Kirby’s, Whitby. Grade 2 listed Renovation.

Working closely with the designer and new owner, this Grade 2 listed building was sensitively renovated to address harm caused by clumsy interventions carried out in the 1970s.

The original character of the property as a purpose built guest house formed the basis of the scheme. Historic fabric hidden behind modern material was uncovered, thus revealing internal significance. The internal alterations were finished using a combination of traditional and modern methods in order to preserve the character of the property.

The renovation included installation of a new kitchen and bathroom and upgrades to the electrics including underfloor heating. The exterior walls were plastered using a historically appropriate earth, hot-lime and hemp based render, replicating the original finish. The interior walls were skimmed using a lime putty mixed with goat hair, all walls were painted in Casein distemper to ensure breathability of the substrate. The exterior door was refurbished, glazing was updated and new timber windowsills were fitted.

The result is a property whose original internal grandeur is now recognisable, thereby enhancing overall significance and character.