Historic Basement Apartment Renovation – Moreby Hall
Location: Moreby, York
“Where original materials can be preserved, our aim is always to restore and stabilise them rather than replace them.”
Matt Focarelli, Director of Fibre Construction
PROJECT OVERVIEW
We recently completed the renovation of a basement apartment within the grounds of Moreby Hall, a prestigious historic property just outside York.
The project focused on resolving underlying ventilation and damp issues before carrying out a full internal redecoration. Our goal was to restore the apartment to a high standard while protecting the long-term condition of the building. The finished apartment showcases many of the property’s original features, including exposed brick vaulted ceilings and historic masonry, creating a distinctive living space within a remarkable setting.
Following completion — and some fantastic photography by Michelle Bailey — the property secured a tenant in just three days.
The Challenge
When the property was acquired, the basement apartment was showing signs of a common issue often found in older buildings.
The windows lacked adequate ventilation, restricting airflow and allowing moisture to accumulate over time. Basement spaces in period properties require careful management. Without proper ventilation, moisture can quickly undermine both the aesthetics and the structural integrity of the building. The key was to resolve the root cause — not just treat the symptoms.
Working within a historic building also required sensitivity. The aim was not only to resolve the underlying issue but to retain the character and architectural features that make properties like this so special.
OUR APPROACH
We approached the renovation in two stages — first resolving the environmental issues, then restoring and enhancing the living space.
Ventilation & Damp Remediation
We installed appropriate window ventilation to allow the apartment to breathe properly and reduce moisture retention.
By addressing the cause of the damp rather than simply treating the symptoms, we ensured the solution would protect the property long term.
Internal Restoration & Redecoration
With the underlying ventilation issues resolved, we moved on to restoring the internal finishes throughout the apartment. Particular care was taken to retain and highlight the apartment’s character features, including the exposed brick vaulted ceilings and historic masonry that give the space its distinctive atmosphere.
Over time, sections of the original brickwork and mortar had begun to crumble, with loose material transferring onto clothing when brushed against. To preserve the feature while making the space practical for everyday living, we carefully stabilised the surface and applied a specialist clear sealant to the brickwork. This sealed the masonry, preventing further deterioration while maintaining the visual impact of the historic structure.
The result is a unique blend of historic character and modern comfort, creating a warm and welcoming home within the Moreby Hall estate.
The Results
The completed apartment now offers a truly distinctive living space combining a unique blend of historic structure and modern comfort – a warm and welcoming home within the Moreby Hall estate!
Key outcomes included:
- Tenant secured within just three days of marketing
- Ventilation improvements resolving the damp issue
- Original brickwork stabilised and sealed to prevent further deterioration
- Careful restoration of internal finishes
- Character features retained and enhanced
- A unique, high-quality rental property created
Client Testimonial
“I would recommend Fibre Construction for the design, based on my taste. I really, really like it. I like the combination of the history of the building, the original construction of the building and the modern touches!”
Key Takeaway
Historic buildings require a careful balance between preservation and modern performance. Our role is to identify underlying issues, resolve them properly, and restore spaces in a way that respects the building while making them work for modern living.
Fix it properly. Finish it properly. Protect the asset.
If you’re looking for a reliable builder in York, our team can help with both new builds and historic renovations. Get in touch today!
