Complete Refurbishment of 1Bedroom Cottage,
Stansted Abbotts

Project Overview

 

This project involved the complete refurbishment of a charming, centuries-old cottage in Stansted Abbotts. The clients purchased the property with the vision of transforming it into a modern, functional space while retaining its historic charm. The scope of work included a full gutting of the property, including the staircase, and the installation of a new kitchen, bathroom, and garden area. The main challenge was to remove and reinstall the staircase to optimise the downstairs living area, allowing for better flow and creating a more spacious feel. Additionally, new walls, plaster, and interior design features were incorporated to refresh the space.

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Client Requirements

 

The clients had a clear vision of creating more space in the upstairs area, particularly focusing on expanding the bathroom. They also needed the building to undergo a structural review and adjustments to accommodate the changes. The challenge was balancing the historical integrity of the cottage while upgrading it to meet modern living standards.

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Our Solution

 

Our approach focused on blending modern functionality with the cottage's original charm. The key changes included the removal and restructuring of internal ceilings, walls, and the staircase. We installed a custom-designed staircase that enhanced the downstairs living area’s space. The kitchen and bathroom were fully refurbished with modern appliances and fixtures, while the entire property was redecorated with new walls and interior design features that brought the home to life.

For the garden, we transformed the outdoor space by installing composite decking and a porcelain patio, adding a contemporary touch that complements the period charm of the cottage. The front porch was also upgraded to improve the property’s curb appeal.

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Challenges and How We Overcame Them

 

One of the main challenges of this project was the staircase, as the available space was limited. Designing and building a new staircase that fit within the existing structure required careful planning and custom solutions. However, our team worked closely with the client to ensure that the staircase didn’t just meet structural needs but also improved the overall flow and space of the downstairs area. We overcame this by carefully measuring and crafting a bespoke design that would work within the space, ensuring the new staircase was both functional and stylish.

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The Finished Result

 

The completed cottage was stunning. The new layout created a more spacious feel, with the redesigned staircase fitting perfectly into the overall flow of the home. The kitchen and bathroom were modern and functional, while the new garden area offered a beautiful outdoor retreat. The clients were exceptionally happy with the project, particularly with how we stayed within budget and met the agreed-upon timeline. The transformation of both the interior and exterior of the cottage resulted in an incredibly stylish and functional home, with added curb appeal that truly captured the essence of period design.