Retrofitting a Cotswold cottage

This transformation took place in an end-of-terrace cottage in the charming village of Hook Norton, nestled in the Cotswolds. The cottage is a blend of old and new, with the front half dating back to pre-1900, built from locally quarried solid ironstone, while the back has undergone modern updates since the 1970s.

The homeowners knew their property needed attention due to its patchwork construction. Parts of the house lacked insulation and suffered from draughts through single-glazed windows. Although they were aware of the work required, the thought of overseeing such a significant project was daunting.

Motivations for the retrofit

The owners were driven by a desire to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and contribute to addressing the climate emergency. A decade ago, their options were limited to a more efficient oil-fired boiler, keeping them tied to oil. Advances in technology eventually made an Air Source Heat Pump a viable alternative.

Comfort was another significant motivator. Inconsistent temperatures made some rooms uncomfortably cold in winter and excessively hot in summer. The opportunity to transform a downstairs playroom into a spacious kitchen also aligned perfectly with their retrofit goals.

The home transformation process

After struggling to find suitable tradespeople and coordinate the project themselves, the homeowners Trish and Tim turned to Cosy Homes Oxfordshire. With the whole house approach , they felt reassured that they’d receive expert guidance without the stress of managing the work independently.

“It was such a big job that it would be very difficult to live in the house at the same time as having the work done, so we needed to have people we could trust while we were away. We like employing local people and Cosy Homes came highly recommended.”

The process began with a comprehensive home assessment and the development of a Whole House Plan. This confirmed that an Air Source Heat Pump was an excellent option for their needs. Cosy Homes worked with trusted contractors, including Cotswold Green Energy and Hook Norton Construction, to deliver the project seamlessly.

The impact of the retrofit

This retrofit achieved remarkable results, including an estimated annual carbon saving of 3.2 tonnes of CO2 equivalent. Key measures included:

• Installing an Air Source Heat Pump
• Upgrading insulation throughout the home
• Replacing single-glazed windows to reduce heat loss

The improvements significantly enhanced the home’s comfort. The new kitchen, previously the hottest room in summer, is now the coolest on warm days. In winter, underfloor heating ensures it stays cosy. The insulation has also made the home noticeably quieter—an unexpected but welcome benefit.

Take the next step

Thinking of retrofitting your home? Book a Whole House Plan with Cosy Homes Oxfordshire. Call 0330 223 2742 today to get expert advice tailored to your property and lifestyle, or try our free advice tool to get more ideas about your home’s energy saving potential.