The next chapter
Homebuilding & Renovating|December 2022
Looking for somewhere in the country with the potential to generate an extra income, Luke and Laura Thomas decided to head for Dorset to convert an old flax shop-cum-garage in the grounds of their new home
The next chapter

Luke, what made you both take on such an interesting project?

My wife Laura and I were living in London five years ago and knew we wanted to start a family and move somewhere a bit greener, where we could generate another income. We thought Dorset would be a nice area to do that so we looked around the Bridport area and found this place. It came with a stone-built annex/garage at the back and it had so much potential.

Originally it was an old flax shop and was being used mainly as a garage. It was very dusty and grubby with big double wooden doors at the front and an old stable floor. As you walked through the main area there was an old worktop with a workbench and old tools. The final room on the ground floor was essentially a log store and upstairs was just a loft with sets of ladders and all sorts of stuff.

What was the first step towards the conversion?

Laura did some Google searches and we found various architects and eventually chose Lydia and Lawrence from Design Storey. They really understood that we wanted to hold onto as much of the character of this place as we could and accentuate the features rather than try to make it something it's not.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة December 2022 من Homebuilding & Renovating.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة December 2022 من Homebuilding & Renovating.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

المزيد من القصص من HOMEBUILDING & RENOVATING مشاهدة الكل
How to create your dream kitchen extension
Homebuilding & Renovating

How to create your dream kitchen extension

From deciding where to extend to working out the layout of the space, there's lots to consider when adding more space to your home

time-read
10 mins  |
February 2025
HOW MUCH DOES CENTRAL HEATING COST?
Homebuilding & Renovating

HOW MUCH DOES CENTRAL HEATING COST?

Whether you're fitting heating in a new home or upgrading your existing system, here's what you need to include in your budget...

time-read
8 mins  |
February 2025
How to design the hallacrfect hallway space
Homebuilding & Renovating

How to design the hallacrfect hallway space

An impactful entrance can set the tone for the rest of your home, so pay attention to everything from the layout to those all-important finishing touches

time-read
10+ mins  |
February 2025
ONE HEAT PUMP OR TWO?
Homebuilding & Renovating

ONE HEAT PUMP OR TWO?

Although one heat pump is considered the norm, here are the situations when it might make sense to double up

time-read
4 mins  |
February 2025
Self-build for beginners
Homebuilding & Renovating

Self-build for beginners

Tempted to take on the key project management role? Find out if you're up to the job or whether it's better left to a professional

time-read
6 mins  |
February 2025
Green roofs
Homebuilding & Renovating

Green roofs

Roofs covered in vegetation have been around for thousands of years, but the latest systems provide eco credentials as well as a beautiful view

time-read
4 mins  |
February 2025
Brick and mix
Homebuilding & Renovating

Brick and mix

Ariginally designed by renowned 20th-century architect EJ May, this Edwardian Arts and Crafts dwelling is a treasured asset within its local conservation area in Bromley.

time-read
1 min  |
February 2025
Brick-clad nomes
Homebuilding & Renovating

Brick-clad nomes

While the humble brick makes the ideal material for walls and floors, both inside and out, exposed brickwork can add instant character to a home of any age, as these projects from throughout the UK demonstrate...

time-read
4 mins  |
February 2025
Creative thinking
Homebuilding & Renovating

Creative thinking

In order to overcome initial planning concerns, Angus and Justine Flockhart opted for a dual-roof rear extension that cleverly minimises its impact on the neighbours

time-read
3 mins  |
February 2025
Positive energy
Homebuilding & Renovating

Positive energy

Rob Elkins incorporated a suite of eco technology and sustainable principles when designing and building his family home

time-read
5 mins  |
February 2025