COWGILL, YORKSHIRE DALES NATIONAL PARK
For this project, I had to go through various compliance measures to make sure any work adhered to strict rules set out by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority. This was completed on time and within budget. It’s a great example of our commitment to delivering quality development projects and seeing it through from start to finish despite complications. If you want to skip to the final photos of the revonation, head to the 'gallery' page!
External, rear, before
External, rear, during renovation
priming new render
Two coats of paint are necessary
Cowgill, Cottage Rear
The cottage needed a new roof; during replacement it collapsed, all woodwork was rotten. The wall height was levelled out and new struts, battens and tiles were fitted. The external render was in a poor state due to damp issues. This was partially replaced, then primed and painted. New guttering, windows, sofits and facias were installed. The bathroom window was blocked up to allow for a large feature, heated bathroom mirror inside. Railway sleepers were re-used as a border edge for the raised grass level. This was to be in keeping with the previous owner's connection to the Settle to Carlisle Railway line. Automatic lighting aids visibility as on-street lighting was not present.
Kitchen/Lounge interior
All walls were stripped back to brick before tanking the whole building. Concrete screed floors were put in and first fix electricals including floor sockets were located. The roof was replaced and ceilings removed allowing a more open plan feel without the necessity of beams, giving a clean, modern look, and no nooks and crannies for dust or cobwebs. The lounge was knocked through to the rear kitchen allowing dual aspect views. All external walls were lined with Ballytherm insulation and the roof was fully filled with thermal insulation. Double glazed windows and new doors were installed. Chimney was prepped for the log burner. Plumbing was renewed and old radiators refurbished. A new oil condensing boiler was housed in the boot room, providing a warm place for drying coats along with a wall mounted boot warmer. Engineered wood flooring throughout kitchen, lounge and boot room was layed. An old rudimentary open fire was removed from the boot room and the wall braced for stability.
Bathroom
The bathroom was extended. Underfloor heating installed. The Carrera marble wash unit I found in a local charity shop and converted it to this beautiful bespoke double washstand. The taps and sink were extensively researched and tested to prevent splashing around the sink area. A spacious screened wet room area was fitted with top of the range thermo shower. The local plumbers, Gary and Mark, were meticulous in their application to detail, with spotless tiling.
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Finishing touches
Recycled wood planks were used for coat hooks, also recycled. Quality internal solid doors used for sound insulation.
Electrical sockets with integrated USB plugs were located in each room of the cottage as well as floor sockets to avoid trailing wires. Plenty of sockets were located around the kitchen and at heights to avoid having to bend right down to floor level when plugging in hoovers, etc. Engineered wood flooring, kitchen, and appliances from Howdens.
Composite stable door to the front was installed in red, the original door colour. Although more extensive, a stable door provides a barrier to sheep entering the cottage and prevents pets from escaping, and gives stunning views. A rear composite door to the boot room was bought. These doors were £900 each and provide a high level of thermal insulation and security.
A railway line lamp was found in the garage and left for the new owners, as part of the building's heritage.