Heritage at home

If you love old houses, you might be thrilled at the idea that your home is special enough to be deemed worthy of protection by Historic England. After all, only about 2% of the UK’s buildings are considered to be of enough architectural or historical interest to appear on the famous list – that’s about 450,000 buildings, and the majority of them are private homes. The National Heritage List for England is a comprehensive and searchable record of all significant buildings in the country: living in one of them is a privilege that comes with a series of significant responsibilities. In practical terms, this means that you’ll need Listed Building Consent (potentially in addition to planning permission) for any changes that you might want to make, however minor. Doing anything without it is a criminal offence, so this is not something to be taken lightly.

Don’t let this put you off, however. Living in a home of historical interest can be a huge source of pride and a fascinating insight into the past. There are three different categories for listing, and 92% of listed properties are Grade II, the lowest group, while 5.5% are Grade II* and 2.5% are Grade I, for buildings of the highest significance. Age is key: anything pre-1700 is certain to be listed, and anything pre-1840 is highly likely to have been added as well. Any building with a thatched roof is usually listed. More modern buildings can be on the list if they’re believed to have particular significance or are under threat.

The problem is that old buildings are often impractical by modern standards. They can be expensive to heat, leaky, damp and cold. You might want to add a kitchen extension or convert the loft, but any plans will be scrutinised by the local council’s conservation officers who on the whole take a dim view of architectural additions. It’s not that you’re not allowed to make any changes to a listed building, but all changes will need to be approved for their suitability. One obvious point is windows: maintaining traditional windows is a priority, and conservation officers will always want to repair rather than replace them, however dilapidated they may be. New UPVC windows will almost never be suitable and it’s unlikely that applications to install double glazing will be approved. Changes to the interior are also restricted: you will usually be expected to keep old walls, all the roof timbers, old floors and plaster ceilings. You cannot remove or alter doors, fireplaces, panelling, stonework or floorboards. This doesn’t mean that it’s not possible to, say, embark on a loft conversion – but you’ll probably need to use a structural engineer as well as an architect or surveyor who will understand any repair issues as well as the historic importance of the house.

Listing covers a whole building, including the interior, unless parts of it are specifically excluded in the list description. Because all listed buildings are different, what is actually covered by a listing can vary quite widely. Often gardens contain elements which are listed too, so it’s important to check all details before planting anything new. In some cases, grants are available from Historic England towards the repair and conservation of listed buildings. Anyone buying a listed building should be aware that the cost of repairs and general maintenance is likely to be greater than with a non-listed property, and that some changes might just not be possible.

However, it’s still your house, after all, and all sorts of things will get approved if they’re handled sensitively. Historic England claims that: “The emphasis is squarely on balancing the needs of the home-owner with the historic significance of the building so any changes are sympathetic to both parties” and they will offer advice and information for keepers of historic houses. But, of course, a planning authority can insist that all work carried out without consent is reversed. Devizes in Wiltshire is home to more than 500 listed buildings, so Lisa Jacobs of the local Winkworth office is well used to helping buyers with issues around listing. In her experience, the council is helpful and supportive: “My advice would always be to talk to the local Listed Buildings Officer before you do anything. They want to work with you and understand the need for modern living alongside the historic elements of the building. They also recognise that modernisation is the next chapter in the building’s history and they will be able to talk through your plans and guide you. The key is to work with them and be flexible.”

Ultimately, the best approach is to find out as much as you can about your house, why it is significant and what materials were used in its construction. Understanding the building and its character will give you insight into how best to live in it, and how to make sensitive and appropriate changes. Living in a historic building can be an enormous source of joy and pride, as long as you stick to the rules. As Jacobs says, “the reward is living in a property deemed important historically, full of character and amazing period features for you to enjoy.”

• Council tax band: G

• Detached double garage

• Landscaped garden

• Outside bar area

• Control4 AV system throughout

A stunning example of a six bedroom contemporary house situated on one of Camberley's premier roads. This exceptional home sits on a plot of 0.3 of an acre giving the privacy and dream frontage every buyer wishes for. The heart of the house is the fantastic open plan kitchen / dining / family room, perfect for entertaining with modern integrated appliances and a feature island. To the first floor you will find four double bedrooms including the impressive principal bedroom suite with built in wardrobes, double doors opening onto a Juliet balcony and an exceptionally designed en suite shower area. Externally, the rear garden has been beautifully designed and landscaped with a generous paved terrace along with a fantastic bar area.

