Lloyds Cottage, Dungeness, Kent – January 2022  – Chris Lamb

Back in 2020 we were kindly recommended, by an existing client, to 2021 MasterChef semi-finalist Claire Bruce. Claire had amazing plans for her cottage (Lloyds Cottage) in Dungeness, Kent, but was struggling to find a builder to undertake works and transfer her ideas into reality.

Step in INVVU Construction Consultants. We undertook a measured building survey of Lloyds Cottage with no interference to Claire’s day to day activities at home, and were rewarded with cups of tea and homemade brownies… the perfect client!

We then drew out the existing layouts and got to work with Claire: sketching ideas, discussing budgets, changing layouts and suggesting energy efficiency options, until we had transferred her dreams onto paper. INVVU then prepared a tender pack, and using our local connections and experience, invited various companies to bid for the works. This gave Claire peace of mind when instructing a builder, and as everything was itemised she clearly knew what she was paying for.

Addison Construction and Civils won the contract and were awarded the works by Claire, INVVU stayed in the background throughout, and were on hand for Claire or Addison if they needed help or advice. As a result, Martin, Kevin and the team at Addison Construction delivered a high standard of: finish, communication, cooperation, workmanship and professionalism, (that they have an ever growing reputation for), and completed the works with little disruption to Claire’s daily activities.

Then new sunroom at the rear of the cottage offers stunning panoramic views of Dungeness’ unique landscape. The new cedar cladding, careful sourced and installed by Addison Construction is spectacular, with finishing second to none. The attention to detail and personal touches to the cottage are evident with the previous exterior cladding used to create a ‘one of a kind’ totally bespoke kitchen/diner floor with the old Lloyds Cottage lettering still visible underfoot.

The new insulation, windows and cladding have made the cottage feel warm and cosy again. The transformation from a tired, drafty, coastal cottage to a stunning piece of architecture really brings this 300 year old cottage into the 21st century, whilst preserving it’s unique history.

To top it all off, almost all of the materials, labour and plant, were locally sourced in Kent which also showcases the amazing companies, suppliers and skills we have on our doorstep.

There are still the finishing touches to go, including painting a decorating and the installation of Claire’s new kitchen which she is eagerly awaiting, and means she can begin hosting her much anticipated ‘supper evenings’ and foodie events.

‘I’ve really enjoyed this project, it brings a huge smile to my face to have enabled Claire to connect with suppliers in order to realise and deliver her dream home. The cottage is truly stunning and will slowly settle into its beautiful surroundings over the years; as the cladding ages and weathers. It’s difficult to explain but I feel we have added another chapter to the amazing Cottage’s history and secured its future for at least the next 100 years’.

Follow Claire on Instagram @claires_kitchentable to learn more about her amazing food adventures and  Addison Construction & Civils Ltd on Facebook, for an insight in to some of the amazing works they complete for clients.

Also, Claire shares her amazing brownie recipe here: https://www.ryezine.com/articles/clairebruce

For more information about the work we do, please contact us on 01303 850808 or at info@invvu.co.uk