When anyone thinks about buying a second hand house, there are myriad questions to be asked and decisions to be made on whether to keep it as it stands and as bought, or whether it is going to be worth stripping out and decorating with modern materials. This was very much the way of doing things in the 1970s up until the early 2000’s. There was no sentimentality towards the romantic old elements around the property and unless someone had a deep love of the aged materials and general style of old features such as corbels and unusual beamed ceilings, then literally everything could get ripped out and swept away. Today however, there is such animosity towards anyone who does that with even the humblest mid century property, that anyone carry out such barbarism is likely to get shredded on social media to the point where it features in the local news bulletins. The same goes for anyone wanting to erect a stark new extension onto an obviously very aged house – the planning department will take a great deal of time going over any plans proffered for consideration. There are now many building controls and this is good, as heaven knows how any beautiful old places have been sacrificed over the years on the altar of modernity.
When looking over a prospective purchase, being prepared to embrace as many original features as possible will help to ensure sympathetic renovations and repairs are carried out. Showing off old wooden beams always makes the owner proud of the wonderful history that came with each beam and corbel. The flooring too has a strong part to play. Flagstone or stone floors can be restored by professionals and unless they are dangerously cracked or damaged, then renovation will bring them back up to tip top condition, with the trip hazard being removed.