Listed Buildings and Period Properties
At Metters & Wellby, we’re passionate about creating beautifully designed, modern homes — even when starting with centuries-old walls. We’re experienced in working with listed and historic buildings across Cornwall, helping clients bring them up to date without losing their character.
Our approach has been shaped by our founder, Richard Wellby, who specialised in conservation architecture. Through working alongside Richard and learning from his experience, the team developed a deep appreciation for historic buildings and the care involved in adapting them. His thoughtful approach continues to inform our work today.
Church quinquennial inspections in Cornwall and Devon
Alongside our work with listed homes and historic buildings, we offer church quinquennial inspections and condition surveys across Cornwall and Devon.
These inspections assess the condition of the church building, identifying repair and maintenance needs and helping those responsible plan and prioritise future work.
Dominic Owen leads this service, having taken over from our founder, Richard Wellby, who specialised in conservation architecture. Having worked alongside and learned from Richard, Dominic continues his considered approach to caring for historic buildings.
What we offer:
Design-led renovations
Listed and traditional homes
Creative spatial planning
To suit modern lifestyles
Listed building consent applications
Where required
Sensitive upgrades
To structure, insulation, and energy systems
Craftsmanship-led interiors
With modern finishes and thoughtful detail
Sustainable enhancements
That reduce carbon while respecting heritage
Respecting the Past, Designing for the Future
Our founder, Richard Wellby, left a lasting legacy in conservation architecture, having dedicated much of his career to the preservation and sensitive restoration of listed and historic buildings. We have been fortunate to work alongside Richard over the years, sharing in his wealth of knowledge, experience and passion for protecting our architectural heritage. His influence continues to shape our approach today, and we are proud to carry forward his commitment to preserving and celebrating these beautiful buildings for future generations.
If you own or are buying a listed property and want to make it truly work for modern life, we’d love to help. Our team will guide you through the design, permissions and practicalities of bringing new life to a historic building, carefully balancing its original character with the comforts of contemporary living.
Why Work With Us?
We’re a small, experienced architectural practice based in North Cornwall. That means you’ll always work directly with a professional team who listens carefully, responds quickly, and designs with both imagination and precision.
Listed buildings we have delivered
Trebiffin, Lesnewth, Cornwall
Set within Cornwall’s National Landscape, Trebiffin is a Grade II listed property that has been in our client’s family for generations. The brief was to preserve that connection and the building’s historic character while creating a warm, comfortable home for modern life.
View ProjectTrebythan
Located within the Grade II* listed farmstead, this project reimagines a previously converted listed barn with a carefully designed contemporary extension.
View ProjectMeet Dominic Owen, our Landscape Design & Conservation Specialist
Ask the Experts
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Ask The ExpertsFrequently asked questions
Do you work with both listed buildings and unlisted period properties?
Yes. We work with listed buildings and unlisted period homes across Cornwall and Devon. Our approach considers the individual building, its character and condition, alongside what you would like to achieve.
Can you help us adapt an older property for modern family life?
Yes. We can explore changes to layouts, kitchens, bathrooms and living spaces, helping you improve the way your home works while respecting its historic character. We develop the proposals with you, balancing your priorities with the needs of the building.
Can you advise before we buy a listed property?
Yes. We can review your ideas, identify potential constraints and explain where further investigation or specialist advice may be needed. This can help inform your decision, although we cannot guarantee planning permission or listed building consent.
Can you help us understand which permissions we need?
Yes. We can review your proposed works and advise on the planning and listed building consent requirements relevant to your property. We can also prepare applications and coordinate supporting information where needed.
Can a period home have a contemporary extension or interior?
We can explore contemporary designs that respond sensitively to the original building. The approach will depend on its character, setting and planning context, with careful consideration given to scale, materials and the relationship between old and new.
Can you help improve comfort and energy efficiency?
Yes. We consider the building’s existing construction and condition before exploring suitable improvements. Our conservation, technical and energy expertise helps us assess options for insulation, heating and ventilation alongside the need to protect historic materials and features.
What conservation experience does your team have?
Our founder, Richard Wellby, specialised in conservation architecture. Members of our team worked alongside and learned from Richard, and his thoughtful approach continues to inform our work. We also draw on trusted external specialists where additional expertise is needed.
Do you offer church quinquennial inspections?
Yes. Dominic Owen is qualified to undertake church quinquennial inspections, having taken over this work from Richard Wellby. We offer inspections and condition reports for churches across Cornwall and Devon, helping those responsible identify maintenance needs and prioritise repairs.