stay financially sensible. I sourced premium looks at affordable prices— shopping auctions, sales, and reclamation yards, hunting for pieces with character that didn’ t carry inflated designer price tags. Many items were reclaimed or bought second-hand, allowing me to achieve a luxury feel without a luxury budget. Careful planning, savvy buying, and thoughtful styling allowed the house to look beautifully curated while keeping the overall renovation costs under control.
The transformation became an emotional journey as much as a physical one. I sourced reclaimed materials that would honour the house’ s heritage, including 96m ² of antique oak flooring from a Cheshire mansion and beautiful cast-iron radiators that brought character back to cold corners. I redesigned the home to enhance natural light, even replacing the entrance hall wall with glass to open up the spaces and lift the entire feel of the house. Every beam was painted in Farrow & Ball’ s Clutch to restore light and height. Four new en suites were added, along with a much-needed downstairs wet room the tired conservatory was taken down and planning has just approved a 8m by 4 m kitchen extension with byfold doors, and both log burners were restored to bring the cottage-style comfort the house deserved.
Double glazed windows were approved after getting an MP involved! We are now draft free apart from the odd peg hole which needs a new peg inserting! I have managed to get old bricked in door ways opened, windows put back in bricked up holes and French windows in an 18th century wall to create a disabled!!! Access.
Today, Spenford House stands proudly— four double bedrooms, four living rooms, a light-filled kitchen, and a Long Hall including wet room and utility that feels like a journey through history. She sits on three-quarters of an acre, once again an inviting, character-rich home instead of a forgotten relic.
Was It Worth It?
Absolutely. I bought the property for £ 512,000, and after the complete restoration, it now values between £ 900,000 and £ 1.1 million. Beyond the emotional reasons for restoring a historic home, the renovation was a smart financial investment. Every decision— from layout improvements to heritage-sensitive materials— added both beauty and long-term value. Restoring a listed home is never simple, but when done well, the equity gained far outweighs the costs.
I spent just over £ 50,000 on Labour £ 76,000 or therabouts on materials including the oak framed garage and £ 27,000 on 6 bathrooms plus a few other extras.
Spenford House is more than a project— it’ s a love letter to history, craftsmanship, and resilience. I’ m proud of what she has become and even more grateful for what she’ s given back to me. Through the dust, the challenges, and the triumphs, she reminded me of the strength we all hold to rebuild our lives, one beam at a time.
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