Renovating Listed Buildings

Renovating listed buildings in the UK

If you own a listed building, the history of the property is undoubtedly a large part of what made you buy it. But with this charm and heritage comes certain responsibilities and guidelines to adhere to, especially when undertaking renovation works. When planning to restore a listed building, the first step is to choose the right design team as your partner.

Luxury interior design firm Callender Howorth is the interior renovation specialists with expertise in the restoration of heritage buildings. Our heritage architects have a proven record of excellence in renovating listed buildings, as well as the specific skill set and attention to detail required to work with historic structures.

By listening to your brief and working in consultation with specialist architects and the finest craftsmen and suppliers, we achieve a balance of excellence in design while adhering to all heritage sector regulations.

We invite you to browse our portfolio and to discuss your project with one of our heritage interior designers.

How does owning a listed property affect heritage renovations?

A listed building is a structure that is of special historic interest and comes in three grades: Grade I, Grade II* and Grade II. Grade I listed buildings, the most famous of which is Westminster Abbey, are designated “exceptional interest” by Historic England and they make up only 2.5% of all listed buildings. Grade II* buildings, such as world-famous department store Harrods, are the middleweights and comprise buildings of more than special interest (5.8% of all listed buildings). However, the majority of listed buildings are in the Grade II “special interest” category, which is the one you are most likely to own. Not all listed buildings are castles and mansions and they range from medieval buildings to 20th-century structures such as terraced cottages.

While buildings are listed to protect their heritage, they can still be renovated. With the right permission, this includes extensions and alterations; they can even be demolished if the government finds it advisable and gives consent. If you own a listed building and want to make changes, the first step is to apply for consent from your local authority. Fortunately, many listed building consent applications are approved, but it can take patience and know-how. Our heritage architects keep up-to-date with planning and construction rules to be able to accurately and concisely advise clients on the rules and regulations surrounding the restoration of a listed building.

Our previous interior restoration projects of listed buildings

Callender Howorth is the expert at renovating historic buildings. We used our heritage architecture expertise to create stunning results in a Grade II listed home in Heath Drive, Hampstead. The brief was to combine an element of Indian heritage with a contemporary aesthetic in the early 20^th-century Arts & Crafts residence in north London. The three-storey property was completely remodelled in accordance with the client’s wishes and planning department regulations. We thoroughly researched Indian designs and drew inspiration from the Taj Mahal and acquired a collection of paintings by renowned Indian artist Sakti Burman. Alcoves were created and murals incorporated onto the walls, while the overall design was complemented by furniture sourced directly from India to make the interior as authentic as possible.

Another example of Callender Howorth’s skill at restoring listed buildings is our renovation of a manor house in Kent. The listed building was almost derelict, but our heritage experts worked their magic to create the perfect family home in the countryside. The project involved working with English Heritage to follow building regulations and ensure that the property remained true to its original structure.

Our team of heritage architects is available to assist with your restoration project. Contact Callender Howorth today to discuss how we can transform your listed property into the heritage home of your dreams.