Georgian Townhouse Renovation in London

The Complete Guide to Georgian Property Renovation

Georgian townhouses (1714-1830) represent the pinnacle of British architectural elegance. These graceful homes, characterised by symmetry, proportion, and classical details, are amongst London's most prestigious properties. Renovating a Georgian townhouse requires specialist knowledge to preserve architectural integrity while incorporating modern living standards.

Hampstead Renovations specialises in Georgian property restoration across North London. This guide covers period features, conservation requirements, sensitive modernisation, and costs for your Georgian home.

Georgian Architecture Characteristics

Timeline and Styles

• Early Georgian (1714-1760): Simple, symmetrical, smaller windows
• Mid-Georgian (1760-1790): More ornate, fanlight doors, larger windows
• Late Georgian/Regency (1790-1830): Stucco facades, bow windows, ironwork

Defining Features

• Facade: Perfect symmetry, often brick with stone detailing
• Windows: Sash windows in balanced arrangement
• Door: Paneled, often with fanlight and pilasters
• Proportions: Mathematical ratios (often Golden Ratio)
• Ceiling height: 3-3.6m (increasingly grand on lower floors)
• Layout: Formal reception rooms, service areas below ground

Interior Details

• Ornate plasterwork (ceiling roses, cornicing)
• Marble fireplaces with classical mantels
• Six-panel doors (solid timber)
• Dado rails and panelling
• Decorative staircases with turned balusters
• Shuttered windows (original internal shutters)
• Wide timber floorboards

Listed Building Considerations

Listing Grades

• Grade I: Exceptional interest (most significant Georgians)
• Grade II*: Particularly important
• Grade II: National importance (many Georgian townhouses)

Listed Building Consent

Required for:

• External alterations
• Removal or alteration of period features
• Internal structural changes
• Window replacement
• Rewiring/replumbing that affects fabric

Conservation Area Controls

Even unlisted Georgian properties in conservation areas require consent for:

• Front elevation changes
• Roof alterations
• Satellite dishes (visible from street)
• Demolition of structures

Common Issues in Georgian Properties

Structural

• Movement and settlement: Historic cracking (monitor, usually stable)
• Timber decay: Roof timbers, floor joists, window frames
• Roof spread: Outward thrust of roof pushing walls
• Defective lintels: Over windows and doors
• Basement dampness: Below-ground rooms

Building Fabric

• Lime mortar deterioration: Needs repointing with lime (not cement)
• Lead roofing: Valleys, gutters, flashings need renewal
• Sash window decay: Bottom rails particularly vulnerable
• Stucco failure: Render cracking or delaminating
• Rising damp: Solid walls, no damp-proof course

Services

• Outdated electrics: Often inadequate for modern needs
• Lead plumbing: Health risk, needs replacing
• No central heating: Or outdated systems
• Poor insulation: Single glazing, uninsulated walls

Preservation Priorities

Essential Period Features

• Plasterwork: Ceiling roses, cornices, archways
• Fireplaces: Original marble or stone mantels
• Staircases: Handrails, newels, balusters
• Doors: Six-panel Georgian doors with original hardware
• Shutters: Working window shutters
• Sash windows: Original timber frames
• Flooring: Wide pine or oak boards
• Panelling: Wall panelling in principal rooms

External Features

• Symmetrical facade and fenestration
• Original railings and ironwork
• Front door and fanlight
• Stone steps and entrance details
• Roof profile and chimneys
• Stucco work (if present)

Sensitive Modernisation Approaches

Basement Development

Many Georgian townhouses have basements ripe for conversion:

• Original use: Service areas (kitchen, scullery)
• Modern use: Kitchen, family room, utility
• Considerations: Damp-proofing, headroom, natural light
• Light wells: Maximise natural light
• Excavation: Dig down if headroom insufficient (with structural engineer)
• Cost: £60,000-£150,000+ depending on extent

Rear Extensions

• Approach: Contrast modern extension with historic building
• Materials: Glass, steel, contemporary finishes
• Connection: Maintain clear distinction between old and new
• Planning: Usually requires consent, even if meets PD size limits
• Design: High-quality modern design complements Georgian elegance

Loft Conversions

• Roof profile: Must not alter external appearance
• Rooflights: Conservation rooflights only (not Velux)
• Internal arrangement: Careful staircase integration
• Structural: Strengthen roof structure sensitively

