[About]This award-winning renovation reimagines a 17th-century Cheshire cottage as a contemporary family home, demonstrating how historic buildings can evolve without losing the qualities that make them special.
Norcliffe
Cheshire
Purchased in a state of significant disrepair, the house suffered from decades of insensitive alterations, structural decay, damp and failing timber frames.
The challenge was not only to restore the building’s integrity, but to reveal its inherent character while introducing a series of carefully considered interventions that support modern family life with warmth, light and a deep connection to the surrounding landscape.
The project involved the comprehensive refurbishment of the existing building alongside the sensitive transformation of later additions.
A dated conservatory was replaced with a contemporary timber-framed garden room, creating a light-filled space that opens effortlessly onto the surrounding gardens while respecting the scale and character of the original cottage. Throughout the house, spaces were carefully reconfigured to improve the rhythm of family life, while a series of bespoke joinery pieces, individually designed by Annabelle, were seamlessly integrated into the historic fabric. From window seats and libraries to concealed storage and handcrafted cabinetry, each element was tailored to its setting, responding both to the character of the building and the evolving needs of a young family.
Every intervention was guided by a commitment to craftsmanship and material honesty. Existing doors, windows and ironmongery were carefully restored, original structural elements were revealed and celebrated, and a restrained palette of natural materials was layered throughout to add warmth, texture and longevity.
Every intervention was guided by a commitment to craftsmanship and material honesty.
Beyond the main house, a neglected garage outbuilding was transformed into an award-winning studio and workshop, creating a calm and contemporary workspace within the estate.
A minimalist palette of plywood surfaces, bespoke joinery and carefully crafted detailing celebrates simplicity and craftsmanship, allowing natural light and material texture to define the interior. Together, the two buildings demonstrate how thoughtful contemporary interventions can breathe new life into historic settings, preserving their character while creating places designed for modern living and working.
