A Victorian house in Camden, brought up to date with its character intact

The challenge

The homeowner wanted two things that rarely sit easily together: all the charm of a Victorian house — its cornicing, fireplaces and original floors — and a kitchen, bathrooms, wiring and layout that work for modern life. Getting one without sacrificing the other takes patience, the right trades and a lot of care.

What made it demanding

• Period property with features to retain
• Occupied street with restricted access

What we did

• Structural alterations
• Rewiring
• Heating replacement
• Kitchen
• Bathrooms
• Restoration of original features
• Decoration

The result

The period details that give the house its character have been kept and restored, while everything behind them is new: kitchen, bathrooms, wiring, heating and a layout that suits the way people live now. It feels like the house it always was — just far better to live in.