A Challenging Yet Rewarding Project in Crieff
Project Date – November 2024
Timescale – 3 days
Cost – £10,140.00
Nestled in the picturesque town of Crieff, we were called to work on a truly remarkable property—a category B listed Gothic villa from the 1800s. This building, with its castle-like turrets and intricate architectural details, is not just a home but a piece of history.
Taking on a project like this is always a challenge, but it’s one we relish. Listed buildings like this demand a careful, sympathetic approach to ensure their original character remains intact while integrating modern functionality. Every step of the process required careful planning, respect for the property’s heritage, and the expertise of our skilled team.
Understanding the Scope: A Hidden Challenge
When the current owners purchased this stunning property, they knew it would require some internal renovations. What they didn’t anticipate was the extent of the work needed. Upon inspection, it became clear that the electrical system was dangerously outdated—some parts nearly 100 years old!
The challenge wasn’t just about upgrading the electrics. It was about doing so without compromising the historical integrity of this Gothic villa. With such an unusual design and unique architectural features, every step of the process had to be planned and executed with precision.
Specialist Teams for a Specialist Job
To tackle this complex project, we assigned a team of four specialist electricians experienced in listed buildings and period property rewiring. Their job wasn’t just to install modern electrics—it was to seamlessly integrate them into a home where walls, ceilings, and fixtures hold historical value.
By Day 2, the plasterers were on-site, ensuring that every area affected by the rewiring was sympathetically restored. From the bedrooms to the grand reception rooms, every inch of this home required meticulous attention to detail.
Modern Functionality Meets Historical Charm
One of the major hurdles in a project like this is the age of the property itself. Decades of settling had made parts of the structure—such as roots and beams—challenging to navigate. Our team had to carefully work around these elements while installing modern amenities, like spotlights in the bedrooms, to bring the villa up to 21st-century standards.
Despite these challenges, we’ve successfully installed a state-of-the-art electrical system that ensures safety and efficiency. This includes a 10-year warranty and an NEIC certification, giving the homeowners peace of mind for years to come.
Preserving the Past, Preparing for the Future
Working on listed buildings is never just about the job itself—it’s about preserving a piece of history. Every decision we made in this Crieff villa was guided by a deep respect for its past and a commitment to ensuring its future.
Now, with its new electrics in place and its original charm untouched, this Gothic villa stands as a testament to what can be achieved with the right expertise and a passion for preservation. It’s projects like this that remind us why we love what we do.
If you’re planning renovations on a period property, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’d be delighted to help you bring modern functionality to your historic home.
