It is our passion to capture your home’s unique history and help to preserve its future and intrinsic value.
Whether structural or ornamental, the maintenance or repair work required to keep an historic home in good condition can be daunting. You will want to preserve as much of the building’s heritage as you can; yet it also needs to work effectively for you and your family as a home. Unskilled or insensitive repair work can not only strip period features of their provenance, it might even reduce the value of your property, invalidate insurance and listing regulations, and permanently remove its charm and character. It’s reassuring to know that Vincent Reed has all the experience and accreditation for you to embark on any exterior or interior period timber project with confidence.
“As custodian of a precious building, you will want to preserve it for future generations, while still creating a beautiful and comfortable home. Centuries of wear and inappropriate repair can often take their toll – I love to use my skills and experience to restore a period property to former glory and help protect its heritage.”
VINCENT REED
Panelling
Over time, original wooden panelling can bow and split from fluctuations in temperature and humidity; or from the glue or joints holding it together failing. Often the original finish will be damaged by overzealous restoration, chemical finishes or even layers of paint. We can gently dismantle, repair and reinstate if necessary, using only traditional methods and products to preserve it for posterity.
Joinery
Windows, doors, overmantels and staircases tend to be integral to the original design and style of your historic property. Insensitive repair, over restoring or inappropriate replacement can destroy the ambiance of a building: and invariably reduce its value. We only use traditional tools and techniques; and will match damaged sections with identical detail, using the original as our guide.
Flooring
A fine timbered floor is a thing of beauty, despite its humble position in the home; and we believe it needs to be treated with all the care and respect afforded the restoration of a piece of antique furniture. We like to take our time and apply the same principles: using only hand tools and natural products to repair any damage, while still preserving the boards’ characterful marks and patina for posterity.
Furniture restoration
Vincent Reed began his prestigious career working with historic timbers thirty years ago restoring antique furniture. Subsequently, he has built up an impressive repertoire of related skills and experience which he applies to all his projects, both furniture and structural. He remains wholly passionate about using the right tools for the job and recreating the correct wood working techniques to enhance the provenance of an heirloom rather than destroy it.
Refectory tables
Hand crafted oak refectory tables have become a signature product for Vincent Reed. Every table is designed and constructed to order in the traditional manner, using reclaimed pit-sawn oak or personally selected new oak timbers; then signed with the Vincent Reed logo. The familiar trestle style, refectory table: legs supported by stretchers positioned low to the floor, is a throwback to medieval monasteries and the banqueting halls of the Middle Ages.
Listed building planning
Once your home has been officially listed as being of particular historical interest, getting permission for any kind of building or restoration works can often become a frustrating, lengthy procedure. With his reputation for historical accuracy and attention to detail; and his experience working with many of the finest listed buildings in the country, Vincent Reed is well placed to handle all negotiations with the appropriate organisations on your behalf.
Our portfolio for period properties and listed buildings
Who we work with
Our expertise
Contact us
Emailinfo@vincentreed.com
Vincent Reed, Russet Farm,
Redlands Lane, Robertsbridge,
East Sussex, TN32 5NG
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