Raising The Roof
They say a good pair of shoes will keep your feet dry. Well, a house needs a good roof to ensure the building’s stability. Within the roof, adequate insulation will minimise heat loss. Unless the building has underlying structural problems, you can manage ongoing renovations, alterations, and improvements over time if the roof is sound.
The trend of renovating property to one’s taste has been common for several decades. The Baby Boom generation created wealth by the burgeoning property market until the bubble burst. Whilst still appealing, economics deter many grand renovations, as the end result will often have cost more than the property will realise if sold.
Fashion has always dictated property renovation. Its not just a modern phenomenon that homes evolve with the times. Whilst in most cases a house now will undergo a major structural adjustment, those that could afford such luxuries and owned properties in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries often just demolished the existing and rebuilt, maybe in a better setting. Obviously, there were no planning restrictions to deter such follies and labour was plenty and cheap.
Today there will be a protracted planning process requiring extensive detailed plans followed by building regulation approval with endless inspections, all of which can deter the faint-hearted.
When considering a major renovation project, it’s important to consider the bigger picture and cost implications. The site itself should be incorporated in any plans, so a landscape architect and garden designer should influence the visual impact of the exterior. Too often, this becomes an afterthought once time, money, and patience are exhausted. It should be an integral part of design – the bigger picture even if it is stage two of the project.
Walking through any Devon village and market town, you will see a range of roof styles and materials. Thatch will forever remain synonymous with Devon despite ever-increasing challenges with building regulations and insurance. Slate from neighbouring Cornwall- Delabole – stone tiles usually associated with the Cotswolds and Dorset, and, of course, modern synthetic roof coverings are more cost-effective and potentially better insulation. Adding a “living” roof of sedum can be aesthetically charming but will need looking after.
A house says a lot about the character of the inhabitants as much as the interior décor and furniture - it’s a statement of who we are and where we feel most comfortable – home: “It’s all about coming home”.
Stunning Devon Homes
Old Rectory, Eggesford, Chulmleigh: Impressive Grade 11 listed Georgian rectory in idyllic rural Mid Devon setting with extensive accommodation including a two-bedroom guest wing, set in 6.39 acres of gardens and grounds.
Pauntley Lodge, Sidmouth: Unique Regency Gothic-style former lodge in outstanding half-acre gardens affording privacy yet half a mile from town and seafront.
Withycombe Methodist Church, Exmouth: Amazing opportunity and potential subject to planning to create a unique home in period Victorian church in favoured location within waterfront town.
Lower East Lyn Farm, Lynton: Exquisite period residence set in 29 acres in exceptional location close to the coast within Exmoor National Park – a true lifestyle opportunity.
Hobland House, Bovey Tracey: Grade 11 listed Victorian house of striking appearance beautifully renovated yet retaining period character with views to Haytor and Dartmoor National Park.