From vacant offices to family home

Located in the Bloomsbury Conservation Area, this Grade II-listed property was built in the early 19th century for residential use, before being converted into offices at the end of the 19th century, serving as such for over a century. We were appointed to return the building to its original use – a single family residence.

Gaining planning consent was one of the main challenges due to Camden council’s local policy of retaining office spaces in this part of the borough, and resistance to restore these properties to their original residential use. However, a sensitive scheme for the restoration of the most significant aspects the house, alongside a marketing strategy evidencing that the property had been up for rent as offices for several years with no interest, led to a successful argument for the change of use.

With consents secured, construction could begin. Inappropriate modern finishes and redundant services were stripped away, and the original proportions of the rooms carefully revealed and restored. Parts of historic cornices, skirting and architraves were uncovered and repaired or restored as needed, together a small brick vault supporting what was left of a fireplace hearth on the second floor – which was protected and left undisturbed.

A historically sensitive finishes and decorative scheme led by the client was established throughout, including a balanced yet impactful colour scheme.