Listed Georgian Townhouse Refurbishment – Bloomsbury, London
Private Client
Bloomsbury, London
Bowman Riley undertook the sensitive refurbishment of a Grade II-listed Georgian townhouse at 15 John Street, located in the heart of the Bloomsbury Conservation Area.
Constructed between 1799 and 1824, this elegant four-storey property, with an additional basement level, sat as the central house among a terrace of eleven. Originally conceived as a family residence, it had, over time, been repurposed for office use, losing much of its domestic character in the process.
With planning permission granted for a change of use, our design vision focused on reinstating the building’s original purpose as a five-bedroom family home. The scheme involved stripping away unsympathetic additions from its office-era alterations, carefully peeling back layers to reveal the historic fabric beneath.
Our proposals included a modest rear extension and the enlargement of a light-well to improve natural light and spatial flow. Internally, we made thoughtful modifications to the layout to better suit the needs of modern family life while respecting the building’s heritage. Externally, the elevations received a light-touch refurbishment, ensuring that all key historical elements were preserved and restored with precision and care.
Every intervention was undertaken with a commitment to retaining the character and charm of the original structure. The internal reconfiguration made only subtle adjustments, aimed at future-proofing the property for generations to come, while honouring its 19th-century legacy.