Reinstate Victorian shopfront or build replica bay?

6 years ago

I live in a former Victorian shop, in a former parade, in Walthamstow. Mine is the home on the left, with the light purple door. The shops have now all been turned into either homes or flats - most likely in the ‘70s - if the bay abominations in the row are anything to go by. I would like to improve the frontage through either returning it to its very pretty all-glass original design - see historical photo of the road - or build a Victorian bay mimicking those of actual homes further up the street. However, I’m struggling to decide which is the best option - if either. In my gut, the shop front option seems most sensible as restoring any heritage building to its original form sits best with me. I would add shutters to ensure privacy. However, I feel that building a bay would make the indoor space feel more homely and improve its saleability in the future (though I’m not planning on moving any time soon but it’s good to keep in mind). It’s probably also worth mentioning, no-one else in any of the neighbouring homes have done either of these options and from speaking to some neighbours seem unlikely to. In that respect, perhaps it’s not worth doing at all? Any advice, ideas or even examples would be very gratefully received. Many thanks in advance, Jane

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Comments (3)

A B
6 years ago
I think it would be really fun to subtly recreate a shop front. Without going all out. However if I’m honest, from inside the room I’d prefer s traditional bay, as I can imagine all that glass could cause privacy issues and lose heat. Plus it may make the room more difficult to furnish? I’d probably get visuals for both before deciding though (inside and outside). Are you planning on reinstating 2 sash windows too?
Jane B thanked A B
Jonathan
6 years ago
Personally I think that the 70’s had a lot to answer for and the loss of the original sash windows upstairs and the frontage is a real shame.

For this reason I understand the desire to put back what has been lost but I doubt there is a commercial argument to do so. Check the before and after valuations with an estate agent- Given neighbours have stated that they won’t follow suit I can’t imagine you house out performing the market enough to justify the spend.
Jane B thanked Jonathan
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Jane B
Original Author
6 years ago
Thank you Jen and Jonathan for your comments and suggestions - you’ve given me some important things to think about, especially with regards to heat-loss and seeking before and after valuations. I will definitely be reinstating the sash windows in the first floor. One of the houses further up, not pictured, has sash windows on both floors, and it looks by far the best of the row, so that is a third alternative I could consider, and is probably the most cost-effective of all the options.

Reinstate Victorian shopfront or build replica bay?

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Reinstate Victorian shopfront or build replica bay?

Comments (3)

A B

Jonathan

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Jane BOriginal Author

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Jane B
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