Your building and its features are unique. We exist to help you defend and rejuvenate this heritage – whether against the tides of time, or during a change of purpose which demands sensitive repurposing of a space. If a property has weathered and worn over the centuries, experienced unfortunate damage, or simply needs to make space for modern, comfortable living or commercial use, we specialise in understanding and respectfully breathing new life into your precious property. We’ve worked on everything from English Heritage properties to Grade I listed mansions, country houses and barns, as well as public and cultural venues.
Restoration by construction historians
At Smith Heritage, we’re more than just craftspeople or contractors – we’re historians. We apply a meticulous academic approach to understanding and replicating original materials and methods, digging into the past in a way that few other builders can. During work on the Grange Opera House, for example, we were tasked with repairing a number of unique features that had been constructed with a special, long forgotten type of external render – Parker’s Roman Cement. We conducted a brand-new research project to understand and replicate its original recipe for our client, allowing us to carry out a unique restoration which revived heritage techniques more than 200 years old.
Conversions that don’t compromise character
We offer you the exceptional level of expertise and care needed to develop or alter characterful period properties and listed structures, so you can create exciting new residential or public possibilities with confidence. Our approach to refurbishment is based on respect for buildings and their history. For example, in our current work on the majestic, Grade-II* listed Donington Hall, we’re working to carefully convert this grand mansion into a luxury 49-bedroom hotel while preserving its historic significance. Originally built in 1790, the original layout from architect William Wilkins has been obscured under years of modifications.Our team joined in investigative research to help the design team bring those lost layouts back to life using original floorplans, enabling its sensitive refurbishment into a one-of-a-kind hotel.
Modern living in period properties
Living in a historic or period home should always be a delight.
When we refurbish your home, we’ll bring modern, premium living standards and integrate them into the historic fabric of the building. Improved efficiency and high spec features and fixtures are all possible without compromising on the character of your property. Whether you’re looking for a new kitchen wing, complete bathroom/bedroom suites, extensions or complete refurbishment, we relish the challenge of creating truly perfect modern homes that complement, showcase and honour the rich past they inhabit.
