The Old Forge

The 19th century Old Forge, nestled in the green belt around London, has undergone a stunning transformation from a dilapidated former forge to a two-bedroom family home. The building, originally built in the 1840s as an ancillary building to a main house, was later converted into an electrical power station in the 1950s. Despite its dire state of disrepair, with a tree growing inside, the original building was not big but allowed for clever reconfiguration to be converted into a family home. The design concept was to retain as much of the original forge-related elements as possible, including the large format windows, the two fireplaces, and the roof support structure. The fireplaces were redesigned to suit a residential use, and the roof support structure was exposed to showcase the beautiful trusses. The new spiral staircase added to the forged look. To convert the building from its agricultural use to a residential one, a series of surveys were required, including a dusk survey, a historical survey, and a tree survey. The planning approval process was elaborate, and it was necessary to retain all original features of the building within the listed cartilage and conservation area. The two bedrooms, each with ensuite bathroom facilities, a living room, a kitchen, and a cloakroom were all carefully designed and every corner and junction of new and old was investigated. The rear garden was dug to create ample outdoor space with a water feature. The client’s attention to detail was evident, with the addition of a small light in the reinstated chimney and a special bee brick for local bees to nest. The Old Forge has been reborn as a stunning two-bedroom family home, showcasing the beauty of the original building and the potential of old, dilapidated structures. The unique design and attention to detail make it a standout project that is sure to impress those who visit it.