Historic and listed building conservation

Historic Buildings and Conservation

Owners of historic listed buildings, in partnership with local planning authorities, have rightly demanded that repair work use the best techniques available and that alterations and extensions be carried out in a manner appropriate to the architectural quality and historical significance of the building.

Our knowledge of architectural history, planning law and practical conservation building construction enables us to offer expert advice on all aspects of historic buildings. Our service can include design, cost evaluation, choosing the appropriate contractor and administering the contract through to completion of the work.

Most importantly we can liaise with local authority conservation departments to obtain the necessary approvals. We can negotiate with English Heritage and other agencies over the grants which may be available and may be essential for the project to proceed. We can also ensure that the vat payable is kept to the minimum. Our services can be as limited or as extensive as the client requires and would be agreed in writing before any work commences.

Campbell McCrae Limited utilise specialist consultants with degrees in Historic Building Conservation to assist with the intricate detailing required when dealing with these delicate projects. .

St John's Almshouses

A terrace of 8 Grade II listed Almshouses situated in the heart of the Huntingdon Conservation Area, these 1840's built dwellings had been poorly extended and altered over the years. The properties had fallen far below acceptable living standards to house widows and the poor of Huntingdon, as they had done for the past century.

The properties have now been extensively refurbished and extended to regain and enhance their original character. The most dramatic changes happened at the rear of the properties where an existing small lean-to extension housing the bathroom and Kitchen has been replaced with single and 2-storey gabled extensions comprising spacious Kitchen/Dining Rooms, Utility, ground floor W/C, Dressing Room and Bathroom to the first floor.

The spaces to the front and rear were also designed and landscaped by a Landscape Architect, helping to transform the properties back to their originally intended splendour.. The illustrations show 'before' and after 'shots'. Works completed November 2011. (Images 1 to 4)

The Hermitage

A large house from the late 19th century was partially demolished and then refurbished and substantially extended, maintaining the essential character of the original house but also creating a very modern interior.

As well as a new wing, a large pavilion, library, guest accommodation and swimming pool were added. (Images 5 to 9)

17th Century Oak Framed Town House

This very fine three storey town house had been badly neglected and was at serious risk of collapse.

The building was completely refurbished to create three new flats. The remains of the Jacobean staircase were removed from the site, restored and extended to form the centrepiece of the main hall. (Images 10 to 14)

Conversion of Redundant Outbuildings to Flats

Derelict outbuildings behind an 18th century town centre building that we carefully restored and extended to form three new dwellings.
(Images 15 to 18)