River House, Kersey

River House, Kersey is a nationally significant structure and a Grade 2* Listed building. The property sits in the heart of the village of Kersey, a renowned village for its picturesque scenes. The view of ‘The Splash’, with the River House behind it, is a well-known view in Suffolk. Whitworth are therefore delighted to have been involved with the property to see its loving restoration back to a family home.

At the time of Whitworth’s appointment, the property had sat empty for around 25 years, and as a result, had seen a degrading in its fabric. Therefore, following in-depth planning conversations with both the local authority and Historic England, Whitworth were able to develop a scheme for the careful restoration of the property and minor adaptation to create a home fit for the 21st century. In doing so, however, we are proud that none of the historic detailing of features have been lost.

The property boasts three unique features, all of which have required their own sensitive approach.

The first phase of the works was to construct a new first floor extension. This was located where one previously would have stood, although sadly there is little documented evidence of it. However, in reconstructing this extension, it has been possible to expose a series of 17th century wall paintings of full size figures in costume and ornamentation. These paintings had been covered up externally and were hidden from sight. Through the construction of a sympathetically designed extension, we have been able to re-expose the paintings inside the new first floor room, and with the benefit of the experience of a wall painting specialist, have been able to restore the paintings. An old doorway linking the house at first floor level was also reinstated.

The exceptional Tudor brick porch to the front of the house is of 16th century origins. Here, a very conservative approach was taken, renewing minimal brickwork and re-pointing where necessary to ensure that the historic detailing and mortars were not lost.

To the rear of the property extends a malting structure with varying stages of construction, with origins in the 16th century and ongoing development through to the mid-19th century. This unique structure has largely been unaltered, but where necessary has been re-roofed, and elements of the 19th century roof were repaired structurally.

The maltings was served by two lucams – small voltage gables for the insertion and removal of material from the first floor, when the building operated commercially. One of these lucams has been converted into an entrance hall to the rear of the house, with a fully glazed first floor opening and vaulted ceiling, alongside a new staircase and landing.

Throughout the house, the services have been fully revamped. New flooring has been installed and isolated plaster and joinery repairs have taken place where necessary.

Despite the upgrades necessary to bring a house that has been unoccupied for this length of time back into use, we are pleased that the house has not been heavily altered and its character and detailing has been unaffected.

Whitworth were engaged an at early concept stage and remained working closely with the client through to the handover of the property following construction, providing onsite supervision and contract administration.