Grade II Listed Townhouse Heritage Restoration

The Challenge

The property had undergone an unsympathetic modernisation in the 1980s that had concealed original features beneath layers of vinyl silk emulsion and modern mouldings. Removing these later additions without damaging the Georgian plasterwork beneath required painstaking care and specialist knowledge of historic building fabric.

Our Approach

Working under the guidance of the conservation architect, we carefully removed modern coatings using steam strippers and non-caustic paint removers to expose the original lime plaster and timber joinery. Historic paint analysis was carried out to identify the original Georgian colour palette, and we sourced lime-based distemper and linseed oil paints to match. All woodwork was finished using traditional methods — multiple thin coats of oil-based paint applied by brush, each rubbed down between coats to achieve an authentic period finish.

The Result

The townhouse has been returned to its Georgian splendour, with historically accurate colours and finishes that satisfy both the conservation officer and the owners' desire for an elegant, liveable home. The entrance hall, finished in a rich Portland stone distemper, sets the tone for a property that now feels authentically of its era.