Enhancing the timeless simplicity of an English country home
The privilege of working with listed buildings

Oxfordshire Farmhouse, set deep in the Cotswolds countryside, was a classic example of a Grade II-listed building in need of rescue.
Superficially in good order, but beneath the skin old age issues were setting in. Its long, winding singletrack driveway, dreamy Brontë-esque bucolic setting and charming 18th-century Cotswold stone architecture made every inch of Oxfordshire Farmhouse worth saving.
Our clients called on the services of George and Tim Lawson at ECL Chartered Surveyors for their historic buildings expertise, including quantity surveyor services, project management and contract administration. Built in the early 1700s, the farmhouse had been extensively altered and added to over the centuries, and as a result, the whole rear section was constructed of newer material. The last addition in 2013, of two rear gable extensions, left only the front section of the property in situ. It was this original fabric, covered over the years in multiple non-breathable layers, which was threatening the property’s long-term health, and required heritage intervention.


In order to repair its centuries-old uncoursed limestone rubble walls, raking out and repointing with lime mortar, inside and out, was the starting point. Internally, layers of gypsum plaster were removed and replaced with traditional lime putty plaster for future damp prevention.


Inside the property, retrofitted fireplace lintels were removed and replaced with real oak beams, carefully matched to the heritage originals. Similarly, over the windows, the lintels which sat beneath layers of paint and varnish were returned to their original timber.


A 20th-century staircase, not in keeping with the property, had been fitted by means of a clunky prop post running through two storeys. Careful insertion of steel above the staircase, within the first-floor ceiling, allowed for the removal of the prop and the subsequent replacement of the retrofitted spindles and balustrade, dramatically reinstating the visual authenticity of the hallway.


The only remodelling to take place was the heritage-approved partitioning of a large back entrance hall, creating a boot room and utility set for modern living. Finishes, fixtures, fittings and bespoke joinery and cabinetry throughout, as well as a traditional colour palette and furnishings, all designed by Studio Cache, ensured that functionality and authenticity went hand in hand.


The only original flooring to remain was the study’s York stone flagstones, which were restored and preserved. Elsewhere, Artisans of Devizes tiles (the kitchen exhibits their traditional matched ‘Kimmeridge’ limestone tumbled finish) are against a striking ceramic Amtico chequerboard in the new utility and book rooms. Oak planks, by Chaunceys, in the entrance hall and landing are enhanced by a distinctive Roger Oates ‘Trent’ stair runner in raspberry, held in place with antique bronze stair rods. A glorious palette of paint colours, expertly curated by Studio Cache, strongly features Edward Bulmer’s elegant range of natural paints.








We thank George Lawson at ECL for expertly guiding us through this project, and the Studio Cache team for trusting us to bring their beautifully considered designs to life. The project was completed below budget and on schedule, to a high standard of quality, thanks to the exceptional collaboration of all parties involved.
Click in below for more finished images.

Oxfordshire Farmhouse
Oxfordshire Farmhouse required extensive internal and external restoration works to the front section of the property, as well as refurbishment throughout.
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