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About Bluebell Cottage

Camping in the garden during the renovation project
Camping out in the garden during the renovation project!

The lounge before renovation
The lounge before the renovation

Opening up the chimney breast
Opening up the chimney breast

The kitchen - 2 weeks to go! The kitchen with 2 weeks to go!

Mining has been a part of the village of Coniston through many historical ages, but it was during the 18th and 19th centuries that the mining industry really prospered. As a result of this thriving industry, cottages were built to house the local miners.

Bluebell cottage was renovated by the current owner in 2006. Although structurally sound, extensive work was required internally, including a complete re-wire and the installation of gas central heating.

Downstairs, the walls were stripped back and re-plastered. The chimney breast was opened up, exposing the stone lintel which just needed cleaning up. Unfortunately, the original stone floors had been replaced many years ago but slate and solid oak floors were put down in the kitchen and lounge respectively, restoring the original character. The living area was opened up by removing the wall between the stairs and lounge. In the kitchen, custom built units were fitted and the adjoining “lean to” was transformed into a utility room.

Upstairs, the main challenge was to improve the layout of the back bedroom and bathroom. Clever alteration of the access and layout of the bathroom almost doubled the size of the bedroom, without compromising on space elsewhere. The traditional window seats, taken out many years ago, were re-instated, the original pine doors stripped and new skirting board custom made to match the existing. Finally, the modern windows and doors were replaced in a more traditional style to complete the renovation.