The client sought Purcell’s help to make sense of the complex layout of the historic building. The early 18th century building comprised sections of a stone medieval structure on the lower level with Victorian interventions on the upper floors. The 1970s saw the building insensitively converted into three residences, one in the main Georgian building and two flats in the Victorian interventions.
Internally, the ground and first floors had a Georgian layout. Works in the Victorian period and 1970s confused this layout with new partitions and a second back staircase. The major challenges were to rationalise the spaces, create a single family residence and provide access to all floors from one main staircase.
The building is Grade II* listed, with a separate Grade II listing for the front courtyard railings. Below ground had scheduled ancient monument status as it forms part of the York Minster precinct.
External repairs were made to the brickwork, windows, doors, roofing and chimneys.
Retaining the living room and drawing room on the ground floor, we combined the kitchen and dining room to create a more functional space for the family.
Improving the circulation of the home was important. Our work opened up the hallway and a number of the smaller spaces and formed a new staircase from the second floor to the attic space, above the existing 16th century staircase.
On the first floor, new en-suite bathrooms were added to all of the bedrooms. Few remaining historic features on the second floor which allowed for a more contemporary approach.
A gym, jacuzzi and steam room were also created within the Victorian section of the first floor.
The completed scheme has enhanced the character of this historically fascinating building and rationalised its layout to create a sizeable, high quality family home.
External repairs included replacing the roofing felt with more durable Sarnafil, while insulation and eaves ventilating tiles were introduced.