Historic Building in an Urban Setting - Commendation - Swanwick Old Hall

DHBT Architecture Awards 2025

Historic Building in an Urban Setting

Commendation - (Part of) Swanwick Old Hall (No. 112)

Ellin Belton Conservation Solutions

Since 2021, this early 17th Century building has undergone a significant scope of works.

The house has been transformed from a former rental property back into a carefully curated 'Country House in miniature' by it's owner, Ellin Belton.

Works include: re-roofing, re-pointing, new stone mullions, windows, doors(external only) new flooring to work with original gypsum floors, re-wiring, re-plastering, new heating system, restoration of historic woodwork, mitigation of water ingress, improvement of overall internal environment of the building, redecoration of whole building, inclusions of reclaimed flooring and historic panelling and other historic features installed.

A subtle reimagining of the front and rear gardens at the property has also been undertaken.

Judges were particularly impressed with the meticulous attention to detail and the commitment to assessing every element of the building. They noted how the refurbishment has tastefully highlighted period features and removed unhelpful modern inclusions to create a home fit for life in the 21st Century.

Ellin has achieved an amazingly successful conservation and refurbishment project against many odds including working away, living in the build, doing the project through 'lockdown' and the subsequent cost of living crisis.

Some of the contractors and suppliers who have helped along the way include: Paul White Conservation Ltd, B White Bespoke Joinery, Space Two Design, Rob Mellor Electrics, Blackstone Plastering Ltd, Pinnacle Conservation Ltd, Leeds Access Company, Jensen Plumbing, Primrose & Bennett Landscapes, Stephen Hennessey Roofing.