Extension and Renovation of a Victorian Terraced House

East Finchley, London N2

Ed and Elena came to us with their newly acquired elegant wreck, and a mandate to modernise it ASAP.

The house on Lincoln Road was in state. Leaky, subsiding, sagging roof and rotten windows: it was habitable but just barely. However, what the house lacked in comfort the new owners made up for in enthusiasm and energy.

From start to finish we worked hand-in-hand with the homeowners on every detail. Together we designed and specified everything – from the all-glass site return down to the little mouldings on the panelled doors.

We designed nearly all the fibrous plaster (only the front room is original). We designed the kitchen joinery. We designed all the joinery, actually.

We drew all the architraves and skirting boards at full size and had them custom run.

The house is full of lovingly laboured over details, such as the H&E Smith tiles in the kitchen – the same used in the London Underground.

Despite neighbourly opposition from the a Haringey magistrate living next door, planning consent was achieved without delay. Renovation work took a little over 10 months, completing just in time for the arrival of their first child.

Construction cost: £375,000. Total project cost: £515,000 inc.VAT and all planning and professional fees.