We had decided the time was right to find the long-term family home; a place with some character and period features that we could transform to suit 21st century living. With such a large decision at stake, Kate Cooper’s advice while we searched for the ideal property was invaluable; she was able to describe the full potential of properties as well as provide rough costings. Together we identified the perfect house which had the potential to really suit the way we wanted to live. After a few meetings to discuss ideas for how we might use the space, Kate drew up some great options to improve the property, ranging from minor work to more radical designs. This coupled with her interior design skills meant we could visualise the finished product, tailored to our specific budget. We would never have imagined the final design we chose, which was able to really open up and modernise the living space while retaining the character features. With Kate’s knowledge of local property development businesses, she was able to steer us towards trusted and proven builders, tradesmen and suppliers, as well as help with the necessary planning permission. This took a great deal of the stress out of the project and maximises the potential of the property. We now have a great team established with a good working relationship.
– C&J
Newbury, Berkshire
Newbury Registry Office is carefully restored into a modern, family home
Peake House holds a special place in the hearts of many local residents, having been the Newbury registry office for many years. And as this family used our home moving consultancy services, this house holds a special place for us at Absolute Architecture as well. Our office is not only in Newbury, but we also became very attached to this home as we were there throughout the whole process.
Having viewed several properties together with the family we knew the registry office was the one, the space and light were so fantastic. The project was a process of restoration and repair. We stripped out later additions and painstakingly repaired and reinstated original features of the period home.
Location: Newbury, Berkshire
Materials: Sash windows were reconditioned, slate roofs and render repaired and made ship shape. A new stained black oak floor was laid throughout to provide the property with a coherent backdrop.
Clever aspects: We managed to retain a traditional sense while opening up the space at the back of this period property to provide a freer-flowing, more contemporary feel. A beautiful new doorway and raised deck truly connect the house to the garden.
Friends on the project: Our client was very hands on for this period home renovation, making for a very collaborative relationship from the early days. We thus worked particularly close with:
- Our client, owner of S&T design to design the interior and exterior colour scheme
- Kitchen Solutions of Caversham to design the kitchen.
We love: Absolute Architecture saved the Newbury registry office from development into flats and created a much-loved family home. The beautiful proportions and light of this house are truly amazing. The end result is a very handsome and much-admired period home.
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ABSOLUTE ARCHITECTURE
Providing tailored support and services to see homes all the way through their transformation, Absolute Architecture are the go-to residential architecture business for ambitious dream homes that require a little extra creativity, inspiration or planning expertise. We are a RIBA Chartered and Passivhaus accredited practice based in Newbury, Berkshire. Absolute Architecture serves the Cotswolds, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Hampshire, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire and surrounding areas.
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