Village House Refurbishment, Near Canterbury, Kent

Project Overview

B. W. May & Son Ltd were appointed to deliver the comprehensive internal reconfiguration and refurbishment of a late Georgian / early Victorian family home in rural Kent. The property, more than 160 years old, had been extended several times over its lifetime, resulting in an impractical layout and poor circulation between rooms.

Working closely with James Clague Architects and the homeowners, the project sought to transform the property into a practical, energy efficient, and comfortable family home while respecting its historic character.

Project Background

The house occupies a prominent position within the Kent countryside and holds strong sentimental value for the client, having been their childhood home. Although the footprint had expanded over time, the internal arrangement lacked cohesion.

The ground floor WC obstructed circulation, the kitchen was undersized and poorly connected to living areas, and movement through the house felt awkward. A complete internal redesign was required to improve flow, usability, and comfort.

Scope of Works

B. W. May & Son Ltd undertook extensive structural alterations and refurbishment works, including:

Removal and alteration of internal walls to create a new central hall and improve circulation

Structural adaptations to facilitate the redesigned floor plan

Formation of a new snug, utility room, WC, and shower room

Enlargement and reconfiguration of the kitchen to improve connectivity with the rest of the home

Alterations to first floor layouts to improve bedroom proportions and create an additional shower room

Installation of a roof lantern to introduce natural light into the staircase and landing area

Ground Floor Reconfiguration

The central WC was removed to create a generous entrance hall providing clear access to all ground floor rooms. The relocation of the kitchen entrance improved flow and allowed the entrance hall to become a welcoming and functional space.

The former dining area was subdivided to create:

a snug

a utility room

a WC

This improved spatial efficiency and created rooms that are easier to heat and use.

First Floor Alterations

The first floor layout was redesigned to improve functionality and comfort. Works included:

Reconfiguration of the family bathroom to include both bath and shower

Creation of a third shower room from underused landing space

Installation of a roof lantern above the stairwell to enhance natural light

Rebalancing bedroom proportions by relocating internal stud walls

Removal of nibs and downstands to create a more open and unified landing space

Building Fabric & Thermal Upgrades

As part of the refurbishment, essential improvements were made to the building fabric and thermal performance:

Rendering of an existing painted brick elevation to address water ingress and deterioration

Installation of new sash windows and timber external doors to improve thermal efficiency

Installation of a new heating system including underfloor heating to the kitchen, bathroom, and shower room

Thermal upgrading of the boiler room to improve efficiency

Refurbishment of a first floor flat roof using an unventilated warm roof construction to eliminate cold bridging

Electrical & Services Upgrades

Full rewire of the property

Relocation of electrical outlets to improve functionality

Installation of a 5 amp lighting circuit within the main living area to create a softer lighting scheme

Interior Finishes & Joinery

The scheme included new floor finishes such as engineered timber flooring and carpets, along with bespoke joinery elements designed in coordination with the architect. The final interior palette and decorative finishes were selected by the client, resulting in a timeless country interior that blends traditional detailing with contemporary comfort.

Outcome

The completed works have transformed the property into a cohesive and highly functional family home. Circulation has been significantly improved, natural light enhanced, and new spaces introduced to support modern living.

The refurbishment included upgrades to improve comfort and long-term performance while maintaining the character of the house.

The refurbishment respects the building’s heritage while delivering improved thermal performance, comfort, and usability. The result is a warm, practical, and characterful home suited to modern family life.

This project demonstrates B. W. May & Son Ltd’s capability in delivering complex internal reconfigurations and heritage sensitive refurbishments in collaboration with leading architects.