We at Smart Build Services embarked on an ambitious development project in Olney.
We at Smart Build Services undertook a comprehensive extension and renovation project at Yew Tree Cottage, a characterful stone-built property in Olney. This project involved adding a double-storey extension to accommodate an enlarged kitchen-diner and sitting area on the ground floor, with a luxurious master suite including dressing area and ensuite above.
The work demonstrated our expertise in blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary living requirements whilst respecting the architectural integrity of period properties.
Our primary objective was to completely modernise the cottage interior whilst maintaining harmony between the new extension and the original structure. The property required full rewiring and replumbing, and several original walls were removed to create the open-plan spaces the family needed.
We understood that successful heritage renovation lies in the details. The extension needed to feel like it had always belonged to the cottage rather than appearing as an obvious modern addition. Every material choice, from the locally sourced limestone to the bespoke joinery, was carefully considered to achieve this seamless integration.
The success of any heritage extension depends upon selecting materials that complement rather than compete with the original building. We worked closely with a local stone quarry to source limestone rubble walling that would match perfectly with the cottage’s existing stonework.
The quarry supplied stone that matched not only in colour and texture but also in character, ensuring the new extension blended naturally with walls that had stood for generations. This attention to detail meant it became nearly impossible to distinguish between new and old stonework once construction was complete.
We commissioned bespoke timber doors made by skilled joiners and a handmade kitchen was designed and built specifically for the family, incorporating both traditional joinery techniques and modern functionality.
During the renovation of Yew Tree Cottage, we uncovered an original well that would have served the cottage’s water needs in earlier times. Rather than viewing this as an obstacle, we recognised an opportunity to incorporate it into the property’s renovation.
We designed and installed a new stone surround that transformed the well into a feature element, creating a tangible connection between the cottage’s past and its reimagined future. This discovery became a talking point and a cherished detail that added depth to the home’s story.
The modernisation work extended throughout the property. Complete rewiring brought the electrical systems up to current standards whilst accommodating modern living requirements. New plumbing infrastructure was installed, replacing ageing systems with reliable, efficient alternatives.
The removal of several internal walls opened up the ground floor, creating the flowing spaces contemporary family life demands. These structural changes required careful planning and execution to ensure the building’s integrity remained intact whilst achieving the desired open-plan arrangement.
The first-floor master suite represented a significant addition to the property. The inclusion of a dedicated dressing area and ensuite bathroom provided the luxury and convenience the homeowners sought, transforming their daily living experience.
Yew Tree Cottage sits within a characteristically narrow Olney lane, presenting logistical challenges throughout the construction period. Access restrictions meant that standard delivery and material handling methods simply would not work.
We deployed a forklift on site to manage material deliveries and organisation efficiently. This solution helped us to unload vehicles quickly and position materials strategically, to maintain clear access for neighbouring properties throughout the build, while minimising disruption, and keeping the project moving forward on schedule.
We selected traditional methods not from nostalgia but because they represent proven approaches that have sustained buildings like Yew Tree Cottage for centuries. Our masons employed time-honoured skills in laying the limestone rubble walls, whilst our joiners brought traditional timber craftsmanship to the doors and kitchen installation.
This approach ensured that the extension would age gracefully alongside the original cottage, using materials and methods that respond to seasonal changes and weather patterns in ways that modern techniques sometimes cannot match.
Returning Yew Tree Cottage to the family after months of work and seeing their delight in the enhanced spaces reminded us why we specialise in projects like this. Maintaining and modernising these houses is very satisfying and never dull.
The transformation was complete. The cottage had gained the modern amenities and space the family needed whilst retaining all the character and charm that had drawn them to the property initially. The new extension sat comfortably alongside the original structure, and the modernised interior provided the functionality contemporary living requires.
Projects like Yew Tree Cottage represent the essence of what we do at Smart Build Services. We specialise in working with older, listed and heritage properties, where the challenge lies in carefully modernising structures whilst respecting their history.
The clients were over the moon with the result, and neighbours commented positively on how the extension complemented the original cottage and enhanced the street scene. The harmonious integration confirmed our approach to material selection and traditional building methods had achieved exactly what we set out to accomplish.
The clients appreciation for the quality of finish and the way we respected their home’s heritage made every challenge worthwhile. The cottage now does justice to its magnificent plot, with accommodation that truly matches the setting’s potential.
At Smart Build Services, we specialise in turning difficult development sites into exceptional homes that enhance their communities. We have the vision and highly skilled trades that can effectively manage and deliver your project from start to finish.
Don’t settle for ordinary. Choose us as your building partner—we value your vision and deliver results you’ll love for years to come.
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