Beautiful period property
Berkhamsted, Herts
Over the period of 2023 & 2024 we were delighted to be asked to work on this beautiful historic period property, built circa 1830’s located in Berkhamsted. The FC team enjoyed the opportunity to work creatively on a period property (although no two walls or floors were straight or level!) Factoring in traditional lath & plaster walls, that needed rebuilding with modern insulation, to help the house become more efficient.
Our original scope of works involved repurposing a disused area of garden at the back of the house, reinforcing the rear garden wall, and building a modern large extension with feature rooflight over 4m long, and electric velux windows, all dressed with a stunning zinc standing seam roof, giving a nod to the period of the original property. With access being an issue we had to be ‘creative’ finding a way to lift the large glass rooflight into place, working closely with our specialist glazing contractor and spider crane company, the install went smoothly!
"I must say that from the very outset Frithsden Construction have been of great assistance to me and my wife and have worked as a team alongside us, striving to get the build just right on both design and practicality"
This new extension created a large multi-purpose ‘Bootility’ room (Boot room & Utility combo!’) that could be used for large parties, whilst also showcasing the families gun sleeve & bag collection with bespoke made to order oak and painted cabinetry, hand made locally by our craftsmen joiners, painted in Little Greene – Green Azure. Complimented by ‘William Morris’ cushions on a generous oak bench seat.
Along with a compact but effective shower room, with modern black accents, and large velux window drawing light in from above. In the new lobby we created an area for a washing machine & tumble dryer complete with a ‘petite’ Belfast sink & brass tap, with traditional clothes airer above. All complemented by limestone floor tiling throughout, and tongue & groove wall panelling painted in matching Little Greene paint, with recessed dado rail and useful oak hooks for all the families’ wellies & coats, by the new side entrance door with a practical large, recessed coir doormat.
Bespoke black sliding steel doors were also fitted allowing separation of the new space to the conservatory, without impacting on space, offering flexibility to create one large open space perfect for family gatherings and parties. Flanked by matching drinks cabinets made to order, offering practical drinks & glass storage. After discussion with the clients, it was also decided to remove the original floor tiles & subfloor including the redundant electric floor heating, that was simply too expensive to use, replacing with more cost effective and modern water fed under floor heating.
We were later asked to return to address structural concerns that we had identified in the basement, fitting structural steel posts and padstones following advice from our structural engineer and architect. We refurbished and completely renovated the master & guest bathrooms for the family. Like many of the works on this beautiful property lots of unknowns were discovered as we exposed areas of old or previous works. With the ethos always being to do the house justice and ensure the clients would not need to revisit these works for decades to come. Resulting in 3 luxurious bathrooms with quality traditional sanitaryware, delicate feature wall tiles, soft mood lighting and creative storage.
Final works (for now!) involved specialist traditional stone masons to work on the stone porch with coining detailing, taking it back over several decades to its original glory of traditional buff stonework. Complimented by a bespoke tray ceiling with stepped timber detailing and centre wrought iron pendant light. From the outset the team all understood the need for respect to the original property, whilst being creative and resourceful finding ways to work through many problems that you wouldn’t necessarily encounter on new build projects. Along with great communication with the clients who were a pleasure to work with. Ultimately producing a high end and considered design throughout.
Client testimonial
In December 2022 we obtained planning permission for a large extension to the rear of my period home built circa 1830. The design was predominantly a modern twist to the graceful architecture that we inherited when we purchased the property.
Over the Christmas period I was searching online, ideally looking for a company that would confidently incorporate both design and build aspects. The company would need to understand the exacting design concept and have a pragmatic approach, given the vagaries of such an old building.
It didn't take me very long to find Frithsden Construction UK Ltd. It seemed that all the searches I had carried out pointed me to one company. I engaged with Frithsden Construction, and I must say that from the very outset they have been of great assistance to me and my wife and have worked as a team alongside us, striving to get the build just right on both design and practicality.
The company is also complimented by a unique selling point for a building firm, in having Julie, a key member of management team, who oversees all interior and design aspects, along with working very closely with lan, the senior site manager and Morgan, the site supervisor and the rest of the team.
We have found all of them a pleasure to work with and there is a common goal of high-quality work and customer care, which is at the forefront of all they do. Therefore, I cannot recommend Frithsden Construction highly enough. They surpassed our expectations; you will not be disappointed if you appoint them to carry out your next building project.
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