the ground level Bakers refurbished three reception rooms, two studies and one cloakroom. The existing parquet flooring was refurbished throughout downstairs. The new extension had a high specification kitchen and utility room installed together with an additional downstairs cloakroom.

A completely new electrical and heating system was installed throughout the property, and new underfloor heating was installed to the new extension. Lath and plaster was installed to the interior walls and ceilings, lamb’s wool insulation installed within the walls and a breathable lime render was installed to the external walls of the property. The existing property was part thatched roof and part slate tiled roof, both the thatched roof and slate roof was replaced with new by Bakers of Danbury. Bakers of Danbury installed a zinc roof which features two skylights to the new extension.

Listed House Renovation

Summary = A listed house renovation and remodeling

Bakers recently completed phase one of remodeling and refurbishment works to this early 16th century Grade II Listed house, whilst the family remained living in the property.

Works included internal remodeling, extensive new electrical and mechanical installation, joinery, ceiling and wall repairs, new cornices, decorating and some external works.

The ground floor was replaced with an insulated limecrete floor and finished with limestone flagstones. New timber paneling was fitted to some areas all fireplaces and surrounds were refurbished. Repointing was carried out to the inner fireplaces and a timber fireplaces with marble slips were installed to some fireplaces.

Most walls were replastered with haired lime and quirked beaded corners installed. Redecoration was carried out throughout the property.

All plumbing and heating system was installed with new period radiators throughout the property. Period sanitary ware was installed to three bathrooms. A completely new electrical system was installed.

Bakers’ in-house joinery workshop manufactured a number of bespoke fitted furnishings for the kitchen and some replica intenal doors to match the existing.

Externally, Kien render and paint (breathable mineral based render and paint) was applied and all timber box frame sash windows were refurbished.

St Catherine’s Church, East Tilbury

Summary =A sympathetic extension and redecoration to St Catherine's Church, East Tilbury to provide a new kitchen area and toilet facilities. Works also included a new heating installation to both the extension and church, along with a full renovation of flooring, walls and roof to the main church.

Value = £330,000

Location = East Tilbury, Essex

Awards = Diocese of Chelmsford Design Awards 2017 (Highly Commended)

Solution = St Catherine's Church, East Tilbury is an important survival from the 12th century. The site is associated with the first church established by St Cedd.

Works involved an extension and redecoration to St Catherine's Church, East Tilbury. The parishioners were consulted to set out requirements for the building which was to provide some basic amenities such as a kitchen and toilet facilities.

Designed to allow focus to remain on the existing Church building; the extension is a simple free-standing structure with no interference on the existing structure. The external walls are clad in weathered horizontal oak boarding, reminiscent of timber porches commonly found in Essex where stone is a scarce material. The roof is configured to allow the use of pan-tiles without encroaching on existing openings. The foundations are a shallow raft supported on piles, to minimise interference with burials and underlying archaeology.

When the opening to the west door was unblocked to provide access to the new extension, it revealed decayed and missing stonework. This was reinstated and repaired with great attention to detail.

Internally, a new heating system was installed within the extension and church and the floors, walls and roof to main church were all renovated.

The new kitchen and toilet facility, together with a new heating system makes the church more usable as a place of worship.

Works were completed January 2016. The new facilities have enabled the Church to open for teas and homemade cakes from Easter to October on the afternoons of the last Sunday in the month and on Bank holiday Mondays.

This project was recently Highly Commended at the Diocese of Chelmsford, Design Awards 2017 for Development and Restoration.

Photos credited to Inkpen Downie Architecture and Design Ltd