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Project	Skelton Hall
Listing	Grade II
Sector	Conservation & Heritage
Awards	York Design Awards 2023 Double Award-Winner John Shannon Conservation Award (winner) 2023 York Design Awards Residential Single Dwelling (winner) 2023 York Design Awards See all our awards

Grade II listed country house restoration and extension in York

Bramhall Blenkharn Leonard provided lead architectural services for a full programme of fabric repair, alterations, and extensions to this significant Grade-II listed country house on the edge of York. The property had a chequered history, suffering from fire damage, requisition by the RAF, and division into two houses in the 1950s.

Bramhall Blenkharn Leonard worked closely with the current owners over a significant period to undertake detailed historic analysis of the building and work closely with City of York conservation department to unpick insensitive alterations and weave in a programme of alterations and extensions that respect the listed building while also achieving our client requirements for spaces that work for modern family life.

Internally, the proposals include reinstating the timber staircase in its original location, based on photographic evidence uncovered during the research phase. At the western end, the proposals include the reinstatement of an extension to the kitchen area and minor window alterations. The new kitchen and day room create a large open-plan living space for the family that connects with key service rooms and provides a framed view to the extensive pond in the rear garden.

The fabric repairs included re-roofing in Welsh slate with new lead-lined dormers and attic conversion. A significant programme of masonry repair work included repointing with lime mortar tuck pointing and the removal of corroded iron fixing clamps to the stone plinth course.

Externally, a full landscape proposal was developed in collaboration with The Landscape Agency (York) to reinstate the original landscape plan prior to the division of the property in the '50s and to create modern landscape areas that suit modern family life. A new tennis court has been laid under the canopy of a giant sequoia tree.

Our close work with York conservation and planning reflects our position as a leading York architect and conservation architectural practice delivering significant listed building and heritage construction projects in York.