Jasmine Cottage Renovation Story

Our Renovation Story

When we first discovered Jasmine Cottage in the heart of Audlem, we immediately saw its charm — and its challenges. Beneath the dated décor and tired finishes was a beautiful old building just waiting to be loved again.

What began as a simple renovation soon became a full transformation — reimagining the layout, uncovering original features, and creating a cosy, luxurious retreat that blends character with comfort.

We wanted Jasmine Cottage to feel special: a place that celebrates its history while offering all the modern touches that make a stay relaxing and memorable.

Here’s a look behind the scenes at how the cottage evolved — from its original state, through the dust and discovery, to the finished home we’re proud to share with our guests.

It all began in December 2022, when we finally picked up the keys to Jasmine Cottage — a moment marked by a celebratory pint at the local pub. The cottage had been on the market for almost two years and, truth be told, it wasn’t hard to see why.

Everything inside had been bodged together over time — from the wiring and plumbing to the oddly steep staircase that would never pass modern building regulations. The upstairs layout made little sense: a cramped master bedroom where a small double bed could only fit pushed against the wall, a second bedroom barely big enough to stand in, and a peculiar wet-room–style bathroom that wasn’t really suitable for either showering or day-to-day use.

Despite the daunting survey results and the long list of repairs ahead, we were captivated by the location — tucked in the heart of Audlem, steps from the canal and surrounded by character cottages. Beneath the peeling paint, awkward layout, and damp patches, we saw potential: original beams, cottage proportions, and a chance to breathe new life into a property that deserved to be loved again.

Once we had the keys, the next step was working out how to make Jasmine Cottage truly special. After plenty of sketches, late-night discussions and cups of tea, we decided to do something quite bold — convert the cottage from a two-bedroom layout to a one-bedroom retreat.

It’s not the sort of move estate agents usually recommend, since it can reduce resale value, but we weren’t thinking about resale — our goal was to create a luxury holiday let that would feel both indulgent and authentic. The existing layout simply didn’t work: tiny bedrooms, an awkward wet-room squeezed under the eaves, and a staircase so steep it barely felt safe.

The solution was to completely rethink the upstairs. The cramped second bedroom would become a spa-style bathroom, with a deep bath and generous shower. The odd little shower room would be absorbed into the master bedroom, finally giving it space to breathe. This redesign also gave us the opportunity to tackle the structural problems — including the staircase — at the same time.

Below are the plans showing the transformation — from the cramped, impractical original layout to the new open, luxurious design that set the tone for everything to come.

With the plans finalised, it was time to roll up our sleeves and bring the vision to life. The first phase was messy but exciting — stripping out everything that didn’t belong and opening up the structure so the new layout could take form.

Several of the old internal and external walls upstairs had to be removed, and brand new stud walls and doorways were built to define the reconfigured spaces. It was during this stage that the character of the cottage really began to show — the original timber beams were uncovered and carefully preserved, adding warmth and texture to the fresh framework taking shape around them.

Every step revealed a new challenge, from awkward joins to outdated wiring, but also the satisfaction of seeing the rooms start to make sense again. For the first time, it was possible to stand in what would become the new bedroom and look through to the soon-to-be luxury bathroom — a glimpse of the cottage’s future.

No renovation would be complete without a few surprises, and Jasmine Cottage had plenty waiting for us. What started as careful reconfiguration work soon uncovered deeper issues hidden behind the plaster and paint.

The first major discovery came when the roof structure was exposed — it became clear that a complete replacement would be needed. The old roof timbers and covering were simply too far gone to patch up. It was a daunting setback, but also an opportunity to insulate properly and preserve the beautiful beams that give the cottage its character.

Next came the main purlin beam that runs through what would become the new bathroom. It had bowed and cracked over time, so it had to be strengthened with a steel plate and expertly reinforced — a delicate job that required temporary supports to hold everything in place while the repair was carried out.

At the same time, the staircase — already dangerously steep — had to be ripped out and replaced entirely. Watching the old stairs disappear felt symbolic: the last unsafe relic of the cottage’s past making way for something solid, safe, and properly built.

It was messy, noisy, and occasionally nerve-racking, but by the end of this stage, Jasmine Cottage finally had strong bones again.

After months of demolition, dust, and discovery, this stage marked the moment when Jasmine Cottage started to take shape. With the structure sound and the new layout defined, the focus turned to bringing the spaces to life.

Fresh plaster went up on every wall, covering months of exposed beams, insulation, and wiring. The transformation was instant — the cottage finally felt warm, solid, and cohesive again. The newly strengthened beams added a timeless charm against the smooth plaster, perfectly blending the old and the new.

In the new bathroom, the plumbing and tiling came together beautifully. The large walk-in shower and freestanding bath began to define the luxurious feel we had envisioned right from the start. Downstairs, new radiators and a Hive smart heating system were fitted, bringing 21st-century comfort to this centuries-old home.

The new staircase, properly proportioned and safely built, connected the cottage’s levels in a way that finally made sense — no more steep, twisting climb!

After all the disruption, noise, and mess, this was the first time it truly felt like the hard work was paying off. Jasmine Cottage was no longer a building site — it was becoming the cosy, elegant retreat we had imagined.

After months of dedication, Jasmine Cottage was complete. The design now blends rustic charm with modern comfort — from exposed ceiling beams and stylish lighting to a beautifully finished kitchen, luxurious bathroom, and calm, inviting bedroom.

Every detail was carefully chosen to make the space feel warm and welcoming — ready for guests to relax and enjoy their stay in Audlem.