CHARTERED ARCHITECT . CHARTERED ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGIST

GRADE II LISTED RENOVATION & EXTENSION . NUNEATON

Griff Cottage, originally constructed in the 16th century, is a Grade II listed property believed to have associations with the author, George Eliot. It is reputed that the homeowner, Bob Jakin, served as inspiration for a character in her novel ‘The Mill on the Floss’.

The condition of the existing structure at the outset of the project illustrated the considerable challenges faced by both the client and ourselves. An enthusiastic advocate of historic restoration, the client had previously collaborated with us on two earlier projects.

The cottage, an important local landmark on the route between Nuneaton and Bedworth, originally featured a thatched roof, and a key requirement of the scheme was the removal of the subsequently installed roof tiles and the original thatch roof reinstated.

As the original accommodation was insufficient for contemporary family living, a sympathetic rear extension was proposed and subsequently approved by the local authority. The design was carefully conceived to remain entirely in keeping with the character and architectural integrity of the existing cottage.

The project took in excess of two years to complete and was ultimately recognised by the Bedworth Society with an award for ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Built Environment’.

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