But what if you find a house with good bone structure, in a great location, at the right price, that is sadly lacking in architectural appeal? It isn't the end of the world. In the fourth part of our series on exterior makeovers (see part one, part two and part three) we talk updating a period property, and look at the subtle but substantial rejuvenation of this semi-detached Victorian villa. Johnny Holland of Hackett Holland expounds the changes.
ROOF
This semi-detached Italianate villa was tired and had lost many of its original features, not least of which was the charming over-sailing gable roof and its decorative brackets. Luckily, they had been maintained at the back of the house, so we were able to duplicate them in hardwood for the front. Always look to the remaining original features and use them as a guide.
BOUNDARIES
'We restored the ironwork at the front of the house, and cobbled the front drive in a fan pattern reminiscent of a Parisian street. The front steps were repaved in buff York stone - York and Portland make the best front steps - and flanked by a new capped wall. Don't be tempted to barricade yourself behind walls that are too tall: the house will end up feeling dark. If you want privacy, it's better to opt for a mature hedge - a 1.5 meter yew hedge costs £200-£300 a meter and is easy to keep nicely clipped. Lollipop-pruned hornbeam or box is also a good option, offering privacy without looking dominant. Here, we pleachedthe trees on a horizontal plane, allowing them to grow together to form a living wall.'
