RESTORATION ICONIC HOUSE RESTORATION DONOVAN CONSTRUCTION James Donovan, director
What have you been working on recently?
A project right in the middle of Bath in the final throws of its restoration – we are finishing off restoring and converting Tilley’s Bistro on North Parade Passage into a boutique hotel. In the local area, we have restored The Cedars in Beckington for Bath architect Simon Morray-Jones, and Tory House in Bradford on Avon for Edward Checkley Conservation Architects. We’re also turning Charmydown Barns (two farm labourers cottages) into a brand new home. Sounds busy. Do you mainly work directly with architects?
Typically an architect appoints us, and most of our clients already have a good idea of what they want. However, with restorative works, it’s a slightly different, and invariably as the buildings unfold themselves as the initial stripping-out works are undertaken, the vision changes to work with the buildings features and the client’s requirements. Are you involved are you with the interior design, too?
Mark (managing director) and I oversee all aspects of the projects. The design element has usually already been generated (by a skilled designer), but we’ll carry it out with our full team of finishers, from joiners, masons, plasterers, decorators and electricians. Bath must be an amazing place to restore and renovate?
It certainly is. I have always have always lived in the area, but we as a company have enjoyed focusing our work around Bath for 25 years. Every project presents a challenge, as you peel back the layers of previous works prior to piecing it all back together, to restore the buildings to their former glory.
AARON EVANS ARCHITECTS Kevin Murphy, director
What do you specialise in?
Blucoat House restored into apartments by Aaron Evans Architects
H
aving recently climbed aboard Bath’s property ladder – negotiating roof leaks, bespoke shelving, kitchen improvements and (when I realised I was getting a little ahead of my bank balance) some hand-painted furniture jobs along the way – you’ll notice this feature doesn’t stick to one theme. Rather than just focus on a handful of illustrious multi-mullion pound period makeovers or just sticking with conversions and extensions, we’ve cast the net wide to cover a bit of everything. That is, everything you can and could do to make improvements to a property in Bath. So, whether it’s developing an old shell from scratch, or something as simple as painting an old piece of furniture, meet the local developers, architects, carpenters, shop owners and slide makers (yes, really) who will give you some ideas for rejuvenating your own spaces…
“Sometimes, change can be a good thing... breathing new life into old, seemingly out-dated buildings”
The external repair of historic building fabric through to full internal refurbishment, alteration, extension and fit-out. We also design bespoke cabinetry, shelving and wardrobes to complement the building interiors, where off-the-peg furniture and fittings don’t make the grade. In what ways can a property be restored?
Restoration comprises the sympathetic repair of a building to its original condition and decorative splendour. In less sensitive (and listed) cases there’s more freedom to be creative with any structural alterations or extensions, as well as the potential to introduce exciting internal features such as a glass staircase or floor, as an imaginative interior. Are period properties more restrictive?
As a practice, we have been working with listed buildings for 40 years. One of our first commissions was the restoration of the Countess of Huntingdon’s Chapel (now the Museum of Bath Architecture) for the Bath Preservation Trust. Our extensive experience has given us a unique approach to delivering successful listed building consents. Sometimes, change can be a good thing... breathing new life into old, seemingly out-dated buildings. Tell us more about a recent project in Bath…
We’re currently completing the alteration and refurbishment of Chandos House in Westgate Buildings, Bath, a Grade-II listed building built by John Wood the Elder in 1730. We also recently restored and developed Bluecoat House, a former school, opposite the Theatre Royal Bath into four apartments and a restaurant (now Giggling Squid), which included the restoration of its iconic clock tower. Bath must be an amazing place for you to work?
We are blessed by a wealth of historic buildings, each presenting its
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