Restoration of South Devon Heritage Home

Project Details

Description // Renovation & Extension

Stage // Planning Approved

ALA Services // Stage A & B

Location // South Devon

Project Stage: Planning Approved  

 

Bow Cottage: A Low-Energy Revival of a South Devon Heritage Home

Nestled in a picturesque South Hams valley in Devon, Bow Cottage is a 17th century Grade II listed stone cottage. Unoccupied for nearly two decades—save for a thriving colony of bats—the cottage had begun to fall into disrepair following the passing of the client’s grandmother, its last resident.

Planning and Listed Building Consent has now been granted for the sensitive renovation and extension of this historic home. Our clients approached the project with a deep respect for the cottage’s heritage, character, and natural inhabitants, and it was a joy to collaborate with them throughout the process.

 

Balancing Ecology and Conservation

A key challenge was to balance ecological considerations with the preservation of historic features. Working closely with the project team and ecological consultants, we incorporated dedicated bat roosts for both summer and winter, ensuring the continued protection of the resident colony.

The roof of the cottage tells a unique story. Originally thatched, it was replaced with corrugated tin during wartime, which was later substituted with corrugated asbestos. This layered history informed the decision—supported by both our clients and local heritage officers—to use modern corrugated cladding for the new roof, extension, and outbuilding. This approach honours the building’s evolving narrative while meeting contemporary performance standards.

A Vision for Low-Energy Living

The renovation aims to transform Bow Cottage into a low-energy dwelling, with sustainability at its core. Key features include:

  • A flush-mounted solar PV array integrated into the roof
  • Insulating lime plaster and high-performance insulation to the roof and floors
  • Renovated original windows with secondary glazing
  • A ground or air-source heat pump for heating and hot water
  • mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR)

Together, these measures are designed to significantly reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions, with the goal of aligning the project with the EnerPHit standard—a benchmark for energy-efficient retrofits of existing buildings.

Accommodation 

  • Bedrooms: 2 Bedrooms
  • Bathrooms: Family Bathroom, 1 Ensuites
  • Spaces: Kitchen / Dining Room, Living Room in replacement extension
  • Home Office: Home Office within outbuilding
  • Utility & Plant Room: For renewable hot water and heating systems and energy storage
  • Outdoor Space: External store in new outbuilding, enhanced gardens, a sheltered entrance, and raised terrace
  • Voluntary Standards: Design to work towards:

Features

  • Existing Structure: Re-use of existing structure and floor levels to minimise requirement for new
  • Materials: Reuse of existing and incorporation of locally sourced and UK manufactured natural materials including insulating lime plaster
  • Shading: Incorporation of external shading and deep window reveals to minimise risk of overheating in the summer from large, glazed windows, and to eliminate light spill
  • Ventilation System: A Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) system will ensure continuous fresh air circulation while recycling heat from outgoing air, reducing heating requirements by approximately 80-90%. This significantly lowers the load on the renewable heating system
  • Self-Sufficiency: Integrated solar PV panels on main roof, battery storge, low power, renewable heating and hot water systems, low consumption appliances and taps / showers, all providing significant energy savings

The restoration of Bow Cottage will lovingly bring a treasured family home back to life. With thoughtful low-energy design and care for its natural surroundings, it’s being shaped into a comfortable, healthy place—ready to be enjoyed by generations to come.