EPC: B

Offers in Excess of £1,795,000 FREEHOLD WINKWORTH

£1,675,000 FREEHOLD

• Council tax band: G

• Secluded mature grounds and gardens totalling one acre

• Located on a private road

• Spacious kitchen / breakfast room with large bespoke island

• Detached double garage / studio / gym / parking for multiple vehicles

A beautiful five bedroom detached home in excess of 3,400 sq ft, situated on a secluded private plot of approximately 1 acre a short drive from Camberley town centre. The ground floor boasts a beautiful newly fitted kitchen / breakfast room with high specification fitted units, integrated appliances and a large bespoke central island. To the first floor are five double bedrooms and three bathrooms including a newly fitted en suite. The grounds are a very special feature, with a large area of lawn and woodlands to the rear. Within the grounds there is a wildlife pond, various fruit trees, two vegetable areas and a herb garden. EPC: D

WINKWORTH BAGSHOT: 01276 4 02229 | bagshot@winkworth.co.uk | www.winkworth.co.uk/bagshot

Guide Price £2,200,000 FREEHOLD

• Council tax band: G

• Swimming pool

• Stunning setting with far reaching views over countryside

Spinney Corner is a substantial, well presented family home with far-reaching views over surrounding countryside. The property is situated on a quiet lane within the much sought after village of Braishfield. EPC: D

Offers in Excess of £1,500,000 FREEHOLD

• Council tax band: F

• Sea and coastal views from the top floor

• Detached character home

• Set in a plot of a third of an acre

• Four double bedrooms

• Four reception rooms

• En-suite to the guest bedroom

Creek House is an elegantly proportioned property detached house, which reflects both Edwardian and Art’s & Craft’s styling. Set within a private road on the edge of Southwold, the property enjoys views over the sea and coastline from the top floor. The characterful house is set in a wide plot totalling around a third of an acre. You enter via an impressive door with stained glass to a lobby, a door leads to the reception hall which is a wonderful room. Stairs lead up to the first-floor and there are two paired windows overlooking the front with a further window in the corner with the log burner. The ceilings immediately grab your attention with the elegant diamond mouldings of the period. EPC: TBC

WINKWORTH SOUTHWOLD: 0150 2 723007 | southwold@winkworth.co.uk | winkworth.co.uk/southwold

£1,950,000 FREEHOLD

• Main house council tax band: D

• Annex council tax band: A

• Sea view

• Period property

WINKWORTH CANTERBURY 01227 456645 canterbury@winkworth.co.uk winkworth.co.uk/canterbury

A substantial, Victorian landmark property with some of the finest Royal harbour and channel views in South-East England. Occupying arguably the most prominent, elevated position adjacent to the Royal Temple Yacht Club this substantial property has been, in recent years, the subject of an extensive, yet sympathetic remodelling under the direction of specialist conservation architects Del Renzio & Del Renzio. This wonderful, unlisted property, which lies within the Ramsgate Conservation Area, now provides highly adaptable, independent but interconnecting accommodation on three floors with an independent annexe to the side. EPC: D

£530,000 FREEHOLD

• Council tax band: E

• 19th century cottage

• 19’ Living room

• 14’ Kitchen

• 17’Master bedroom

• Summerhouse

• Gym/study

A Beautifully presented and deceptively spacious 19th Century cottage situated in the heart of Harpole Village. The property which retains a wealth of character, provides idyllic village living. The accommodation briefly comprises, Living room, dining room with feature fireplace and a kitchen/ breakfast room. To the first floor there are three large double bedrooms with the master bedroom and a large bathroom. The bathroom features a Victorian style, free standing roll top bath, pedestal wash hand basin and low flush WC. Bedrooms Two and Three benefit from a built in wardrobe. EPC: E

WINKWORTH NORTHAMPTON: 0160 4 204455 | northampton@winkworth.co.uk | winkworth.co.uk/northampton

Guide Price £1,250,000 to £1,300,000 FREEHOLD

• Council tax band: G

• Detached character home on the marine estate

• Three double bedrooms

• Westleigh catchment

• Luxury bathroom

• Three reception rooms

• Beautiful fitted kitchen

We are delighted to bring to the market this beautiful three-bedroom detached character home which is positioned within the sought-after 'Marine Estate' of Leigh-on-Sea. A short stroll away is Leigh's fashionable Broadway and its array of bars, cafes, restaurants and popular boutiques. This fabulous family home has been beautifully maintained throughout and benefits from three reception rooms, fitted kitchen, utility room and ground floor wc. To the first floor are three double bedrooms and a luxury family bathroom. The exterior is a lovely secluded landscaped west backing rear garden, ample off-street parking and garage. Positioned within close proximity to all local amenities which include the nearby seafront and mainline railway station - serving London Fenchurch Street for commuters. EPC: D

Guide Price £2,250,000 FREEHOLD

• Council tax band: G

• Characterful Edwardian country home

• Approaching 5000 sq.ft. of accommodation

• Established grounds of two acres

• Gated sweeping driveway

• Large self contained office/annex

• 6/7 bedrooms

Set within a private 2 acre park-like setting and accessed via remotely operated gates is this Edwardian home dating back to 1907. The versatile accommodation provides approximately 5000 sq.ft of sumptuous living space. This truly stunning property still retains many of its original features and has been exceptionally maintained by the current owner who has ensured that the elevational styling of the recent extensions match the original. EPC: E

WINKWORTH WOKINGHAM: 01 18 907 2777 | wokingham@winkworth.co.uk | winkworth.co.uk/wokingham