Croft House; Timeless Elegance, Breathing New Life into a Historic Home
Through renovation and extension, Grocott and Murfit has transformed this historic property into an award winning, luxurious and inspiring residence, defined by bespoke design from Liv Architects, and exceptional craftsmanship.
Project Overview.
A masterful renovation and extension changing a historic dwelling into a modern, inspiring home that balances innovative design with heritage character. Over 16 months, Grocott & Murfit collaborated with Liv Architect Ltd to deliver a residence defined by exquisite craftsmanship, thoughtful detailing, and a series of extraordinary design moments, culminating in a project recognised with a Design and Craftsmanship Awards 2023 – Commendation.
Location & Logistical Challenges
Nestled down a narrow, residential lane, the property presented significant logistical constraints. Access for cranes, scaffolding, and delivery vehicles was limited, compounded by the need to respect neighbouring properties and maintain their road access. These challenges were expertly navigated through meticulous planning, ensuring a smooth build process without compromise to quality.
Interiors & Finishing Touches
The interiors reflect the highest standard of finish:
- Arcadia bathrooms and bespoke kitchen
- Custom-designed joinery and fittings that balance functionality with aesthetic elegance
- Outdoor areas including a beautifully landscaped garden and patio area, and third-floor balcony providing sweeping sea views
The result is a home that seamlessly merges comfort, beauty, and playful sophistication. The highlight of the project, according to the team, was witnessing the completed home: a true testament to quality, craftsmanship, and thoughtful design.
Architectural & Design Highlights
This home features a series of bespoke, show-stopping design elements:
- Metal spiral staircase with a playful novelty slide
- Basement wine cellar with glazed rooflights, bathing the space in natural light
- Secret cinema room entrance, offering a sense of creativity and exclusivity
- Crystal chandelier spanning three floors, providing a dramatic focal point for the interior
Specialist scaffold access and precise crane operations were required to install the chandelier and lift steelwork and roof timbers, highlighting the technical and careful expertise applied throughout the build.
Heritage & Craftsmanship
The renovation retains key aspects of the original dwelling, including sections of historic flintwork and exposed timber beams, seamlessly integrated with contemporary finishes. Every element demonstrates a meticulous attention to detail, from precision joinery to high-quality materials throughout.
Energy Efficiency & Performance
- Hydrogen fuel cell and gas boiler systems
- Underfloor heating across all three new floors
These systems ensure energy-efficient living without compromising the luxurious feel of the home.
Recognition
This exceptional project was celebrated with a Design and Craftsmanship Awards 2023 – Commendation, acknowledging the collaboration between Liv Architect Ltd and Grocott & Murfit in delivering a renovation and extension that elevates both design and build excellence.
“Grocott and Murfit are just finishing a major house remodelling and extension project along with a full re-landscape of the garden area of our home. It was a big undertaking and involved extensive co-operation between many parties not least the local council . Grocott and Murfit’s team worked well and professionally with all the branches involved. All the guys were friendly and very approachable and we felt we had found a builder whom we can trust.
We were not onsite for the majority of the build and even now as the project ends we have been very relaxed to have the team in and out of the house without our presence knowing they treat the building with care and respect. They are a great team of tradesmen , being lovely to work with and always tidy and conscientious in their work. We would have no qualms in working with Grocott and Murfit in the future for any projects and happily recommend them to others.” Clients, The Croft
“We have worked alongside Grocott and Murfit on several projects of various scales over the last few years. At all stages of the projects we have found the team to be a pleasure to work with, having a level of respect for the client, design, and consultant teams which fosters excellent working relationships. The way in which their company is structured and their dedication to training their own team leads to a conscientiousness in their work which gives me as a designer trust that they will make decisions that are for the betterment of the project and in the client’s best interest, and that they will consult with me on all major decisions where needed.
They are an engaged part of the team from the start, assisting in achieving cost reductions where necessary with a very transparent approach to the financial aspects of the project, whether on small or large projects. We hope to continue to have a long working relationship with the team at Grocott and Murfit, and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them.” Liv Architects
“It has been a real privilege to work on this project and to help bring our client’s vision to life. From the outset, it was a complex and ambitious build that relied on close collaboration between all parties involved. We’re incredibly proud of how our team approached every stage with care, professionalism and attention to detail. Delivering a home of this quality—one that the clients could trust us with even in their absence—makes the end result especially rewarding. Seeing the finished house and landscaped spaces come together so beautifully is exactly why we love what we do.” Daniel Grocott, Director
