The Costs of Renovating a Cottage in Cornwall: A Comprehensive Guide

Renovating a cottage in Cornwall is a fulfilling project that combines historical preservation with modern comfort. Understanding the costs involved, particularly when using traditional methods and materials, is essential for a successful renovation. This detailed guide breaks down the typical expenses associated with various aspects of renovating a Cornish cottage.


Lime Plastering: Essential for maintaining the breathability of historic walls, lime plastering typically costs between £150 and £200 per square metre, depending on the wall’s condition and complexity.
– A single living room wall 4×2.2m £1200-1800

Lime Rendering: Lime render protects exterior walls while allowing moisture to escape. Costs for lime rendering generally range from £150 to £200 per square metre for three coat render and £80-120 per square meter for a bag rub finish.
– Front of two bed cottage, 3 coat render 5x5m £4000-6000
– Gable end of two bed cottage, 3 coat render 40m2 £5500-7000
– Gable end of two bed cottage, bag rub 40m2 £3000-4000

Lime Pointing: Repointing stone or brick walls with lime mortar is crucial for preserving structural integrity. This work costs between £80 and £140 per square metre.
– Front of a two bed cottage, hack out and lime point 20m2 £1600-2200

Roof Repairs: Repairing a traditional slate roof costs around £150 to £300 per square metre for minor fixes. A complete re-roofing project can range from £6,000 to £15,000 for a typical two or three bedroom cottage.

Chimney Repointing, Rendering or Rebuild: Repointing or rendering a chimney costs between £450 and £1,500, while a full rebuild can range from £1600 to £5,000, depending on size and complexity.

Gutter Repairs: Replacing or repairing cast iron gutters ranges from £40 to £120 per metre, with extensive systems costing between £1200 and £2,400.

Woodworm Treatment: Treating woodworm infestations typically costs between £450 and £1,500, depending on the severity of the infestation and the size of the property.

Dry Rot Treatment: Addressing dry rot and replacing affected timber costs between £1,000 and £5,000, depending on the extent of the damage.

General Timber Treatments: Protecting and treating exposed timber may cost an additional £1,000 to £3,000, based on the scope of work.

Sash window restoration: Restoring sash windows in a listed building can be a meticulous and costly process, typically ranging from £200 to £500 per window for repairs or £900 to £2000 per window for a complete removal and restoration.

Replacing Suspended Timber Floors: If replacing old suspended timber floors, expect to pay around £80 to £120 per square metre. This process involves removing the existing timber, addressing any issues with damp or woodworm, and installing new flooring (coverings not included).

New Limecrete Floor Installation: Limecrete floors are a suitable replacement for traditional suspended timber floors, offering a vapour-permeable solution that maintains moisture balance. Installing a limecrete floor generally costs between £150 and £200 per square metre, depending on the size of the area and the complexity of the installation.

Kitchen Renovation: A new kitchen renovation can cost between £5,000 for a basic setup to upwards of £20,000 for a high-end, bespoke kitchen, including cabinetry, worktops, appliances, and installation.

Bathroom Renovation: Renovating a bathroom typically ranges from £4,000 to £10,000, depending on size, fixtures, and finishes. This cost includes plumbing, tiling, sanitaryware, and installation.

Central Heating Installation: Installing a central heating system ranges from £4,000 to £8,000, depending on property size and the type of system. In properties without a gas supply, alternatives like oil or electric heating may be required, potentially increasing costs.

Log Burner Installation: Installing a log burner typically costs between £2200 and £3,500, including the stove, flue, hearth, and installation. Additional chimney lining or repairs can add £500 to £1,500.

Carpets and Floor Tiles: Natural carpets such as wool or seagrass cost between £30 and £60 per square metre, including underlay and installation. Floor tiles, particularly natural stone or terracotta, range from £50 to £120 per square metre, depending on quality and installation complexity.

Electrical Rewiring: Rewiring a cottage is necessary for safety and modern electrical needs. Costs typically range from £4,000 to £7,000, depending on the property’s size and job complexity.

Ventilation: Proper ventilation is crucial in Cornwall’s humid climate. Installing systems like extractor fans or passive vents generally costs between £500 and £2,000, depending on the number of rooms and the system type.

Paint Removal from Stone and Exterior Painting: Paint Removal: Removing modern, non-breathable paint from stone or brick surfaces can be labour-intensive, costing between £30 and £60 per square metre.

Exterior Painting: Lime wash or silicate paint is recommended for maintaining breathability. Lime wash costs around £10 to £20 per litre, with total painting costs ranging from £1,000 to £3,000, depending on property size.

Improving Drainage: Good drainage is essential for managing Cornwall’s often wet conditions. Installing or upgrading drainage systems costs between £1,000 and £5,000, depending on the extent of the work.

French Drains: Installing a French drain to manage water runoff and protect the building from damp typically costs between £50 and £100 per metre.


Total Estimated Costs
The total cost of renovating a cottage in Cornwall can vary significantly based on the property’s condition, size, and the extent of the work required. On average the typical renovation project costs of a 2-3 bed Cornish cottage are:

Basic Renovation: £30,000 to £50,000
Moderate Renovation: £60,000 to £80,000
Extensive Renovation: £90,000 to £150,000 or more

Renovating a cottage in Cornwall is a major investment, blending historical preservation with modernisation. By understanding the costs—from structural repairs and traditional methods to interior renovations and correcting past mistakes—you can effectively plan and execute your renovation project. Investing in quality work ensures that your Cornish cottage remains a beautiful and functional home for years to come.

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