How we updated a Grade I-listed Georgian house for modern family life

Whether you're drawn to its architectural merit or a sense of history, there is an undeniable attraction to owning a listed home. However, buying one, particularly if it is in need of work, is not for the faint-hearted. Listed buildings have national interest, and as a result, any changes – even what may appear to be the most minor renovations – require planning permission. So for a family of today, these properties often pose a unique challenge: how do you introduce modern-day elements while preserving the character of the building and not falling foul of planning officers?
This was the conundrum faced by the owners of this striking Grade I-listed Georgian house in south-west London. The couple, who have three young children, purchased the five-bedroom terrace in 2022 and appointed interior design firm Sims Hilditch to help transform what was a series of nondescript white rooms into a warm and cosy family home.
'Initially we took the approach of a redecoration project but it quickly became clear that the house needed something more extensive,' says Becca Dent, the studio's lead designer. 'The electrics, for example, were essentially unsafe, the heating wasn't working properly, and neither were the fireplaces.'
It was at that point that she called on architect Darren Price, director at ADAM Architecture, who has worked on numerous historic houses and has years of experience in heritage and conservation. 'Only about 2 per cent of buildings in the UK are listed and within that only 2.5 per cent are Grade I listed. So they are extremely rare,' he says. 'This means every detail of what you want to do has to be part of the planning application process, even potentially where you plan to hang artwork, to ensure the fabric of the building is not at risk of damage.'
However, despite a common fear from owners that any possible alterations will be met with resistance, Price insists that thoughtful negotiation and a sensitive approach can produce favourable results. 'It is all about context,' he explains. 'If something is in poor condition and not contributing to the significance of the building, it is possible to justify its removal because it is actually harming the integrity of the building. It's just weighing up the benefit versus harm.'
The entrance hall
Inside the house, there were also practical layout logistics to navigate. The ground floor did not have clearly defined rooms and Dent had to make the area flow and give each room a purpose. An extendable round table was placed in the entrance hall, for instance, so that it can multitask as a dining area for larger numbers. The room has been painted in a soft pale green that gives a fresh, welcoming effect, and in addition, the ceiling rose has been reinstated and an imposing lantern now hangs over the table.
The kitchen
'One of the tricky things we had, with not being able to reconfigure anything, is that the kitchen, which needed updating, was a small room,' she admits. For a standard house, the obvious solution would have been an extension or moving the kitchen to a bigger space, but not in this case. 'We did explore switching the kitchen for the sitting room next door which is wider, but it was going to be nearly impossible to get approval.'
Instead, Dent focused on creating a light-filled room using soft green and grey cabinetry, which visually connected it with the garden and made the kitchen appear larger.
'By putting artwork up and having areas of open shelving, we designed it in a way that it doesn't look like a functional kitchen, more like a beautifully decorated space,' she explains. But although she retained the existing kitchen layout, there were still some important planning considerations.
'As the room has original panelling, cabinetry had to be fixed a certain way so as to not cause any damage,' says Price. 'Reversibility is important, so that the room can be returned to exactly as it was.' To that end, beaded boards were installed not only for visual interest but to protect the Georgian panelling.
The family room
The family room was designed to be a relaxing space with a neutral palette. 'The client wanted a country feel, so we have used greens and florals subtly throughout,' says Dent. The original built-in bookcase was repainted off-white, but even what could be considered a simple decorating job could not be done without approval. 'The planners are less worried about the colour of paint, but definitely the specification,' says Price. 'Is it breathable? Is it appropriate to the early Georgian material, or will it damage it in future? How many coats will it require and what is the impact of that? These are all the things that are considered.'
When it came to furniture, Dent was keen on a style that was in keeping with the house's architecture but fresh enough for a modern family. 'We were conscious to have a mix of old and new,' she says. 'We used as much of the clients' existing furniture as possible, but also helped with sourcing antiques. We worked on the principle of at least one antique in every room. That gives a layered and lived-in feel.' Alongside the antiques were buys from distinguished brands such as George Smith, Vaughan, Julian Chichester and Soane.
