RESTORING SPENFORD HOUSE: BREATHING LIFE BACK INTO A FORGOTTEN TREASURE
The Spenford House Project By Kerrie Griffin.
When I first stepped inside Spenford House— a Grade II listed, oak-framed farmhouse tucked away in a quiet Shropshire conservation village— I knew she was special. Built in 1640, with an 18th-century Long Hall stretching out behind her, the house carried centuries of stories in every beam. But the truth was unavoidable: she was tired, neglected, and on the brink of losing her soul. I didn’ t just see a renovation project— I saw a responsibility. A duty to protect her history, honour her craftsmanship, and give her a future.
What followed was one of the biggest challenges of my life. The house needed everything. Every wall, every floorboard, every room demanded attention. The original oak frame at the front was failing and had to be expertly restored. The interiors were a maze of dated layouts, bricked-up doorways, damp patches, uneven floors, and layers of poor decisions made over decades. But there was magic beneath it all— and I was determined to bring it back. I rolled up my sleeves and did far more
of the physical work than most people would believe. As an interior designer, I’ m used to transforming spaces, but this was different. This was personal. I pulled up old flooring, stripped walls, demolished tired bathrooms, and carried out much of the restoration with my own two hands. At 58, an empty nester and newly diagnosed with CLL blood cancer, I poured every ounce of energy I had into saving this home. It wasn’ t just about restoring a building— it was about restoring myself.
One of the smartest decisions I made early on was to bring in a specialist historical architect— someone experienced in the complexities of listed buildings. He understood from the outset that the restoration alone could cost more than the house was worth in its dilapidated state, so he approached the design with value in mind. He created affordable yet functional bedroom layouts, each with an ensuite, and planned an 8m x 4m kitchen extension that would become the heart of the home. He also designed a new build selfcontained one-bedroom cottage, where the unused old garage stands, along with a three-bay oak-framed garage with an apartment above. The very first instruction I gave him was to reroute the driveway into an unused part of the garden— because the house was completely hidden behind a tall hedge and on a nasty bend. Now, when you arrive, you pull in and take in the full, breathtaking sweep of the building for the first time. Every one of these thoughtful design additions added significant value, helping justify the restoration of this remarkable historic property.
As an interior designer and project manager, I was meticulous about balancing beauty, authenticity, and cost. I knew the house needed high-quality, heritage-appropriate finishes, but I was determined to
14- REFURB & RESTORE