Can I Paint the Exterior Walls, Doors and Windows of a Grade II Listed Home?
The exterior of any home needs to be maintained and kept presentable, and we are often asked about changing the exterior colour of Listed homes. For such projects, our architects’ priority is to preserve the historical character, appearance and features that are the reason for the home’s listed status, whilst choosing historically accurate colours and finishes wherever possible.
Protection and Preservation
The exterior of a Listed home may have features such as chimneys, decorative brickwork and exposed timber frames that are the reason for the Listed status. Exterior walls, doors and window frames all have to be maintained and kept looking good and we will discuss with our clients the colours and materials that can be used without contravening Listed status requirements. It is always very clear when a home is Listed and owners and owners-to-be will more than likely be aware of the Listed status requirements. If exterior walls are painted, it may not be just a matter of choosing the most acceptable paint colour. It is also a case of working with a suitable formulation of paint or limewash appropriate to the surface, which may be render, stucco or brick. Painted window frames and doors need regular attention, ideally using high quality paints that have the correct finish – gloss or eggshell is generally most suitable, and are in the correct colours. White or black are the usual choices for window frames; doors can be painted a colour, often in ‘traditional’ darker shades such as green, navy, black and crimson. Timber window joinery in older homes may often be unpainted oak, in which case it can be refreshed by cleaning and re-oiling if it needs sprucing up.
Listed Status and Conservation Area Requirements
Any significant structural, building or alteration work carried out on a Listed building may need Listed Building Consent, and if the improvements or changes require Planning Permission, then Listed Building Consent will definitely be needed. Repainting the exterior will be a regular task and may be necessary when a full refurbishment is taking place, particularly where external pipes, gutters, drains etc are being replaced or restored. There may have been water damage, staining or simply environmental pollution to deal with, leading to the repainting of exterior walls. Exterior colours can be a sensitive subject, particularly if the building is in a Conservation area. Conservation areas are under the control of the Local Authority which has input into the colours that are acceptable. It is usually fairly obvious what colours are acceptable – for example in a crescent of pristine, white-painted Georgian townhouses it’s likely that the Local Authority has a say in the colours allowed. Of course, there are dozens of shades of ‘white’ to consider, and as architects we would choose carefully, so that our project is in keeping with neighbouring homes. There are also lots of places throughout the UK where there is a joyful mix of exterior house colours, and where owners take delight in creating a gorgeous mix of colourful exteriors. There are the pastel pink, blue and green houses in Notting Hill, and of course, lots of ‘Suffolk Pink’ homes – Listed and non-Listed – in Suffolk. There is more information regarding Listed Building Consent on the Government’s Planning Portal here.
Traditional Formulations and Historical Colours
For exterior walls with a lime render that needs a breathable finish, Limewash from Farrow & Ball would be suitable. Exterior Eggshell, also Farrow & Ball is suitable for exterior doors, window joinery and other outdoor timber as it stays flexible and has properties which deter the growth of algae. For exterior brick and render their Exterior Masonry paint would be the right choice. For specific colour inspiration by period from Georgian to Regency and Victorian there is a wealth of information at Little Greene. For a dark exterior colour palette Invisible Green, a Georgian shade, is suggested for fencing and railings to blend with outdoor greenery and vegetation.
As architects, when we work on a Listed project our intention is always to protect the integrity and appearance of the building through meticulous repairs and renovations. The aim is always to create a beautiful and comfortable home with all the required conveniences of contemporary day-to-day living.
