The latest renovation in the heart of Woolsery

— 18 May 2023

The shop prior to renovation

Opening up the original windows and raising the lowered ceiling have created a sense of space without increasing the footprint

The upstairs suites at the Shop at Woolsery are flooded with natural light

The rooflight with views of the church tower

Fabco window looking out onto the terrace

Parapet detail on the terrace for the hotel suites above the shop

The shop in the heart of Woolsery village, one of the many dilapidated buildings being brought back to life by tech entrepreneurs, Michael and Xochi Birch has reopened to the delight of locals and a fanfare of local press coverage. Jonathan Rhind Architects’ who have been the project architects for the whole raft of schemes in the village drew up proposals for the historic building repair and upgrades, secured planning approval, drew up technical designs and oversaw the site as contract administrators.

Jonathan Rhind Architects also had a key role in coordinating the multitude of consultants who were essential to getting the project completed; from mechanical and electrical engineers, to the lighting and interior designers.

Upstairs the unused residential rooms have been reimagined as suites for use by the Manor hotel. Of particular interest are the Crittall-style metal framed windows by Fabco. On the top floor one suite has a large scale rooflight looking directly onto the tower of the Grade I listed All Hallows church across the street and the other, a picture window with sweeping views across the village to the countryside beyond; flooding both of these luxurious suites with natural light.

Downstairs, customers to the upgraded shop have commented on how much more spacious it feels. Interestingly the shop footprint has not changed but Jonathan Rhind Architects’ designs for the interior lifted the ceiling to allow for more head height as well as opening up the original windows, which had been hidden for decades by shelving. The post office also has its own separate space, allowing for more circulation space in the main shop.

The exterior of the shop has also been renovated and is looking great!

J Andrew Shop and Post Office is now open and providing locals and visitors to the village with essentials as well as locally produced artisan goods, and will eventually be stocked with produce from Birch Farm, and baked goods from the bakery. Whilst the shop has been refreshed and updated, the historic building has been sensitively repaired, and the historic character is now more apparent than ever.

Look out for more blogs on the Woolsery project as it progresses, and see the Collective at Woolsery website for more information.