How could I make this Victorian terrace facade beautiful again?

25 days ago

We're seriously thinking of making an offer on this Victorian terrace in east London but would like to have a rough idea of what's involved in restoring its facade or any tips to improve it.

It's in good condition inside but unfortunately the previous owners ripped out the lovely bay window and replaced it with this plastic box. We're also wondering how complicated/expensive it would be to knock down that ugly single window on the first floor and swap it with two windows like the neighbour's.

The other thing we'd want to change is the pebbledash render but we don't know the condition of the brickworks underneath and having done some research, I know it can be quite costly. Another option would be to remove the pebbledash and apply a flat render and paint it.

Has anyone done something similar or has an idea of the costs involved? Any tips are welcomed and much appreciated!!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

Isla Cherry
25 days ago
I would get a builder around to give you some quotes so that you can take that into consideration when and if you decide to make an offer. This type of clownery makes my blood boil. If you are too cheap to maintain a period house then don't buy one. There are elements that will be very difficult if not impossible to reinstate such as the stone lintels above the sash windows. I'm not sure even with the best will in the world and a healthy budget whether all the history that has been destroyed could ever be reinstated sucessfully. You might also employ a surveyor who specialises in period houses to give you an assessment.
Jonathan
25 days ago
https://www.cranbornestone.co.uk/products/bay-windows/

There are companies that specialise in cast stone for just this purpose. You can also find replacements at reclamation yards. I agree that you will end up with a smooth rendered house and a £25-30k bill so make sure the house will be worth at least £35k more after the work
Related Discussions
Our new hallway
Q
Comments (22)
What a wonderful hall looks fantastic. For the carpet I would (budget allowing) use chrome or brass stair rods on each stair would look brilliant in there. You could always get an old or cheap console table & paint it yourself in silver or bronze etc.
...See More
window colour advice, bay windows, wet pebble dash
Q
Comments (11)
This might sound a bit like being on the fence given the advice you've had already... How about a mid to dark grey ( less contrast than black), RAL 7022 is a favourite of mine (warmer grey), or look at a green grey, as something that will have the colour of the olive, with a good amount of contrast against the white render, (you won't have the warm rich colours of the brickwork as in the photos above (which the olive looks good against)). If you are painting the timber windows you would do well to look at microporous opaque stains to reduce your on-going maintenance. A benefit of aluclad composite windows is colour outside can be factory supplied different to the interior finish. Hope this might help. Regards, Nick
...See More
Tub be or not tub be...
Q
Comments (73)
I think it looks great so far. Many of the ads for claw foot tubs, and magazines, show them with encaustic/cement tile and plain white surround. Also, you did something creative and attractive with the tile layout. I love the nickel shine of your clawfoot legs too. If you can maybe get a corner shelf on one side of the wall, you'll have a place for soap, candle or bubble bath. And maybe hotel towel holder on another wall to get the height up. Congratulations and thanks for sharing.
...See More
Whole house re-decor , for sale purposes
Q
Comments (33)
Hello Duncan, They are good and I am biased as I don't use companies that don't provide trade discount... as I usually like to help my clients out... Here's a few images and an edging on a runner can be lovely too... I have also included one of a painted stair... So you have an option all of which are rather striking.... : )) x http://www.naturalrugstore.co.uk/coir-rugs.asp?gclid=Cj0KEQjwiKS3BRCU-7XQ75Te3NoBEiQAA2t_xPmcwAZ3TS0Qhq1t1hzYsP-r8oFgdC385qXO88eXioYaAjCE8P8HAQ The painted one... I would include the banister in this scenario..
...See More
rinked
25 days ago
I'm curious to how the 4th (and 6th) house looks like from up close, the white one, as it has a similar looking bay/porch and first floor window. Is it rendered? And yes i agree with isla, especially the top window combined with the pebbledash looks tacky.
Sonia
25 days ago
It was once thought by some people that to remove all old fashioned (period) features would be an improvement, but of course it never was. Think of fake stone cladding, brown wooden windows and tiny plastic porches. It does depend whether you have the budget to do the work but it will certainly improve the value of that home in the future.
justina
23 days ago
Depends how much money you want to spend. Victorian entry tiles would look lovely, with some carpentry around entrance, i would def change those windows and even consider upstairs 2 windows instead of that big one. Render isnt very expensive and you can get coloured ones as well

How could I make this Victorian terrace facade beautiful again?

Comments (5)

Isla Cherry

Jonathan

Related Discussions

rinked

Sonia

justina

COMPANY

EXPLORE HOUZZ

CONNECT WITH US