The drawing room
On the first floor, the drawing room strikes a clever balance between formality and comfort. The ceiling rose, which had been stripped out at some point in the past, was reinstated. 'It was in keeping with what would have been there originally,' explains Price. 'The materials used were important so we ensured it was made from handmade fibrous plaster, by some of the best craftspeople in the country.' Permission was also granted to install working window shutters, but even then, it wasn't a simple job: 'Because the hinges are original, you can't simply take them off and replace them,' says Price.
The main bedroom
In the main bedroom, which adjoins the wife's study, an initial plan for patterned wallpaper within all the panels was vetoed, but a compromise was reached to have linen wallcovering within four panels instead. This added texture gives the room a warm, soothing atmosphere; while the mossy green fabrics covering the headboard and ottoman, and the mix of cushions on the bed, give a subtle dose of colour and pattern.
The bathrooms
In the bathroom opposite the main bedroom, two marble-topped vanities flank the original bath tub. 'It's a similar layout to what we had before but these vanities are made to look like pieces of furniture, to add warmth,' says Dent. 'You are not able to have as many built-in pieces here as you might do conventionally,' adds Price. However, floorboards were allowed to be taken up to tank the area in order to protect against water damage. 'Behind the period appearance is a whole modern infrastructure,' notes Price.
The children's floor above has three bedrooms and a bathroom, which the designers were given permission to create by swapping the previous bathroom for one of the bedrooms. 'The old bathroom was very large, while the bedroom was much smaller. We did go back into the archives and discovered the bathroom had been relocated at some point without approval,' says Price. 'We were able to justify that we were only returning it to what it should have been.'
The utility and wine cellar
The trickiest aspect of the project was the renovation of the lower floor, which now consists of a boot room, a wine cellar and a utility room, as well as a guest bedroom and bathroom. 'It is the most reconfigured space so we had to work very closely with the conservation officers,' says Price. 'The utility room, for instance, is now a functioning area, whereas before there was no built-in cabinetry or sink.'
The success of the restoration has already led Price and Sims Hilditch to join forces on upcoming projects. 'One of the biggest strengths of this design was having the architect and interior designer start working collaboratively early on,' he says. 'We leant on each other's expertise and gave the client the confidence that we would create the best home possible.'
Five tips for renovating a listed home
Architect Darren Price from ADAM Architecture breaks down some of the key considerations for modernising a historical house for family living
Choose heritage-savvy architects and interior designers
Not all architects are created equal when it comes to period properties. Seek out professionals with RIBA accreditation and proven experience with historic buildings. Equally, collaboration between architects and interior designers who understand historic buildings at an early stage is essential.
Have a financial contingency plan
Heritage projects often come with both unexpected joys and unforeseen challenges. I always advise clients to factor in both financial and time contingencies. As a rule of thumb, allow for at least 10 per cent additional budget and a similar margin for delays. It's also wise to keep your timeline fluid – discoveries such as asbestos or protected species can significantly affect your schedule.
Seek permission for any changes
Original features such as fireplaces, wall panelling or finishes are often protected and form part of the building's important story. Even small choices, like a specific paint colour, may require approval from conservation officers. Any changes or replacements must be handled sensitively and with robust justification, with your architect guiding the strategy and liaising with correct authorities. Modern additions can often be reversible: for example, it should be possible to remove a new kitchen or built-in cabinetry without damaging the building's historic fabric.
Ensure the right materials are used
With listed properties, using traditional materials such as lime mortar or period-appropriate natural materials is often a requirement, alongside the correct construction techniques. Sometimes slightly more expensive, these materials support the building's longevity and safeguard your investment.
Don't rule out modern comforts
While it's easy to assume elements such as underfloor heating are off limits, more is possible than many think. With the right expertise, your architect can make a strong case for upgrades that respect and enhance the property – particularly when it comes to replacing ageing electrical and plumbing installations.

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