Albert Place: A Regency Revival
In Cheltenham’s elegant Pittville district, a Regency terrace house has been thoughtfully restored by Colledge Architects, reviving the grace of its early 19th-century origins.
Part of an irregular terrace laid out by developer Joseph Hughes in the late 1820s, the Grade II listed home had suffered from decades of alteration and water damage. The brief called for a sensitive restoration — one that would honour the building’s heritage while discreetly integrating modern comfort.
Colledge Architects began by removing later partitions to reinstate the home’s original proportions and natural flow. Historic elements — from fireplaces to sash windows — were carefully repaired, while underfloor heating, breathable lime plaster, and improved insulation transformed the once cold, damp basement into a warm, inviting space.
The most complex intervention was the replacement of the double-pitched roof, hidden behind the front parapet. Under a protective scaffold, the historic structure was reinforced, insulated, and installed new leadwork and rainwater goods to resolve long-standing drainage failures. The result restores both integrity and longevity to the roofscape, with conservation-approved imitation slates maintaining visual authenticity.
Internally, new electrics and plumbing bring 21st-century performance to a home that still feels rooted in its past. Every material choice — from lime mortars to cellulose insulation — reflects a commitment to breathability and the preservation of the original fabric.
Working closely with Cheltenham’s conservation officers, Colledge Architects steered the project through a rigorous approvals process, preparing detailed technical documentation and overseeing construction to ensure every detail was handled with precision.
The completed home embodies the firm’s philosophy of respectful renewal — a seamless blend of heritage, craftsmanship, and quiet contemporary comfort. More than a renovation, it is a revival of Regency character for modern living.
