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Transforming a Run-down 17th Century Cottage

Beetles, rats and squirrels? Nothing was too much of a challenge for Steve and Sally Mitchell when they took on the task of renovating a tumbledown 17th century cottage

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Transforming a Run-down 17th Century Cottage

Fact file

Name	Steve and Sally Mitchell
Profession	Environmental consultant and nurse
House Type	Detached cottage
House Size	150 sq m
Finance	Sale of previous house
Build Time	Aug '04 - June '07
Land Cost	£320000
Build Cost	£80000
Total Cost	£400000
Current Value	£520000
Cost /m2	£533
Cost Saving	23 %
Build route	Self as main contractor
Construction system	Traditional oak frame with brick cladding ( garage: brick and block)
Region	South West England
County	West Sussex
Difficulties overcome	Wildlife

When Steve and Sally Mitchell decided to sell their 19th century four bedroom detached house and move to a three bedroom listed 17th century semi-detached cottage in the same Sussex village, they knew that they were buying themselves into a large list of problems. However, tackling all of these subsequent challenges proved well within the capabilities of this resourceful couple. The result, four years later, is a house well adapted to the lifestyle they enjoy with their two daughters and that has every likelihood of proving a very good investment.

Click here to read the full story...

Useful links

ECAP: Chimney Specialists
Hemsley Consulting Limited: Structural engineers
Mitchell Plumbing & Heating: Plumbing/Central Heating
Peter J. Searle Associates: Architect
R Funnell Roofing Contractors: Roofer
Real Wood Kitchens: Kitchen
SPAB (The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings): Conservation Advice
The Rooflight Company: Conversion Rooflights

Cost breakdown

Structural work: £5,000
Central heating: £7,000
Bathrooms: £6,000
Kitchen: £7,000
Chimney reconstruction and wood stoves: £10,000
Timber and other building materials: £7,000
Staircase: £1,000
Flooring: £3,000
Electrics: £1,000
Windows and doors: £7,000
Roofing: £9,000
Plastering: £6,000
Fees: £5,000
Miscellaneous: £6,000

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