Renovations

MAN VERSUS MANOR A Mammoth Renovation

Sat deep in the Derbyshire countryside, this almost completed manor renovation has a dramatic view that has attracted TV crews and won over the hearts of Peter and Lynn Welsh. It is located in a quiet hamlet and inside a conservation zone, bringing calming rural vibes to this property.

When they first purchased their 16th-century Manor house, Peter and Lynn knew they had a big project on their hands. It soon became clear that the work needed was more intensive than either had imagined. However, two years and several wasp stings later (they found seven wasp nests in total!), the manor is now 95% complete, and they can slow down and enjoy their beautifully renovated forever home.

A Home With History

This incredible building was originally built in the 1500s by the wealthy Wooley family, who extended it in 1633 to include an upstairs and downstairs parlour. That timeline means the house has survived the English Civil War and both World Wars, coming out of all conflicts unscathed.

The grade II listed house includes a turret staircase – a rarity in this country, and four original fireplaces, including a Bressumer Firehood fireplace. Two of the fireplaces were discovered behind newer structures and were a lovely surprise for the couple.

On the panelling in the Oak room are oak leaf carvings created to commemorate King Charles II’s rise to the throne. And on the fireplaces and doors throughout the house are many apotropaic symbols that were thought to ward off evil spirits. In the garden is a 90ft deep well and a Druid’s chair, which is believed to significantly predate the house.

A Learning Curve

When the couple first purchased their new home, they had thought they’d be able to live in it while work took place. Peter explains: “Maybe six weeks in, it became clear we couldn’t: the dust, rusty red bathwater, floorboards up, ceilings down, and did I mention the dust?”

Peter runs an engineering design consultancy, and Lynn is retired from her career in fashion, so neither of them were experts when it came to renovating. They had completed smaller home projects in the past but nothing of this size, so the whole process was a huge learning curve.

Working with contractors, the couple managed the project together, drawing up the designs, selecting the materials, and signing off on paperwork. They constantly liaised with contractors, with an impressive roster including electricians, plumbers, roofers, scaffolders, joiners, stonemasons, archaeologists, structural engineers, architects, tree surgeons, gardeners, kitchen companies, bathroom companies, tilers, glaziers, drain specialists, decorators, carpet fitters, and handymen. Some days there could be up to 15 people working on the manor at the same time!

Dealing With Challenges

Starting a project in the wake of COVID-19 meant that the cost of materials rose almost daily, making it difficult to stay within budget. Peter estimates that works to date have cost £650K and expects to spend another 100K to bring it up to a finished state. There were shortages of many materials in late 2021 as well, putting timelines back significantly.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR MAN VERSUS MANOR?

The couple has spent a long time on their home, living out of Air BNBs for seven months and doing as much as possible while living in the manor. With around 95% of the building completed, they are now looking at making the finishing touches.

Peter says: “The Orangery is a 15m long monstrosity that was built in the ’80s. Plastic roof and rotten wood. We are planning to make a 5m orangery, 5m verandah, and 5m open patio – we are currently getting prices and talking to the conservation officer.”

And to anyone considering starting a new renovation: “Be realistic with the budget, time and effort – we had a 400k budget – it wasn’t realistic – lay out what you can see and add 50% contingency. It also took its toll on our wellbeing – be prepared for stress and putting your other lifestyle things on hold – you are investing a large part of your life – be sure you want to.

You can follow their journey at www.instagram.com/manversusmanor