Heritage Restoration Specialists for the Cotswolds
The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) contains some of England’s most treasured historic buildings. From honey-coloured limestone cottages to grand Georgian manor houses, these properties represent centuries of craftsmanship – and they deserve specialist care that respects their heritage.
The Unique Challenge of Cotswold Stone
Cotswold limestone – the beautiful oolitic limestone that gives the region its distinctive character – presents unique challenges for building maintenance. This honey-coloured stone is inherently porous, designed by nature (and by centuries of builders) to absorb and release moisture naturally.
Why Traditional Materials Matter
Cotswold stone buildings were constructed using lime mortars, lime renders, and lime plasters. These materials work in harmony with the porous stone, allowing buildings to breathe. When modern cement-based products are applied, they trap moisture inside the walls, leading to stone decay, damp problems, and structural damage.
Understanding AONB Regulations
Properties within the Cotswolds AONB are subject to particular planning requirements designed to protect the area’s special character. Conservation officers expect:
- Traditional materials – lime mortars, lime renders, and breathable finishes
- Sympathetic repairs – work that matches the existing character
- Appropriate colours – finishes that complement the local stone
- Reversible methods – repairs future generations can maintain
We have extensive experience working within these requirements and can advise on specifications likely to receive approval.
Property Types We Work With
Grade II Listed Buildings
From Georgian townhouses to medieval cottages, we understand the requirements of working on listed properties and liaising with conservation officers.
Cotswold Stone Cottages
The quintessential Cotswold property – built from local limestone and requiring breathable lime finishes to stay healthy.
Stone Barn Conversions
Agricultural buildings converted to homes often suffer from damp when modern materials are used. We restore breathability.
Period Property Restoration
Victorian, Georgian, and earlier properties all benefit from traditional lime rendering and plastering techniques.
Common Problems We Solve
Damp in Solid Walls Many Cotswold properties suffer from damp caused by previous inappropriate repairs. Cement pointing, modern renders, and non-breathable paints all prevent the natural moisture movement these buildings need.
Stone Decay and Spalling When moisture is trapped inside Cotswold stone, freeze-thaw cycles cause the surface to flake and crumble. Restoring breathability with lime render prevents further damage.
Failed Cement Repairs Cement-based repairs are too hard for soft limestone and cause adjacent stone to crack. We remove inappropriate materials and replace them with compatible lime mortars.
Our Services Across the Cotswolds
- Lime Rendering – External renders using hydraulic lime (NHL) for weather protection
- Lime Plastering – Internal lime plaster finishes and lime pointing
- Damp Proofing – Diagnosis and treatment of damp problems in period properties
Areas We Serve
We cover the entire Cotswolds AONB and surrounding areas of Gloucestershire:
Stroud & The Five Valleys
Our home base. Minchinhampton, Rodborough, Nailsworth, Painswick, Chalford, and surrounding villages.
Cirencester & District
The Capital of the Cotswolds. Sapperton, Fairford, Bibury, Barnsley, and the Ampneys.
Tetbury & Southern Cotswolds
Westonbirt, Shipton Moyne, Beverston, Leighterton, and estate villages.
Cheltenham & Surrounds
Britain's finest Regency spa town. Prestbury, Charlton Kings, Winchcombe, Leckhampton, and surrounding villages.
Why Choose Local Specialists?
The Cotswolds deserves craftsmen who understand its unique building traditions. We’re not a national company sending workers from hundreds of miles away – we live and work here, we know the local stone types, and we’ve built our reputation on quality work in properties just like yours.
These buildings have stood for centuries because they were built with the right materials. Our job is to ensure they stand for centuries more.
Get Your Free Survey
Whether you have a damp problem, failing render, or simply want advice on maintaining your Cotswold property, we’re here to help. Our surveys are free and without obligation – we’ll explain what we find and recommend appropriate solutions.
Contact us today to arrange a convenient time for one of our experienced surveyors to visit your property.