Dividing our house into two

6 years ago

These are the ground plans of our house, which is itself one half of a very large Victorian villa. Some of the rooms are rather large and all have very high ceilings and lots of airy space. The cellar and second floor bedroom are both to the right of the front door.

Do you think there is an obvious way for us to split the house in two when my husband and I want to downsize?

The front garden is very large and there would be room for two nice sized driveways and garden plots. The back garden quite suitable too for dividing up.

Financially, would it be worth it? The think the house is worth right now about £1.2million. 3 bedroom houses sell for around £800-850,000. But how much the build cost etc would be would impact whether we could afford to stay......

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Comments (5)

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6 years ago
On my computer the plan doesn't enlarge when you click on it. This may be preventing people commenting on your post
PRO
Martin McCurdy Architecture Ltd
6 years ago
Susanna,

you would need planning approval to divide your house into two (or more) self-contained units. A conversation with the planning department to establish their policies on the division of houses in your area and the likelihood of approval would be a good first step before you get too far into the options & details of the possibilities.

Kind regards

Martin McCurdy
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You can't have folding doors over a staircase!😆 I'm beginning to understand the problem here. You shouldn't be "totally stumped" on anything. That's the architects job! You just need to take your wishlist and suggestions to him/her. They will do a number of amendments until you are happy with the result. You can do some simple sketches but generally speaking you just need a bullet point list of things you don't like about the current design. Coming up with the solutions is the architects job. There's no point paying them if you're going to do the work for them. Everything else is in place and you've done the right thing by choosing them based on their previous work. It just seems like they might be a bit busy and aren't able to offer the amendments quicker. A professional firm will have already budgeted in the amendments so they don't lose anything by changing the design for you. I don't think they are trying to fob you off. The amendments will always be limited by budget, planning permission, health & safety and site conditions etc. If you really aren't happy with their service maybe consider taking what you have and speak another architect. The current firm have done all the hard work so the new firm won't have to do much to tweak the design.
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A B
6 years ago
True, but a conversation will now likely cost you money, so I understand wanting to sound out ideas on a (free) website prior to approaching planning/employing an architect etc.
Jonathan
6 years ago
I also can’t read the plan.
On the face of it your idea seems great and although there will be costs involved with adding kitchens, bathrooms, and redoing wiring and central heating to separate them, it sounds like you are in a postcode where it will pay dividend.
I agree with the earlier suggestion of free advice from your local planning office which will tell you what might be possible.
In your position I would also be sounding out the planners about whether they will also allow an extension because I suspect that you will add more to the value than you will spend.
If you are assured by early conversations with the planning office you could employ a local architect to explore creative options. Posting plans again will help with inspiration as I am sure people will post ideas. A concept planner may be a cost effective way of exploring the creative options before you consult an architect.
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6 years ago
Agree it sounds like a really great idea to allow you to downsize and fund your retirement. You could consider splitting it into 2 flats and living in the ground floor flat to future proof with ground floor living too. Although you may sell a flat for less than a house. Good luck with the project anyway

Dividing our house into two

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Martin McCurdy Architecture Ltd

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