The emotional roller coaster journey of restoring a historic building
In my time, I have restored many buildings along their furnishings (more on this at a later date), but I was not prepared for the emotional roller-coaster ride I would go on when restoring my first historical building. The blood, sweat, tears followed by the pure joy and elation that I have had come over me in waves over the past two years of this project have been all consuming.
I fell in love with Starre House from the moment I set eyes on it in the beautiful seaside town of Beer in South Devon. We had gone for a long walk from our other holiday rental property, Lym House, in Lyme Regis, up and over the coastal path to Beer for some wonderful food from Duckies Bar on the beach.
As always, I began looking at the properties that were for sale in the local area (I’m always on the hunt for more properties for our rental portfolio, so if you know of any send them over!). And that is when Starre House came up on my search.
Starre House was built in the 16th Century by William Starre and is grade listed. It sits on land that belonged to the Abbey of Hortonn, but after the dissolution of Henry VIII, it was included in the estate in a dowry for Catherine Parr. Also on the site of Starre House, is the quintessential Starre Barn, which was in the same state of dissolute as the main house. My fire was lit. I knew this was a huge challenge, but that my team would embrace it and restore Starre House and Barn to the beautiful home it was crying out to be.
The journey has been huge, and we are not at the end yet, but it is in sight. The renovation is immense, and we are doing our absolute best to keep all its original features. We are constantly finding new and exciting treasures in the process, including hidden fireplaces, original beams and even a stone glass window which is now a feature in one of the ensuite bathrooms.
Hidden treasures
We enjoy hearing all the local folk law stories from our friends in Beer when we escape to the Barrell of Beer Pub, some of which are not for the fainthearted.
Starre Cottage Kitchen Transformation
We have searched high and wide for matching stone and complimentary furniture which we have lovingly restored. This labour of love has taught me patience, given me joy and educated me in the in-depth processes and procedures that take place in restoring a historical house.
More hidden treasures we have found at Starre House
Before and after restoration
Restoring historical houses is a rewarding and challenging process. It involves reviving a structure and bringing it back to its original glory while preserving its character and historical significance. Restoring a historic home is a way of keeping our heritage alive, and it is crucial to maintain it for future generations to enjoy. A few of my lessons learnt are shared with you below. If you choose to embark on this journey, enjoy it and know that each time you think you have hit an impassable wall, miracles can, and do, happen. When these miracles happen, I think the house is helping us to restore her to her original beauty.
Research the history of the house - Before starting any restoration work, it's important to research the history of the house to gain a better understanding of its original design, materials, and features. This can help guide your restoration efforts and ensure that any changes you make are in keeping with the house's historic character.
Work with a preservation specialist - If you're not familiar with historic restoration techniques, it's a good idea to work with a preservation specialist who can provide guidance and advice on the restoration process. They can also help you navigate any local historic preservation regulations that may apply to your restoration project.
Identify original materials and features - When restoring a historic house, it's important to preserve as many original materials and features as possible. This can include woodwork, moldings, flooring, and hardware. If any original features are missing or damaged, try to replicate them as closely as possible using period-appropriate materials.
Use traditional building techniques - When making repairs or additions to the house, use traditional building techniques and materials that are in keeping with the house's historic character. This can include using lime plaster, hand-cut wood shingles, or handmade bricks.
Choose appropriate colors and finishes - When selecting colors and finishes for the house, choose options that are in keeping with its historic character. Consider using historic paint colors or natural finishes such as lime wash or tung oil.
Consider energy efficiency - While preserving the historic character of the house is important, it's also important to make it comfortable and energy-efficient for modern living. Consider adding insulation, upgrading windows, or installing an energy-efficient HVAC system to make the house more energy-efficient without compromising its historic character.
Restoring a historic house can be a challenging but rewarding process that allows you to preserve a piece of history while creating a beautiful and functional home. By doing your research, working with preservation specialists, and using traditional building techniques and materials, you can ensure that your restoration project is a success.
Good Luck!
