OLD HOUSE, NEW HOME
They may be charming but cottage renovations can be quirky. Here’s how to tackle the most common issues to restore features to their former glory and adapt them for living
For many people, a cottage renovation project is the dream — the chance to restore a home already bursting with charm and character back to its original presentation. But while cottages are usually undeniably beautiful and sought-after properties, they do tend to have certain features that can take some careful treatment to update…
Inglenook fireplaces
Inglenook fireplaces make instant focal points in any room and add warmth and cosiness. But they’ve not always been seen as prized features. This means the flue might have been blocked, the hearth closed off, or they may have simply fallen into disrepair.
Inglenooks often feature seating to one or both sides of an open fire. Openings can be any size, but 2-3m is fairly common. They usually feature a timber shelf or mantel above, and some have an attractive brick arch.
Renovators may be concerned at the inefficiency of open fires; much of the warm air produced by your central heating will be disappearing up the chimney in the winter months. Flue blockers, register plates and closure plates can all be used when the fire’s not lit to help prevent heat loss. But if you’re after more modern ideas for an inglenook, consider fitting it with a woodburner, multi-fuel or gas stove. Installing a woodburning stove involves inserting a flexible or rigid steel flue system into the existing chimney. An insulating wrap placed around the flue liner avoids the need for backfilling the space around the new flue.
Old beams
Exposed original beams instantly add character to any room. So much so that homeowners often fit fake beams (with no structural purpose) just to try to inject a little charm into their property.
But timber beams are not always without their problems — whether they’ve been coated in multiple layers of shiny gloss paint or are suffering from decay or woodworm. During the 19th and 20th centuries it was popular to paint timber beams black — something that homeowners may now be keen to reverse. Great care needs to be taken to avoid damaging the old timber and if your home is listed, you’ll need consent.
There are two ways of removing paint from beams: air abrasive and chemical techniques. It’s best to seek professional advice — everything from the type of paint to the state of the timber needs to be taken into account when selecting the best removal method. As such, your local conservation officers will be a good source of advice. Also be aware that many old paints
