Leah’s Cottage

Sensitive reconfiguration and restoration of a coastal cottage

Leah’s Cottage is a 17^th century terraced property located on an historic, characterful lane within Appledore’s conservation area. While not listed, it is surrounded by numerous heritage buildings and contributes to the distinctive local vernacular, with painted render walls, slate roofs, and timber sash windows.

Despite its charm and many period features, the property has suffered from damp, ageing services, and limited thermal performance. Low ceilings, uneven floors, and a disconnected layout reduce the building’s usability for modern family life.

Our clients asked us to help them restore and adapt the cottage and prioritise comfort, flexibility, and sensitivity to the building’s heritage.

Following a thorough design process, the reconfiguration and refurbishment plans balance conservation with thoughtful intervention.

The revised internal layout optimises light, space, and circulation, particularly between the kitchen and garden, and making better use of underutilised areas such as the coal store.

Externally, we enhance the connection to the rear garden without altering the public-facing facade. The design aims to retain original materials and features wherever possible, integrating new windows and rooflights to improve natural daylight. All alterations are designed to be discreet, maintaining the cottage’s historic character and scale within its sensitive setting.