Behind the Scenes: Transforming a Former B&B into a Family Home in Lexden
Some projects are less about building something new and more about revealing the potential that’s already there. Our current project in Lexden, Colchester is a good example - a period townhouse that had been operating as a bed and breakfast is now being carefully transformed back into a private family home.
This is a full, considered transformation, with Project Nine leading the project management, interior design and construction to ensure the vision for the house is carried consistently through every stage of the build.
Improving Flow Throughout the House
Across the rest of the property, we’re making a series of structural and spatial improvements designed to make the home feel more open and cohesive.
Hallways and landings are being opened up to increase the sense of space and connection between floors, while a full electrical upgrade is being carried out to bring the house up to modern standards.
These kinds of improvements are often less visible than the finished interiors, but they are essential in ensuring the home functions comfortably for years to come.
Behind the Scenes: Developing the Interior Scheme
Alongside the construction work, our interior design team is currently developing the colour and material palette for the house.
As part of this process, paint samples for both the interior and exterior are being tested directly on site, allowing us to see how colours respond to the natural light throughout the day and how they sit alongside the existing architectural details.
These behind-the-scenes stages are an important part of our design process, helping ensure the final scheme feels balanced and considered rather than rushed.
Restoring the Character of a Period Townhouse
Before work began, the property had been adapted over time to function as a guest house. While practical for short stays, this meant the layout had gradually moved away from what works best for family living.
Our approach has been to rethink the internal flow of the house, bringing the spaces back together and allowing the building’s original proportions to shine again.
Externally, the townhouse will also receive a careful refresh, ensuring the façade reflects the elegance expected of a period home in this part of Lexden.
Creating a Light-Filled Kitchen and Dining Space
One of the most significant changes is taking place at the rear of the property.
An existing mezzanine floor within the kitchen area is being removed, opening up the space to create a generous open-plan kitchen and dining room. This transformation will dramatically improve the sense of height and light within the space, turning what was once a fragmented area into the heart of the home.
Large openings will lead directly out to the garden, where a new landscaped terrace finished in natural limestone will create an easy transition between inside and out - ideal for everyday family life and entertaining.
A New Master Suite
On the upper floors, the project includes the creation of a luxurious master suite, complete with a dedicated dressing room. The aim is to create a calm and refined private space that feels consistent with the character of the rest of the house while introducing a more contemporary level of comfort.
Careful attention is being given to materials, lighting and layout so the suite feels both practical and quietly luxurious.
Bringing the Vision Together
Projects like this rely on a close relationship between design, construction and project management. With Project Nine overseeing every stage, from the early design decisions through to the final build details, we’re able to maintain a clear and consistent vision for the home.
Over the coming months, we’ll be sharing more progress from the site - including the transformation of the kitchen space, landscaping works and the development of the interior scheme.
It’s always rewarding to see a building evolve, but projects like this are particularly special: a period property being thoughtfully restored and returned to its role as a family home.