Shortlisted for the Cornish Buildings Group Awards 2025
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.
Richard Wellby developed the refurbishment designs, drawing on his experience in conservation architecture. Amanda Allen oversaw the construction phase, working with the project team to bring the proposals to life with care for the existing building.
The property needed extensive attention. Damp, woodworm and structural deterioration affected the building, alongside a failing roof and weakened first-floor joists. Its windows, doors and services also required improvement.
Although partial demolition was initially considered because of the anticipated repair costs, alternative repair methods allowed the building to be retained and restored. Roof works, repairs and replacement of windows and doors, new leadwork and cast iron guttering formed part of the refurbishment. Electrical, plumbing and heating systems were renewed, with insulation improvements incorporated into the wider works.
The interiors balance the character of the house with the practical needs of everyday living. A handcrafted kitchen uses oak sourced from the family estate, bringing a personal connection to the materials.
Restored kitchen beams and a new internal archway help create a greater sense of space and connection between rooms. Bespoke storage, carefully selected finishes and carved details bring continuity throughout the bedrooms, bathrooms and shared living areas.
Retaining the existing building was central to the project, alongside using locally sourced timber, stone and slate. An air source heat pump replaced the former oil heating system, while improvements to insulation and the airtightness of windows and doors help make the house more comfortable.
Now complete, Trebiffin is once again a welcoming family home. The refurbishment preserves the features and connections that make it special, while allowing it to serve the next generation.
