How would you improve the look of this house and ugly chimney?

Ale Lennon

3 months ago

Ideas will be much appreciated. Thank you

Featured Answer

Carolina

3 months ago

I would do something like this:

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Comments (18)

Jonathan
3 months ago
I don’t mind the chimney but I do think the proportions have been changed by previous “improvements” which in my opinion makes the house seem lop sided.

If it were mine I would definitely swap the attic dormers for velux.

Consider adding a box dormer to the right hand side on the 1st floor to help balance the windows.

I would also change the porch so the front door is front facing. Personally I would rather see a wide front door flanked with a substantial porch light each side and a large pot with greenery each side.

Assuming you are not going to reinstate the garage I would stop the drive short of it and add some greenery under the window. Perhaps if the front door moved whatever is bolted to wall under the window could be moved to the side of the porch so it is less prominent.

I would move the satellite dish so it’s not in the middle of the front of the house- the side would be more discrete.

The concrete drive looks a little cheap by today’s standards and covering it with a resin drive or printed concrete might be the solution. You might also consider it’s removal if you have another drive.

I notice you have a lean to extension to the side behind the fence- if you are considering the whole look of the front of the house you should consider that and the fence as well. An extra picture would be useful to invite comment on the total frontage.
Ale Lennon
Original Author
3 months ago
Thanks so much for your reply Jonathan. This house will be a design challenge. This is the other side of the property and equally ugly. There is another drive but entrance just on first photo. Thanks!
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PRO
colourhappy
3 months ago
I agree with everything Jonathan has said. it looks quite busy so I wonder if simplifying the surfaces would also help? The mix of bricks and stone looks a bit too complex to me, it may be worth rendering it and adding some sweeping curves and modern planting.
Victoria
3 months ago
That works really well, Carolina.
Problem with losing dormers as suggested earlier is the impact on space available. I think those rooms would be compromised.
Carolina
3 months ago
I think so too. Dormers give an enormous amount of space, so would be a shame to lose them. Think making them dark will make them stand out less.
Jonathan
3 months ago
It looks like you have limited garden at the back so perhaps you should also be considering making the front garden enclosed and private and then making one of the windows into a door to the garden so that you can use the whole plot.
samanthadavis2
3 months ago
Looks like a perfect case for George Clarke's ugly house to lovely house show
Rowland
3 months ago
I think the chimney should be rendered and made a statement piece. if you have the money then a full revamp is the way to go with timber cladding etc.

but the chimney is the statement piece and with render and the right colour choice can really improve the look.

I don't really think the house is ugly, just very conservative in the design and choice of brick.

you need to bring it up to today!!

best
88wj88
3 months ago
I would just extend the porch roof across the window downstairs to make a veranda to end in line with the edge of the dormer, just to "balance" it up. Otherwise I love Carolina's suggestions.
quinnster
3 months ago
I think that making changes to the driveway would refocus attention. It looks very big so perhaps rhere is scope to remove the flags alongside the fence and introduce a border. Maybe trellis and plants would also be an option to cover up part of the chimney?
PRO
Edward Tucker : Chartered Architect
3 months ago
This is exactly what I do on a daily basis. The more "ugly" the house, the more the challenge, but the more the reward. I'd be happy to help if you want to get in touch. www.edwardtucker.co.uk
Michael Tincello
2 months ago
You could really make that driveway stand out with a stamped concrete design, it would change the whole dynamic of the front of the house! I agree with what others are saying about revamping the chimney too but definitely worth keeping!
Jonathan
2 months ago
Beware rendering the chimney because of the future maintenance it represents. Because the chimney is exposed (ie not protected by the roof) render will discolour and maintenance will be difficult considering the height.
HU-290967725
2 months ago
I think the side entrance is very appealing to look at. As you have a driveway there, I would block up the front entrance and look to make a new front door in the side wall.
Karen Burton
2 months ago
I actually really like the chimney - what would bother me is the fact that the doors and windows all stick out at different depths and angles. Maybe adding some woodwork design to the top half would work - someone on our road has just had that done and it looks fab! Very distinguished too!
Katharine Harrison
last month
I think the chimney is the best feature of the house! The aim of any improvements should be to enhance the retro 60s design. Suggest, if possible, the ugly box dormer windows in the loft be removed from the front and put out of site to the rear. The brickwork to the front of the house, in the area where the garage has been bricked up would be best covered in a white render which could extend to chimney and porch extension. The satellite dish definitely has to go! I would leave the original brick work to the first floor and to the right side of the chimney. Evergreen planting would help soften the building under the window to the left of the entrance. The surface of driveway needs some serious thought and should probably be removed. White stone cobbling could be considered as edging to a path comprised of black tarmac interspersed with granite stones - very sixites. Maybe plant a low maintenance hedge to hide the close boarded fence. Or hide with a evergreen climbers. A row of small ornamental trees could edge the lawn and accentuate the line from the chimney leading up to the front of the property. I would cut back the existing messy shrubs, maybe replace with lawn and include tidier frontage planting - a rose bed would be in keeping.
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NCM Building Ltd
last month
You could render or use timber cladding on part of the exterior to modernise the property. A new driveway would provide the property with a more contemporary feel.

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How would you improve the look of this house and ugly chimney?

Comments (18)

Ale LennonOriginal Author

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Ale Lennon
Original Author