Character Homes & Villas

Character home renovations that keep the charm and lift everyday comfort.

Owning a character home is a labour of love. You get the craftsmanship, the proportions, the timber, the details. But you also get draughts, dark corners, patchwork additions, and layouts that don’t fit modern life. Whether you’re upgrading a long-loved family home or restoring a property you’ve just fallen for, we’ll help you make it warmer, easier, and more cohesive — without losing its soul.

This page is for people who love their older home, but want it to feel more comfortable and more “you” — without stripping away what made it special in the first place.

You might relate to this if…

• You own a villa, bungalow, stone cottage, or mid-century home you genuinely care about
• You want modern comfort (warmth, glazing, heating, better bathrooms/kitchen) without losing the charm
• Your home feels like a “patchwork” after years of add-ons and quick fixes
• You want to add space, but you’re unsure whether to match the original style or go contemporary at the back
• You value a methodical process, clear communication, and good documentation

If that sounds like you, you’re in the right place.
→ Book a free consultation — or just pick up the phone for a quick chat about your project

What makes character home projects different

Character homes don’t behave like new builds. They hide surprises, and the best results come from understanding how the house was built in the first place — then designing the new work so it feels natural, not imposed.

The goal is simple: protect what you love, improve what doesn’t work, and make the “new” feel like it belongs.

“We wanted the repairs carried out in a way that was not only faithful to but also enhanced the character of our home. We called on Chaplin Crooks to oversee our project so we could be confident that everything was being done in our best interests.”
— Angus & Marcia, St Martins Renovation

Where do you even begin?

Most people come to us with a mix of hopes and worries: How do we upgrade without ruining the character? What should we restore, and what should we replace? Can we make it warmer and quieter without changing the look?

Our first job is to help you get clarity, then design and document the work so it’s buildable and carefully resolved.

“The cottage was a patchwork quilt of many years of additions, patch-ups, and maintenance. We wanted to create a home that had consistency, flow, modern heating, double glazing and functionality for a busy family.”
— Olivia & Mike, Walnut Cottage

What we focus on in character home renovations

1) Preserve the parts that matter

We start by identifying what gives your home its character. That might be street presence, windows, ceilings, fireplaces, stair details, timberwork, and the overall feel of the original spaces. Then we work out how to keep those strengths while improving how the house lives.

2) Modern comfort without the “renovation look”

Character homes are often cold, draughty, or hard to heat. We look at practical upgrades that don’t compromise the style — insulation improvements (where practical), better-performing glazing strategies, heating and ventilation that’s effective and discreet, upgraded plumbing and wiring, and careful detailing so the home is more weather-resistant and easier to maintain.
The aim is comfort that feels invisible: the home looks like itself, but lives far better.

“The key challenge for our Architects with this rebuild was to preserve as much of the essence and patina of the property as possible, while complying with new, stringent building codes. We didn’t want the bach to feel brand new, but like a well-loved beach retreat.”
— Mark & Teresa, Tuawera Retreat

3) Add space in a way that feels right

If you need more room, there are usually two main paths.
Option A: A sympathetic addition keeps the new work consistent with the original style. It’s often best when the addition is visible from the street or the house is highly detailed.

Option B: A contemporary addition at the back can be a great option when the new work is more private. Done well, it respects the old without copying it, and can be a more cost-effective way to gain modern spaces.

Either way, the aim is the same: a home that feels coherent, not “old house + awkward new bit”.

4) Structure and repairs handled with care

Older homes often need structural work, but it has to be done thoughtfully. We coordinate closely with engineers and builders so strengthening and repairs support the character, rather than fighting it. Where it’s appropriate, we also look for opportunities to improve performance and comfort while work is underway, so you’re not forced into doing things twice.

5) A clear, steady process (and the right team)

Character homes often require specialist skills and a careful approach. Sometimes that means an “old school” builder, and it always means being very particular with subcontractors such as painters and joiners who respect the craft that went into your original home.

Our role is to assemble and guide the team — and to document the work clearly so the intent is understood and the quality is achievable on site.

Other specialists who help bring the project to life

Character homes often benefit from a wider team than a typical new build, because the finish and atmosphere matter just as much as the layout.
We can coordinate (or work alongside) specialists such as:

Interior designers

They can help with the extra layer of detail that often makes character homes feel “right” — curtains, wallpapers, paint and colour schemes, lighting selections, and finishes that suit the era of the home while still feeling fresh and liveable.

Landscape designers

Outdoor spaces for character homes often work differently to modern houses. Instead of large decks and open patios, the best results are often smaller, more intimate courtyard spaces nestled in cottage gardens, or more formal lawns and paths with a sense of structure and arrival. A landscape designer can help shape those spaces so the garden feels like a natural extension of the home.

If you already have people you love working with, we’re happy to collaborate. If you don’t, we can recommend consultants who understand character homes and the level of care they require.

Planning rules (and why they matter)

Specific areas of Christchurch where there are streets full of original bungalows and villas — for example parts of Beckenham, Cashmere, Sumner and Merivale — are Character Areas under the Christchurch District Plan. That can affect what you can change, especially on parts of the house visible from the street, and in some cases new work may require resource consent. The rules can feel restrictive, but they also protect what makes these streets and homes special. We’ll help you understand what applies to your property and how to make smart design moves within it, so you can get a great outcome without unnecessary headaches.

What you’ll get from a free first meeting

In a free initial consultation, we will:

• Listen as you describe how you would like to live in your new home, and help you put together your brief
• Talk through your site (or potential sites), budget and timeframes
• Discuss key questions such as one vs two levels, access and long-term comfort
• Outline how our process would look for your project and the service options available

Afterwards, you’ll receive a tailored proposal outlining the recommended next steps and the service level that would best suit your project. If you’re not sure where to start, we can also send you our Guide to Writing a Brief, with useful prompts to help you clarify what really matters to you in a long-term home.

Ready to explore what’s possible for your home for the years ahead?

Book a free consultation — or just pick up the phone for a quick chat about your project

Recent character home renovations in Christchurch