Just wanted to say what a fantastic kitchen. So pleased you're keeping it! Formica would be the period correct work surface and can still be bought but may not fit with your budget? I would also look at having a carpenter produce your cabinets. They can be cheaper than off the shelf and would be better build. To save some money you could buy cheap plain carcasses and have a carpenter make doors to match the existing ones that you can then paint. That's what i'd do!

After waiting 2 weeks from January order of oak window sill, ledge shelves and flat shelves that arrived 4 months later, then another month for fitter to find half a day to fit us in... TOMORROW'S THE DAY. And we're ready. Might even get some 'after' photos on here.

I think that you need to leave a wider gap, 30cm is not wide and I think it will look like what it is, ie stopping the units so they don't get in the way of the french doors. I would go with a 60-80cm gap and make a useful feature out of it with floor to ceiling shelving. I've found a picture showing some shelving stepped back from regular depth units, so you get an idea. Another option is to use a rounded base unit if you like them and maybe put a stool or plant in the gap.

Thanks for your thoughts Vicky! How long did it take you to find the kitchen on eBay and did it fit exactly or did you have to alter it? Would be keen to hear how the whole experience was for you! Cheers Sam