Keeper's Mead

In 1994 Oakmasters took part in the renovation of a fifteenth century cottage near the South Downs in West Sussex. The property had been converted in the 1970's with every effort to hide the signs of its Tudor framed interior beneath a modern, artex façade.

An extension, built ten years previously, was a particular area of contention to the new owners, in both a structural and aesthetic sense. Sadly the cottage seemed to have been altered beyond recognition in an attempt to blend it with a modern addition.

Re-sold in 1994, the cottage’s history remained veiled until the new owners discovered, by chance, the original sandstone inglenook fireplace beneath several inches of plaster.

The property then underwent extensive sand blasting to remove much of the plastering and paint, revealing the presence of ancient joists and posts, which appeared to be part of an original oak frame. With the grain of the antique oak structure exposed ancient candle scorches and carvings revealed the unique history of the building.

To maximise the potential of the existing building Oakmasters took part in an extensive renovation project to recapture and enhance its true charm, incorporating a large amount of cosmetic oakwork, such as Oak Ceiling Beam Layouts, Fireplace Beams and Beam Casings into the modern extension and bulking out the original part of the house with Tudor Oak Cladding.

The majority of modern timber produce was deemed to be too course, rough and modern looking to compliment the original oakwork so Oakmasters used methods to enhance their beams. Using various textural finishes that draw from the authenticity of original period homes, the beams could be aged and worn through a combination of organic and innovative creative processes.

A major incentive for renovations resulted from a structural crisis in the extension, consisting of one upstairs and one downstairs room. A brick wall on the upper level was only being supported by soft-wood joists below and the weight of this wall coupled with the bulk of a newly installed hot water tank was causing the upstairs room to sink.

This was manifested by a gradually widening gap between the ceiling and the wall. A solid oak beam layout and central support comprising a large, sturdy, hand wrought post with curved braces was installed to be a structural prop for the extension, serving both a load bearing and aesthetic purpose.

A large, rustic fireplace beam was additionally installed into the room and Oakmasters implemented their specialist Oak Beam Casings in the extension, as a method of disguising unsightly pipe work. The addition of impressive oak ceiling beams stylised to correspond with the existing frame transformed the modern sitting room area.

Oak Cladding in a Tudor style was then installed into the original area of the cottage. This was designed to appear as haphazard as possible to integrate with the old oak frame. Finally, an oak framed porch, providing a much larger entrance area complemented by a magnificent oak door introduced a new and individual

dimension to the cottage. Renovations to Keepers Mead were finally completed in 2003 and have dramatically increased its market value. Oakmasters are now producing a fully integrated oak framed garage to stand adjacent to the cottage, as part of an ongoing project.