Heritage Restoration of “Dyers” – Georgian Grade II Listed House
A five week conservation led exterior restoration of a historic Georgian property in Ongar, Essex.
Case Study: Heritage Restoration of “Dyers” – A Georgian Listed House
In this blog post, we highlight our recent exterior conservation and redecoration project at a grand Georgian Grade II listed house in Ongar, Essex. This five week project showcases our conservation led approach to listed building decorating, from sash window restoration to lime render repairs. As period property specialists in Essex, we take pride in preserving the character and integrity of historic homes while delivering beautiful results.
- Property: Grade II listed Georgian house
- Location: Ongar, Essex
- Building date: Origins 16th–17th century, Georgian façade added 18th century
- Project duration: Five week restoration
A Georgian House with Historic Significance
The property is a large Georgian house (Grade II listed) with origins in the sixteenth to seventeenth century, later given a grand eighteenth century front façade.
It features a five bay, two storey elevation with attics, complete with original small paned sash windows and classical detailing. The central entrance has fluted Ionic pilasters and a decorative cornice, showing the elegance of the Georgian era.
Because of this historic significance, every step of the restoration followed heritage best practices.
Project Timeline:
Over five weeks our craftsmen carried out sash window repairs, cornice restoration, removal of inappropriate modern paint, and full exterior decorating using traditional materials. Work was scheduled to minimise disruption while protecting the building fabric from start to finish.
A Conservation Led Approach
From the outset we aimed to preserve as much original material as possible. All work used like for like materials to ensure compatibility with the historic building. Existing conditions were documented, listing descriptions consulted, and methods agreed with conservation officers.
Older buildings must be able to breathe, so all materials were breathable and vapour open.
We used breathable primers, flexible conservation fillers, lime based infill plaster and vapour permeable finishes. Wood repairs used consolidants and fillers that do not trap moisture.
This gentle approach protects both the building and the long term durability of the work.
Sash Window Restoration – Rot Repair, Glazing and Linseed Paint
One of the major elements was the restoration of the original sash windows.
Rot Repairs:
Each window was assessed for decay. Rotten sections were cut out and replaced with new hardwood splices, removing only what was necessary and preserving as much historic timber as possible. Smaller areas were stabilised before repair.
Glazing and Putty:
Loose or cracked putty was removed and any broken panes were replaced with restoration glass. All salvageable wavy glass was retained. Each sash was bedded into fresh linseed oil putty and secured with glazing sprigs.
Linseed Oil Paint Finish:
Multiple coats of traditional linseed oil paint were applied. Linseed paint penetrates timber, cures flexibly, and allows moisture to escape, giving a long lasting, breathable finish.
By the end, every window was fully operable, weatherproof, and historically correct.
Repairing Decorative Cornices and Woodwork
The property includes classical cornices, a decorative door canopy and fluted pilasters. These were restored using in situ conservation methods.
In Situ Cornice Repairs:
Cracks, rot and lost detail were repaired in place. The cornice was cleaned, failing repairs removed, and profiles re run in hardwood. Loose sections were fixed securely.
Hand Carved Timber Corbels:
Where decay was severe, new English oak corbels were hand carved and installed. Once painted, they blend seamlessly with the original eighteenth century joinery.
Other Woodwork Repairs:
We repaired the fronton, pilasters, soffits, eaves and the ironwork porch. Ironwork was cleaned and repainted in black enamel. All woodwork was finished using the same linseed paint system for breathability and consistency.
Lime Render Conservation – Paint Removal and Mineral Paint Finish
The original lime render had previously been coated with non breathable plastic paint, trapping moisture and causing deterioration.
Careful Paint Removal:
Using chemical poultice and low pressure steam, the acrylic paint was removed without damaging the lime render beneath. Damaged areas were repaired with matching lime mortar.
Breathable Mineral Paint (Keim Soldalit):
Keim Soldalit mineral paint was applied to give a fully breathable, long lasting finish. It bonds with mineral substrates, remains vapour open and is highly UV stable.
The result is a bright, authentic, matte mineral appearance that suits the Georgian façade.
Traditional Materials at Every Stage
We used lime based products, mineral paints, linseed systems, flexible conservation fillers and resin consolidants to retain as much original fabric as possible.
Craft techniques such as scarf joints and profile carving were used to match original detailing.
This combination of traditional methods and sympathetic materials ensures authenticity and longevity.
Watch The Restoration In Action
See the exterior transformation including sash window repairs, cornice work and lime render restoration.
Preserving the Past with Specialist Care
After five weeks the property has been restored to its former glory, with crisp linseed painted windows, renewed cornices and a breathable mineral finish.
This case study shows how conservation led methods protect historic buildings while enhancing their appearance.
Need Specialist Care for a Period Property?
If you have a listed or historic home needing expert restoration, our team can help.
We combine traditional craftsmanship with conservation approved materials to protect your building and enhance its character.
Get in Touch
If you’re ready to enhance the look of your home or business interior with a fresh décor update, contact us today.
Simply fill out our online contact form, and we will get back to you as soon as possible to discuss your requirements. At HarriDec, we are committed to helping you achieve an interior space that is both beautiful and perfectly tailored to your needs – on time, on budget, and with first-class workmanship every time.