We were awarded the contract to restore the beautiful Grade II listed Bar Lodge gatehouse, on the Penrose Estate, by the National Trust. The project included fitting new insulation and waterproofing, repairing and replacing various features which had deteriorated, and ensuring that the property looked exactly the same once we had left. We were not even allowed to ‘tidy up’ the moss on the walls around the front of the property!
This Arts and Crafts style building includes an early example of a roof terrace, included by the original builders in 1895 to take full advantage of the stunning views over Loe Bar Beach. However, the supports for this had deteriorated almost to the point of collapse over the years, and the entire floor to the terrace, plus the ceilings in the dining room and kitchen below, needed to be removed and replaced.
Access to this site was a challenge, with a single narrow lane, and limited parking. We needed to temporarily close the road access to the beach, but still permit access for emergency vehicles if required. We gained significant respect for the original 19th-century builders, who dug out the cliff behind the property by hand.
In order to retain as much of the original material as we could, we carefully removed, and later replaced, the Grade II listed balustrade to the front of the property. In addition, the wallpaper and paint were sourced from Little Greene, which has a partnership arrangement with the National Trust, to supply approved, historically accurate wallpaper and paints.
This building is available for holidays. To find out more and book a stay please visit the National Trust website.
