House in Wimbledon is a remodel and extension of a semi-detached Victorian house that was the vision of Stephen Fletcher Architects, situated in Wimbledon, London, England. The clients approached the architects in 2010 with the brief, looking to build-on the Victorian period features wherever possible and decorate, fit-out and furnish the house in a ‘period’ style.

The front of the property has largely been restored to its original condition following the removal of an unsightly ground floor bay window addition. Lower ground floor extensions have been constructed to the rear and the side, the former in matching London stock bricks with ‘Sky Frame’ sliding French doors, and the latter discreetly located beneath the side passageway.

The ground floor of the property has been opened-up as far as possible so as to maximize the illusion of space and daylight. The two original reception rooms have been combined to form a single, grand drawing room with a central opening leading to the entrance hall.

Victorian-style plaster cornices and ceiling roses, painted timber sash windows with folding shutters, painted timber architraves and moulded skirtings, and a new limestone fire surround have been installed in keeping with the period of the house. The Dinesen douglas fir floorboards have been laid on piped underfloor heating.

The original staircase from the ground floor up to the second floor has been restored; the lower ground floor stair has been relocated towards the rear of the house so as to allow for a more efficient use of space at that level. Its balustrade and handrail match the original.

The lower ground floor of the house has witnessed the greatest transformation. A series of low-ceiling rooms were knocked-together, excavated by a couple of feet, and extensions constructed to the side and rear.

A large open-plan space has thus been created. The kitchen is located at one end, and overlooks an enlarged lightwell with a new stone stair accessing the front garden; the dining area is located in the center of the space.

A large central island unit with a slate counter houses contains many of the kitchen appliances and cupboard space, as well as a casual dining area. The oven range, additional cabinetry and open shelves are located along the party wall.

New ‘Sky Frame’ sliding French doors fill the entire rear elevation of the space and open onto a new terrace and steps. The connection with the rear garden has thereby been hugely improved. A pair of antique French window shutters were adapted to form double doors to a small children’s playroom.

This roof terrace incorporates a large section of ‘walk-on’ glazing, which admits plenty of daylight and sunlight to the area below.

A spacious master suite has been created by connecting the two principal first floor rooms via a new opening with folding doors. This view is looking from the dressing room, at the front of the house, towards the bedroom at the rear.

A freestanding zinc bath on slate tiling has been installed in front of the master dressing room window; the shower room is located off this area. A log-burning stove has been installed within the original firebox.

Photos: Courtesy of Stephen Fletcher Architects