Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Is it a cottage? Is it a house?

[Nemesis]

I can't see that the Planning Officer can insist that you remove the pantiles!

But if it was mine I'd be inclined to use pantiles on the extension also - and get rid of those windows asap!

 

[Manks]

Moo

The windows were a bone of contention when they were fitted by the previous owner. To change them for wooden ones is very expensive, so however much we would like to we cannot justify changing them. If the cottage were original then maybe there would be a stronger case.

The canopy is not off the peg. I made it. I did use some off-the peg parts but it is not off the peg per se. Perhaps made to measure is closer, where you would prefer bespoke.

I put the canopy there because we have no hall and it was intended to stop people getting wet. However this extension will give us a hall so we could lose the canopy. Or, as I had intended, add some trellis either side. I did a fair bit of research on canopies before I fitted it and it is a copy of a Victorian one I saw. Again it was difficult because it was being appended to a 1960s skin.

Do you really think the canopy is that offensive? I cannot tell because I always hate anything I make by default.

Manks

 

[Nemesis]

I like the canopy! It's not like many off the peg ones I have seen.

I like the house also - decent bricks, and good roofs. Simple and pleasing.

Sad about the windows though, why do they do it?

Maybe a coat of uPVC paint in a darker colour would blend them in!

The front door looks lovely too BTW.

 

[Manks]

Nemesis

I hate the windows. Biff Vernon came here last year and I asked him how much it would be to change them. A grand a window he said. As I said, if the cottage had not been butchered there would be a better argument.

You will also be horrified to know that they removed all the internal door and fitted B&Q six panel Georgians. Presumably the old ones were horrid rickerty old Victorian ones or something!

Manks

 

[Nemesis]

Have you looked at not oak? May be a little less expensive.

However - I have no idea how good uPVC paint is but it may be worth looking at. Could tone them down a bit.

They aren't as nasty as many which replace sashes where all moulding etc is removed also.

 

[Manks]

Nemesis

The windows are horrid, there is no getting away from it. However, they probably look worse in the photos than they actually are. When one views the house at a distance the "plasticness" is less apparent.

No, we have not looked at softwood. Do you know anyone?

Manks

 

[Nemesis]

No. I can see that they may not look as glaring. They are at least very simple.

I don't know anyone - but maybe someone else will, although I suspect that the cost is in the manufacture and fitting really. They won't be off the peg sizes either.

 

[Manks]

Nemesis

If we were able to get them for less there may be a case (or a casement geddit... case-ment... oh never mind) but a grand a pop isn't on.

Manks

 

[Penners]

I agree with Nemesis - I think you made a good job of the canopy. I also agree that the mix of roof tiles is not offensive at all.

There's no reason for an extension to match the main house in any way - in fact it's arguably better that it doesn't (provided its design is sympathetic). That way it is instantly recognisable as a later development in the the history of the property.

 

[skier-hughes]

We had high quality douglas fir, so we could easily paint our windows white, this wood cost more than Oak.
I'd stop worrying about the windows, stop worrying about what everyone else thinks, get your plans in, passed and start building.
I can see the need for reassuarance, but in the end I'm going to live in my house, Penners in his.... you are going to live in your house and I expect not with any of your neighbours. :wink:

Graham

 

[Manks]

Skier Hughes

I expect not with any of your neighbours.
Well I don't know, the blonde two doors down looks promising. Not sure how Mrs Manks will react though.

Manks

 

[Nemesis]

I think your house charming. Pity about the placcy but I've seen worse.I think the simple door and door furniture are a delight - but I would say that wouldn't I? They do make the eye wander from the windows though. And I love the colour.

I think the canopy may be Vic pastiche but it's fun and quirky and looks high quality. I think trellis and a honeysuckle can only add to the charm.

I agree - just get on with it. Can't see what the neighbours can complian about, as long as the bricks etc are a reasonable match.

But - what sort of windows are you going to use?

 

[Nemesis]

PS mine is called a cottage too, it's in the title, but frankly it's a bit big to be a cottage. It has an attached barn and outbuildings. I suppose it depends on what you are used to. I suppose if I lived in Chatsworth I would consider it a cottage.

 

[Manks]

But - what sort of windows are you going to use?

It will probably be plastic again to match the exisitng, unless I buy all new wood.

Oddly enough the extension looks best on paper with a 4-bay instead of a 3. The rest of the house is 3, the rest of the village is 3 but the extension looks best with 4. BUT the planners spat their dummy about that.

The canopy is a bit Vicky pastiche, but I had a limited choice where the bought-in bits were concerned. And the other canopies in the village are Victorian, with the better ones having a finial. Mine is completely different to them, but it has the same basic format.

Manks

 

[Flyfisher]

Is there much difference in the cost of the two tile options? If there is, I think I'd go for the cheapest tiles and put the savings towards new windows.

 

[Manks]

There is only a few hundred pounds difference in cost between the two tile options I believe.

 

[Moo]

When were the plastic windows put in, Manks? They have such a limited life that you could learn to live with them while you're putting pennies in the piggy-bank ready for the day they disintegrate.

 

[Manks]

Moo

They went in about five years ago I think, and I doubt they will fall apart before we leave here.

Manks

 

[caliwag]

Looks 1920s to me.. from a distance of course, bit Arts and Crafts.
Download my free notes from http://www.ebuild.co.uk thread "house design and architects"...never know what you might consider!

caliwag :roll:

 

[Manks]

Got the planning approval through today, with the only conditions being those I had already agreed to. Hopefully my architect and I had convinced the planners that we knew what we were doing and had the best interests of the property as our first priority.

I am not sure whether it is standard practice now, but there were reasons provide FOR giving PP. These included:

It is considered that the proposal respects the chaarcter of the existing building, surrounding area and greenbelt location by virtue of its design, scale and location....


It went on to say that the proposal did not impinge upon light, views blah de blah.

I have every intention of making the extension the dog's doo-dahs (metaphorically) and will plant up the garden / change the gates and add the trellis to the canopy all at the same time, so that the finished article can be (hopefully) appreciated fully.

And whilst all this is going on, I will have my signwritten builder's board outside reading "Another shonky mish-mash by Hotchpotch Developments Ltd". ;-)

Manks