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Creating a Room with a View
Welsh Cottage Renovation Project – Part Two
From two dark bedrooms to a spectacular vaulted living space overlooking the North Wales coastline.
From two dark bedrooms to a spectacular vaulted living space overlooking the North Wales coastline.
In the second instalment of our Welsh cottage renovation series, we take you inside an ambitious transformation that turned two small, traditional bedrooms into a beautiful open-plan living space, combining character, craftsmanship and contemporary design.
For our Cheshire-based clients, the ambition was clear: to create a welcoming family holiday home that celebrated the character of their 18th-century Welsh cottage while making the most of its extraordinary coastal setting.
A sensitive renovation in a conservation area
Renovating an 18th century property on the coast brings its own challenges, particularly when it is situated within a conservation area.
Before work could begin, the project required careful planning and the necessary planning permission to ensure that the proposed alterations respected the character of the building and its surroundings.
Working with planners and the family, the Miller Dickinson team developed a scheme that would transform the internal layout, increase the sense of space and introduce new openings to capture the stunning views.
The challenge was to achieve a contemporary living environment without losing the charm and authenticity that makes the cottage so special.
Creating space, light and height
The original first-floor layout comprised two relatively small bedrooms separated by a long dark corridor, low ceilings restricted the available space and light. The rooms had been damaged by a flood and the ceilings were partially collapsed, but we were able to see that there was a fantastic space above that had amazing potential.
Our first major task was to remove the dividing wall, bringing the two rooms together to create one generous living area.
We then removed the existing low ceilings to reveal the roof space above, creating a dramatic vaulted ceiling that completely changed the proportions of the room.
Careful construction work, insulation, plastering and lighting installation brought the new ceiling to life, delivering a clean, contemporary finish while retaining the building’s traditional roofline.
Reclaimed materials, traditional craftsmanship
One of the defining features of this renovation is the thoughtful use of reclaimed materials.
Rather than introducing an entirely modern finish, we wanted the completed room to feel as though it belonged within the history of the cottage.
A traditional reclaimed timber floor was laid in a herringbone pattern, bringing warmth, texture and timeless character to the living space.
Another particularly special feature is the substantial reclaimed timber beam, sourced from the nearby port.
Full of natural weathering, texture and history, the beam was carefully incorporated as a mantel above the new fireplace, creating a distinctive connection between the renovated cottage and its coastal surroundings.
Opening the walls to the coastline
Perhaps the most ambitious element of the project was the decision to open the cottage’s substantial external stone walls.
Although the new vaulted ceiling and open-plan layout dramatically improved the interior, we wanted to go further and connect the living space with the landscape beyond.
A large new opening was carefully formed within the thick masonry, allowing the installation of glazed patio doors leading onto an outdoor terrace.
This was a significant structural alteration, requiring careful planning and execution to preserve the integrity of the existing building.
A fireplace with character
No Welsh cottage retreat would be complete without somewhere to gather around a warm fire.
With no suitable existing chimney breast in the redesigned living space, we constructed a new false chimney breast to accommodate a wood-burning stove.
The fireplace was finished with a hand built traditional stone surround, slate hearth and the reclaimed harbour timber mantel.
The result is a focal point that feels entirely at home in this historic property, despite being a new addition.
It is a good example of how traditional materials and modern construction techniques can work together to create something both practical and beautiful.
The finishing touches
With the major structural alterations complete, attention turned to the details that would bring the new room together.
A carefully considered kitchen and dining area was introduced, with traditional shaker-style cabinetry, contrasting dark base units and natural timber furniture.
The reclaimed herringbone flooring continues through the space, connecting the kitchen, dining and seating areas.
A relaxed living area, centred around the wood-burning stove, completes the transformation.
The finished room feels light, spacious and contemporary, yet its reclaimed materials and traditional features ensure it remains firmly rooted in the character of the original cottage.
Planning a renovation of your own?
At Miller Dickinson Construction, we specialise in high-quality residential renovations, property transformations, structural alterations and heritage building projects across Cheshire and the surrounding areas.
Whether you are considering an open-plan conversion, vaulted ceiling, period property renovation or a complete redesign of your home, our experienced team can help bring your ideas to life.
Explore our projects or get in touch to discuss your plans.
