Northumberland is home to some of the UK’s most characterful heritage homes—stone cottages, Georgian terraces, manor houses, and even converted bastles. Restoring these properties is a rewarding challenge that calls for sensitivity, technical skill, and local knowledge.
At Crawford Higgins, we specialise in the thoughtful restoration of period and listed homes across Northumberland. In this post, we share practical advice from our architects on how to restore historic buildings with care and creativity.
1. Understand What You’re Working With
Every heritage property is unique. Before any work begins, take the time to understand your home’s history and construction. This might include:
- Studying original floor plans or archives
- Identifying which features are original and which were added later
- Checking if the building is listed or lies in a conservation area
Architects can commission a heritage impact assessment and help interpret the historic value of key elements such as stonework, beams, fireplaces, or sash windows.
2. Respect Original Materials
One of the biggest mistakes in heritage restoration is introducing incompatible materials. Modern cement, uPVC, or concrete can damage breathable structures built with lime mortar, timber, and stone.
Our rule of thumb? Repair before replace. When new materials are needed, they should:
- Match or complement the originals in texture and appearance
- Be sustainably sourced where possible
- Allow the building to “breathe” naturally
Working with local tradespeople and material suppliers ensures an authentic finish.
3. Plan for Energy Efficiency—Sensitively
Older homes often have poor thermal performance, but standard insulation solutions don’t always work in heritage buildings. Instead, architects use techniques like:
- Internal wall insulation using breathable materials
- Secondary glazing instead of replacing historic windows
- Air-source heat pumps or underfloor heating in carefully selected areas
Every intervention should be reversible where possible, ensuring future generations can continue to appreciate the original fabric of the building.
4. Secure the Right Permissions
If your home is Grade I, II*, or II listed, you’ll need Listed Building Consent for most changes—even internal ones. Many homes in Northumberland’s market towns (like Hexham, Corbridge, or Alnwick) also fall within conservation areas.
Your architect will help with:
- Submitting detailed drawings and heritage statements
- Liaising with conservation officers at Northumberland County Council
- Justifying modern updates or structural changes
Consent applications can take several months, so it’s important to factor this into your timeline early on.
5. Modern Extensions Can Work—If They’re Well Designed
Adding space to a heritage home doesn’t mean mimicking the past. In fact, many planning departments favour honest contemporary additions that contrast with the original building while remaining sympathetic in scale and material.
Great modern extensions often feature:
- Glass links between old and new
- Zinc or timber cladding that complements traditional stone
- Flat or green roofs to reduce visual impact
Architects can help strike the balance between bold design and heritage respect—winning over both clients and planners.
6. Expect Surprises—and Plan for Them
Restoration projects nearly always uncover the unexpected: rotten timbers, hidden brickwork, undocumented alterations. While these discoveries are part of the charm, they can also affect cost and timelines.
We recommend:
- Allowing a contingency budget of 10–20%
- Carrying out thorough surveys before finalising your build contract
- Working with a project manager or architect who can respond quickly on site
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make a listed home open-plan?
It depends. Removing walls in a listed building often requires consent and structural input. Architects can design layouts that open up space while preserving original features.
Q: Will I need specialist trades for heritage work?
Yes. Lime plasterers, stone masons, joiners familiar with period detailing—they’re worth their weight in gold. Your architect can help source and brief them.
Q: Are grants available for restoration in Northumberland?
In some cases, yes—especially for significant heritage properties or energy-efficiency upgrades. We can advise on available schemes.
Final Thoughts
Restoring a heritage home in Northumberland is a privilege—but it’s not without complexity. With the guidance of an experienced architect, you can protect your home’s history while making it fit for modern life.
At Crawford Higgins, we blend conservation expertise with contemporary design to create homes that honour the past and embrace the future. If you’re considering a restoration project, we’d love to help you get started.
