DORSET HOUSE
Architect - Roger Balmer Design
Photography - Anya Rice
This Grade II listed home in the Essex/Suffolk border has undergone a comprehensive renovation and thoughtfully designed extension, completed by Project Nine with a commitment to meticulous detailing and the preservation of its architectural heritage. What began as a tired and fragmented property has been transformed into a cohesive, beautifully finished family home where historic character and modern living exist in perfect balance.
A hallmark of the project is the revival of the home’s abundant original features. Fireplaces, coving, ceiling roses, sash windows, and timber floorboards were painstakingly restored, with mouldings and decorative elements replicated by hand where needed to maintain absolute authenticity. Every finish; from plasterwork to paint colours was approached with precision, allowing the period detailing to shine once again.
The transformation is unified by the addition of a new outbuilding and handcrafted entrance gates, designed to sit seamlessly within the setting and elevate the overall arrival experience. The completed home reflects Project Nine’s dedication to quality craftsmanship, sympathetic restoration, and design-led construction - bringing a historic property back to life for modern living while ensuring its character endures for generations to come.
The scope of works combined sensitive restoration with carefully considered upgrades. A new garden room extension now forms a light-filled connection between the interior and the landscaped grounds, adding valuable space while respecting the proportions of the original structure. Internally, a bespoke deVOL kitchen was installed as the centrepiece of the home, complemented by elegantly refurbished bathrooms and a fully renewed cellar.
Behind the scenes, the property was completely rewired and equipped with a new heating system, ensuring the building performs to contemporary standards. Externally, extensive roofing works, joinery repairs, redecoration, and detailed landscaping have returned the façade and surrounding areas to their former grandeur.
