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Breathing New Life into a Victorian Gem: The Bonchurch Restoration Project
Island Carpentry Ltd is thrilled to share an exciting update on our ongoing project in the picturesque Bonchurch, a historic gem on the Isle of Wight.
As a team deeply committed to blending traditional craftsmanship with modern sensibilities, we are privileged to be at the helm of restoring a charming Victorian house in one of the oldest settlements on the island.
Bonchurch: A Historical Tapestry
Bonchurch, one of the Isle of Wight's oldest settlements, is a village steeped in history and natural allure. Located on The Undercliff and adjacent to the Bonchurch Landslips, a site recognized for its scientific significance, this village offers a unique backdrop for a restoration project of this magnitude. With the village resting against a northern cliff and Upper Bonchurch perched on the clifftop of St Boniface Down, the project site is as picturesque as it is historically rich.
A Victorian House Re-Envisioned
At the heart of our project is a delightful Victorian house, brimming with original features that hark back to a bygone era. Our goal is to refurbish this home in a manner that respects its historical integrity while integrating modern sustainability practices.
This requires a precise recreation of timber products and architecture, a challenge that Island Carpentry is more than equipped to handle.
Recent Milestones
Our journey has led to the completion of two significant phases:
The Bay and Window Transformation: A crucial aspect of preserving the house's Victorian essence was the rebuilding of a bay and the fitting of new windows and doors. The process involved supporting the structure meticulously, removing old bay windows, and installing steels to support the new windows between them. This not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also improves the home's energy efficiency and functionality.
Room Refurbishment from Ground Up: Perhaps the most striking transformation occurred in one of the rooms, completely overhauled from scratch. After stripping the ceilings, walls, and rotten floor joists, we installed new 6x2 joists and implemented damp-proofing measures.
The ceiling was leveled using an MF System, creating a seamless surface for the new plasterboard and insulation.
Opting for sheep's wool insulation, we embraced a material that is not only sustainable and renewable but also superior in performance compared to traditional insulating materials.
The refurbishment also included the installation of a Torfloor underfloor heating system, engineered flooring, and a bespoke hand-built bookshelf, blending functionality with timeless elegance.
Sustainability at the Forefront
Central to our refurbishment strategy is the use of sustainable materials and processes. Sheep’s wool insulation is a testament to our commitment to eco-friendly practices.
With its remarkable insulating properties, sustainability, and local production, sheep's wool represents a greener alternative to conventional options, embodying the ethos of modern sensibility we strive for.
Looking Forward
As we continue with the restoration of this Victorian house in Bonchurch, our journey is a blend of respect for historical architecture and a commitment to future-proofing our heritage. Each step is taken with precision, care, and a vision for a home that stands as a testament to sustainable restoration practices.
Stay tuned for more updates on this transformative journey with Island Carpentry Ltd, where history and sustainability converge to create spaces that are both beautiful and responsible.
For those inspired by this project or looking to embark on their own restoration journey, Island Carpentry Ltd invites you to reach out. Together, let's redefine what it means to preserve the past while embracing the future.
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