Listed Cottage
Sharon and Tony Dallas transformed their rundown Grade-II listed house in Essex into an enchanting home with a considered colour palette and French treasures galore
Dating back to the 18th century, the Dallas family’s Grade-II listed extended cottage, which they moved into in 2020, was originally part of one larger house, split into two in the 1960s. Knowing little more than this about its history, their plan was to take it from outdated to updated by restoring original features, using salvaged materials, and indulging in their penchant for French style.
‘We don’t have many clues to the history of the house other than two old photos – presumably Victorian – one of a horse and cart coming out of the barn and another of a lady standing by the front door in mourning dress,’ says Sharon.
She and husband Tony were hands-on with the renovation; however, the house’s listed status meant nothing could be done in a hurry and patience became their ally. Respecting a protected original layout, two extensions were added to either end of the house to create a living room and a garden room, and the barn and stables were fully rebuilt.
Despite many years of experience in the building industry and several previous house renovations, the couple learned a lot during the works. ‘The combination of the Grade-II listing and it being a large project meant money was tight, so we were forced to take our time,’ says Sharon. Moving at a slower pace forced them to think differently, too.
‘Living in a house and really getting to know it definitely gives one a greater insight into what changes will stand the test of time,’ says Sharon. The family remained in the house throughout, living without a kitchen for a year and accessing the first floor via a ladder for the first few months.
Doing the majority of the work themselves and relying on tradespeople where needed, ceilings were taken back to beams, plumbing replaced, the whole house rewired, the roof retiled, and the staircase returned to its original position. Brick by brick the outbuildings were rebuilt under the eye of the local building conservation team.
‘Everything had to be removed, labelled and put back or replaced in the same position once the walls had been rebuilt and a new roof added,’ says Sharon. Their hard work paid off though when this part o