Services Integration

Heating

• Underfloor heating: Ideal - invisible, no radiators on walls
• Cast iron radiators: Period-appropriate if UFH not possible
• Discreet modern radiators: Slim, vertical designs
• Boiler location: Hidden in service areas or basement
• Zoned control: Different floors separately controlled

Electrical Rewiring

• Surface mounting: If lifting floors not possible
• Minimise damage: Route cables through existing voids
• Sockets and switches: Brass or period-style where visible
• Lighting: Sympathetic fittings (avoid downlights in historic ceilings)

Plumbing

• Replace lead pipes with copper
• Route new pipes through service areas
• Bathrooms ideally in former servants' quarters
• Conceal pipework in boxing or existing chases

Energy Efficiency Without Compromise

Breathable Building Approach

Georgian buildings must "breathe" - avoid modern impermeable materials:

• Lime mortar: Not cement (allows moisture movement)
• Lime plaster: Internal finishes
• Breathable paint: Mineral paints, distemper
• No vinyl wallpaper: Traps moisture

Insulation Solutions

• Roof: Insulate between rafters with breathable insulation
• Walls: Internal insulation only (never external on facades)
• Floors: Insulate between joists while maintaining ventilation
• Windows: Secondary glazing (reversible), repair original sash

Ventilation

• Maintain original chimneys (ventilation function)
• Ensure underfloor ventilation (air bricks)
• Modern MVHR can be hidden in service areas

Room-by-Room Considerations

Principal Reception Rooms

Approach: Minimal intervention, preserve as found

• Restore original plasterwork
• Retain or replicate colour schemes (research paint analysis)
• Repair rather than replace flooring
• Conserve fireplaces as focal points
• Period-appropriate lighting

Kitchen

Approach: Modern function in appropriate location

• Basement or rear extension location ideal
• Avoid primary reception rooms
• Freestanding units suit Georgian proportions
• Shaker-style or traditional unfitted kitchens
• Stone or wood worktops

Bathrooms

Approach: Period style with modern comfort

• Position in former servants' rooms or additions
• Freestanding roll-top baths
• Traditional taps and fittings
• Marble, stone, or traditional tiles
• Avoid damageing primary rooms

Working with Conservation Officers

Pre-Application Advice

• Essential for listed buildings
• Discuss proposals before formal application
• Understand constraints and opportunities
• Build relationship with conservation officer

Application Requirements

• Heritage statement (significance assessment)
• Detailed drawings showing existing and proposed
• Photographs (internal and external)
• Materials specifications
• Specialist reports (structural engineer, etc.)

Specialist Contractors

Essential Skills

• Lime plasterers: Traditional lime plaster and render
• Stonemasons: Repair stonework and carving
• Joiners: Sash window repair, timber restoration
• Decorators: Traditional paint techniques
• Structural engineers: Heritage building specialists

Cost Considerations

Restoration Costs (per m²)

• Sympathetic repair: £2,000-£3,500 per m²
• Full restoration: £3,500-£5,500 per m²
• High-spec heritage: £5,500-£8,000+ per m²

Specialist Work

• Lime plaster (ceiling): £80-£150 per m²
• Ornate plasterwork restoration: £500-£2,000 per feature
• Sash window repair: £400-£1,200 per window
• Marble fireplace restoration: £1,000-£5,000
• Floor sanding and restoration: £30-£60 per m²
• Stone staircase repair: £2,000-£10,000

Basement Conversion

• Basic tanking and fit-out: £60,000-£100,000
• Excavation and extension: £100,000-£200,000+
• Full dig-down under house: £200,000-£500,000+

Timeline

Listed Building Consent

• Pre-app: 4-8 weeks
• Formal application: 8-13 weeks (statutory)
• Total planning phase: 3-6 months

Renovation

• Structural and conservation work: 3-6 months
• Services and finishes: 3-6 months
• Total project: 9-18 months for full restoration

Grants and Funding

• Historic England: Grants for Grade I/II* buildings
• Heritage Lottery Fund: Community buildings
• Local authority: Some offer conservation grants
• VAT relief: Zero-rated for approved alterations to listed buildings

Return on Investment

• Well-restored Georgian townhouses command premium prices
• Sympathetic work preserves and enhances value
• Poor alterations can devalue significantly
• Original features are irreplaceable selling points
• Listed status can be asset if properly managed

Contact Hampstead Renovations