La Bellieuse
La Bellieuse was constructed as a 5-bay farmhouse typical of the 16th century. The property was inherited in the 1960s but left neglected. When our clients bought the listed ruin in 2019, the building was no longer safe to enter.
- Category: residential
La Bellieuse's internal structures had gradually rotted, due to poor maintenance of the roof. Within months of purchase, a storm caused the entire roof to collapse inwards. The first major task was to stabilise the walls and large gable ends to protect the cathedral-like structure.
Our clients' design brief was to re-plan the interior, creating accommodation on three floors, while ensuring that the character of the original building was maintained and enhanced. To restore the building's charm, natural slates on the roof and bespoke windows were incorporated, carefully matching the joinery of the originals that could be repaired and reused. Traditional Captain’s dormers were built into the roof to give additional light and space.
The ruinous outbuildings at the rear were cleared and new levels were created to allow more light into the garden. The existing greenhouse site was transformed with an oak-framed pergola and salvaged fireplace set into a granite gable, forming an elevated terrace orientated to enjoy sunlight throughout the day.