Period Property Renovation in Clare Suffolk

Restoring a 16th-Century Home in Clare, Suffolk

Dee and Steph Maunders moved from North London to the historic Suffolk town of Clare to take on the restoration of their home, which dates from around 1580. Set against the Suffolk countryside and backing onto the Chiltern Stream, the property offered wonderful character as well as a substantial renovation project.

Renovation Work

When Dee and Steph first moved in, the house looked very different and required extensive work. Dee, a qualified builder with many years of experience, undertook much of the structural restoration.

The work included replacing decaying beams that had previously been filled with concrete. The exterior walls were finished with sheep’s-wool render and limewash, helping to retain the character of the original building while improving its condition.

Over time, the replacement beams will gradually weather and soften in tone alongside the remaining original timbers.

Original Period Features

Inside the property, the work focused on decorating the rooms and introducing sympathetic details that suit the age and character of the house. Original features throughout the building help tell the story of its long history.

The sitting room features an impressive carved bressumer above the fireplace. It is thought to date from the 13th century and may originally have come from nearby Clare Priory, the historic Augustinian monastic house.

When the floor in the sitting room was lifted, Dee uncovered a well-preserved brick floor, which he carefully cleaned and re-laid.

The decorative crenellations on the timber beams are another striking original feature.

The left-hand side of the corridor was once the original entrance to the house. It now faces a neighbouring property built in later years, but the remaining beams still show evidence of the doors and windows that were once fitted there.

The rustic arched door to the sitting room still retains its original ring latch. Traditional details such as this provide valuable inspiration for anyone restoring a character property. Explore our range of traditional Suffolk latches for a similar period look.

A Rustic Kitchen with Traditional Ironmongery

In the kitchen, Dee replaced the existing cupboards with rustic ledge and brace doors. He repurposed full-sized pine ledge and brace doors, cutting them down to create characterful cupboard fronts that suit the property.

The reclaimed planks were also used to make shelving with integrated spotlights. The shelves are supported by GNER cast iron shelf brackets, adding practical support and traditional detail.

The cupboard doors were finished with pewter Arrow End T hinges and pewter beaten cabinet knobs. Browse our wider collection of traditional hand-forged hinges for more period renovation inspiration.

A Thoughtful Period Renovation

The restoration took almost three years to complete, with further work planned for the garden. Dee and Steph have created a warm, characterful home that retains the building’s original features while giving it a new lease of life.

Thank you to Dee and Steph for sharing their beautiful Clare home and restoration project with us.