South Devon Construction

South Devon Construction recently completed a very special renovation project in Uffculme, Mid Devon, converting a 300-year-old former bakery into a two-storey, one-bedroom annexe.

The building had more recently been used for storage, but it still held so much character and history. The aim of the project was to bring it back into use as a practical, comfortable home for the family’s parents, while carefully keeping the features that made the original building so special.

This was not just about creating extra living space. It was about giving an old building a new purpose, so it can hopefully be enjoyed by the family and future generations for another 300 years.

Bringing a historic building back into use

Older buildings often come with more complexity than newer properties. They can have uneven walls, original beams, access challenges, structural considerations and details that need to be worked around rather than simply removed.

For this project, the former bakery needed to be transformed from a storage space into a proper home, including a kitchen, bathroom, living area, bedroom space, staircase, heating, lighting, flooring and practical storage.

The result is a warm and character-filled one-bedroom annexe, with original timber features sitting alongside clean new finishes.

Preserving the character of the old bakery

One of the most important parts of the project was keeping the character of the original building.

The exposed beams, timber details and shape of the building all help tell the story of its past. Rather than making the annexe feel like a completely new building, the finished space still feels connected to the old bakery it once was.

The fireplace area is a lovely example of this. The timber beam above the stove gives the room a strong focal point, while the tiled surround and hearth make the space practical for modern use.

Creating a practical two-storey annexe

Although the building is full of character, it still needed to work as a real home.

The annexe now includes:

• A living area with a wood burner and exposed beams
• A fitted kitchen with modern appliances
• A bathroom
• A bedroom area
• A staircase with timber balustrade
• Storage and built-in details
• New flooring, lighting and finishes throughout

The kitchen was designed to sit neatly within the existing layout, making the most of the space available while keeping the finish simple, practical and in keeping with the rest of the annexe.

The staircase and upstairs area also show the balance between old and new. The timber balustrade, exposed beams and green sliding doors add warmth and character, while the layout gives the annexe a proper two-storey feel.

A home for the family

This project was especially meaningful because the annex was created for the family’s parents to live in. The building now has a new role within the family home.

It is always rewarding to work on projects that have a personal story behind them. This former bakery was once part of local life in Uffculme, and it is lovely to see it being used and appreciated again.

We would also like to thank the family for being such a pleasure to work with throughout the project. Their trust, patience and easy communication helped make the whole process a positive one from start to finish.

Working with trusted local suppliers and professionals

Projects like this rely on good teamwork, planning and reliable support from other local businesses and professionals.

We would like to thank South Hams Tool Hire and Olympus Building Materials for their help with the project, Exact Structures for the structural calculations and Npas as the Architects.

Their support helped us bring this old building back into use safely, practically and with care.

Construction work in Devon

At South Devon Construction, we work on renovations, conversions, extensions and building projects across Devon, including older properties where the original character of the building needs to be respected.

If you are planning to renovate, convert or improve an older property, it is important to work with builders who understand how to approach existing buildings carefully.

You can find out more about our building services here:

Renovations:
https://southdevonconstruction.com/south-devon-construction-renovations/

Extensions:
https://southdevonconstruction.com/south-devon-construction-extensions/

Conversions:
https://southdevonconstruction.com/south-devon-construction-conversions/

Pre-Purchase Building Works Estimate:
https://southdevonconstruction.com/pre-purchase-building-works-estimate/

Planning a renovation or conversion project?

Whether you are looking to convert an unused building, renovate an older property or create additional space for family, South Devon Construction can help you understand what is possible and what may be involved.

To discuss a project, get in touch with South Devon Construction.