'We took a big risk on a derelict tower and it paid off' – step inside this converted substation with sweeping Cornish views

"The uniqueness of the tower sold it to us," says Morveth Ward. "It was imposing and derelict, but we could visualise it done, and we were excited about the challenge of getting it there."

Standing 11m tall with a footprint of just 25sq m, the tower in question was built in 1910 from local granite and used as an electricity substation, yet the location adds the magic, as it is set on a high ridge in rural west Cornwall.

Here, the peninsula is so narrow that one can see both coasts simultaneously, providing a breathtaking view that was a big part of the substation’s appeal for the pair.

Project details

• Location West Cornwall
• House type Former stone electricity substation, built in 1910
• Construction method Extension is timber frame and timber clad
• Project cost £400,000
• Architect Jacob Down
• Interior design Trevolt Studio

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The Wards’ tower sits in a distinctive position, midway between Cornwall’s north and south coasts

A dilapidated porch was replaced with this timber addition, which will weather naturally to sit comfortably alongside the original stone

Removing layers of render revealed these original red-brick arches

Local connections

"We're very rooted here," says Abi, an interior designer. "Morveth grew up a few fields away, and we had been on the lookout for a project. We had asked the farmer five years previously to let us know if she ever wanted to sell."

And when she said she did, the couple threw everything they had at the project, selling their home, committing their savings and moving into a static caravan on site. Yet the size of this one-off challenge didn’t faze them.

"We’d done renovation projects before, but nothing on this scale," says Morveth. Abi agrees, saying, "It was before we had children, and it didn’t cross our minds as being daunting – on the contrary, it was exciting. We knew there would be hiccups, even if we planned it to perfection, and we agreed it could be stressful, but not worth getting upset about."

The pair say their confidence stemmed from knowing they had a great team and part of that team was their architect, Jacob Down, who was the natural choice.

"We’ve been best friends since school," says Morveth. "We’re so aligned, there is no stress and Jacob is super creative."

Jacob created new spaces in the existing tower across three levels (the top one is a mezzanine bedroom) and added a two-storey, larch-clad extension, set back and to the side.

A central, full-height lightwell ensures the heart of the building is naturally bright and frames the drama of the Cornish sky. A small porch to one side of the tower had to be removed and was replaced in the same style as the extension.

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"Our best decision was choosing to focus on sustainable and natural materials," says Abi

Sustainability guided the couple’s choice of materials throughout the renovation, including their decision to use breathable clay paint for the walls

The kitchen-diner is located on the ground floor and leads onto a boot room, bedroom and WC

Additions with integrity

The new additions are deliberately contemporary designs, which contrast with the original building. They add valuable practical space for family life, but all without detracting from the original building.

Morveth and Abi’s choice of timber as the cladding for the extensions continues that concept of difference and contrast between the parts of the property.

"We never wanted it to match, as that felt dishonest," explains Abi. "We didn’t want to blur lines, either, as that would change the form of the tower and we wanted to keep the original prominent. While we discussed different materials that could be used, we felt the timber would weather-in well."

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The first-floor living room benefits from a balcony above the new porch

The living area doubles as a practical office space

Differences of opinion

Getting planning permission for their vision took less than a year and, thankfully, was fairly stress-free as the couple had an agreement with the farmer that they would only purchase the land once planning had been awarded.

Agreeing on Building Regulations was a challenge, however, as the approach favoured by the local authority was to dry-line the original stone structure on the inside face and build out stud walls with traditional insulation to meet the required U-values.

Yet this didn’t fit with Morveth and Abi’s vision for sustainability and respect for the historic fabric of the building. Fortunately, the couple found a local company, Cornish Lime, which makes insulating lime render. As a natural material, the lime render meets the required U-value without losing space to new stud walls.

"We had to fight for that, but it was worth persevering," says Morveth. "Otherwise, we would have been left with square rooms, whereas now we can follow the line of the original walls, giving a more aesthetic and authentic feel."

The exterior walls also needed attention. Morveth worked with the building team to remove the cement between the granite blocks and repoint the tower with lime, allowing the home to breathe.

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An earthy colour palette and plenty of greenery beautifully complements the property’s countryside location

"The amount of light is invaluable. There’s a lovely balance; the higher you go up, the more it changes," Abi says

The bathroom in the new extension makes the most of its setting, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing far-reaching views

Local sourcing

The size and the potential unknowns of the project proved tricky, according to Morveth.

"Repointing was a huge job, but we knew we had to get that bit right and not rush it," he says.

Another sustainable measure that the couple took included drilling a borehole for water. "That was a great decision as the water quality is amazing," says Abi.

The couple also chose to have a ground-source heat pump. The former substation stands on a one-acre plot, so they had the space for the shallow, coil type. "We were looking for green alternatives," says Morveth. "GSHP manufacturer Kensa is here in Cornwall, so our system was built just 15 miles away, and it has proved to be a great choice for us."

Bringing local sourcing and sustainable principles to the interior design was Abi’s goal when she designed the finishes. She chose to use clay paint – including some self-mixed – so that there were "no horrible chemicals," and the kitchen cabinetry was hand-built in solid wood.

Abi also removed the old render to reveal red brick arches over the windows and doors. "I’d describe the style as modern rustic," says Abi. "I wanted to pay homage to the building and its fabric by enhancing the character and the sense of history. For example, we found some old switches, which we cleaned and installed as outside lights."

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The bedroom features an open-plan design that opens onto a shower room

Natural light was a priority in Morveth and Abi’s brief

The skylight was one aspect of the overall design that won the Cornish Buildings Group Award in 2023

Timber cladding on the ceiling adds warmth and character to the new extension

Looking ahead

With Morveth working as a labourer on site throughout the build and renovations, and the couple sharing project management responsibilities, Abi was able to focus on the interior design from the start.

Morveth credits her foresight. "I would constantly ask, 'Why are you buying this now?' but getting the right things when she saw them proved the right thing to do," he says. "It meant that as soon as the building work was completed, we were ready to go."

Despite the risks and challenges, the Wards – now a family of three, following the arrival of daughter Posy – are loving their life in this former substation. They are also passionate about the potential of disused heritage buildings as homes.

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The roof terrace on the third floor offers spectacular views of the countryside

"There is so much room, with fantastic light," says Abi. Morveth agrees: "I love the sense of freedom the building gives," he says. "The elements, the big expanses, the feeling of space. It’s amazing how it opens up from the roof. This is an elevated plot, and from the top of the building, you feel like you are flying."

Enjoyed this house tour? You may also want to look around this Manhattan-inspired loft conversion in London or this extended London terrace with a flexible layout.