Bawden Manor Farmhouse - Restoration and Contemporary Extension 

The Brief - to sympathetically restore, reconfigure and extend a 17th Century traditional Cornish property.  At the time, the large property was being used as a care home and planning permission would be required for a change of use from business to residential. The original granite cottage, which had been significantly and unsympathetically extended in the 1960’s and 1970’s was now in need of repair and renovation suffering structurally as well from widespread internal dampness. 

The proposed scheme was to sub-divide the property which would include re-configuring, extending and restoring the cottage to form two five bedroom family units that would take full advantage of the magnificent sea views. The project would involve working closely with both sets of clients to design two attached units that worked in harmony with each other externally, but highlighted their individual tastes internally without compromising on privacy between the two properties.

The Design – to meet the brief, the existing rear additions built in the 1970’s and 80’s were  demolished and replaced with a contemporary double storey addition that spanned the rear length of the property. The rear extensions were designed with large glazed gables to open up the views but careful consideration was required to ensure the adjacent properties were not overlooking each other. 

The fundamental principal of sustainability underlies the restoration and proposed development of the property.  The restoration of the original building and the new works are both super insulated and fitted with good quality double glazed windows and glazed bi-fold doors.  Natural materials were specified throughout with the proposed extensions being clad in natural timber that would weather down over time and blend in with the surrounding hills of St Agnes, whilst the walls of the original granite cottage were repointed in lime to prevent internal dampness.  The roofs of both the cottage and rear additions were finished traditionally in natural slate. Heating is via underfloor heating pipes and backed up by a woodburner.  Rooflights flood the deep plan property with natural light. 

Internally both properties were designed individually to provide the differing requirements of each family.  On one side, the house was designed as reverse living/sleeping with the bedrooms at ground level which allows the main living area to enjoy the views from first floor level.  The Kitchen and Dining area enjoys a high vaulted ceiling with stunning exposed trusses, a woodburner and a glazed gable.  The other property was designed more traditionally with the bedrooms enjoying the views at first floor level with the open plan living space at ground level being able to open out onto the expansive gardens.  Both properties were designed to be highly insulated and constructed using natural materials.  Efficient appliances were specified in the Kitchen and Utility with water saving toilets.  Internally natural paints were used on the lime pointed exposed stone walls to allow the original stone building to breathe and prevent internal damp.  

Project work undertaken by CAD before construction included a full structural survey, design concept and sketch schemes, full planning consent which included arranging for mining, drainage, mundic, asbestos and environmental reports.  CAD was not involved in on-site inspections during the conversion and construction of the two family homes.  

Summary - the proposed restoration and development of Bawden Manor Farmhouse has been achieved both sympathetically and sustainably by enhancing and conserving the historic farmhouse within its sensitive location.   It does not try to emulate the original historic farmhouse but uses differing materials and styles blended with contemporary elements such as the large glazed north facing gables.  These also allow stunning vaulted ceilings internally in direct contrast to the low internal ceilings of the original property.  Full height windows, doors, roof lights, dormers and roof glazing flood the homes with natural light and open up the views out to sea. The design of the new homes allows for the creation of interesting interior spaces, from open plan living spaces to cosy rooms.  The scheme has restored a dilapidated building to form two stunning, vibrant and sustainable family homes.

Build Route – Self Managed

Completion – August 2019

Contractor – various sub contractors