House, Chelsea: interior
Geometric staircase - before
Entrance hall - before
Principal staircase - before
The work included structural repairs, re-roofing and repairs to stonework and brickwork.Chimneys were rebuilt where necessary to allow fireplaces to be used again. Internally, panelling and windows were carefully repaired and the kitchen and bathrooms refitted.
New services were installed throughout, including a central heating system with humidity control. The wrought iron railings were carefully dismantled and repaired by a highly skilled blacksmith. The garden and fountain were restored and a new summer house built.
Traditional materials and methods of construction were used where appropriate. Repairs were sensitively carried out so that as much as possible of the existing fabric was saved. The accretions of time were retained except where they were particularly unsightly or could cause damage to the fabric; otherwise, only parts which were worn beyond all possibility of repair were replaced. Alterations were intended to bring the house up to current standards, where practicable, while remaining sympathetic to the original building.
