Bringing New Life to a Derelict Townhouse in a Conservation Area

Southbourne Road is a story of renewal. Set within a conservation area, the four‑storey townhouse had fallen into disrepair, its character hidden beneath years of neglect. The clients were committed to bringing the building back to life, carefully restoring its historic fabric while creating a home that could support modern family living.

Working closely together, the restoration unfolded room by room. Original features were repaired and revived, giving the house back its sense of dignity and presence. Alongside this, a bold contemporary extension was introduced at the rear, a light‑filled, open‑plan space that opens directly into the garden. The contrast between old and new is deliberate: the traditional townhouse retains its elegance, while the extension provides the clarity, openness and connection to the outdoors that the family had long hoped for.

The result is a home with two complementary identities. The restored house offers depth, history and craftsmanship; the new addition brings warmth, sociability and a modern way of living. Together, they create a place that feels both rooted and renewed.

As the clients reflected, the transformation has been profound:

“This project brought a derelict home back to life. Working alongside Thread while we restored the existing house, they created a bold extension that gives us the modern living space we always wanted.”