At Presence & Co., we’ve always believed that buildings tell stories – and when those buildings are rich with heritage, it becomes our privilege (and challenge!) to preserve those stories while creating spaces that feel fresh, liveable, and relevant for today.
From grand rectories in York to the potting sheds of Salomons Estate, our work in heritage properties is some of our most rewarding. It demands a deep understanding of traditional craftsmanship, an eye for what should be preserved, and the skill to modernise without losing soul. Here’s a look at some of the projects that speak to our love of heritage, and why we believe old buildings still have so much to give.
Heworth House: York’s Victorian Jewel, Reimagined
Originally built in 1865 as the old Heworth Rectory, this stunning Victorian Gothic building in York had been through many lives – from serving the Holy Trinity church, to housing a nursery and a driving test centre. When we stepped in, the building was tired but full of potential.
Working alongside Brierley Groom Chartered Architects, we transformed Heworth House into six beautiful apartments – each one honouring the character of the original build, while bringing in modern comfort and design.
We carefully restored original fireplaces and built the bedrooms around them, so their grandeur still defines the space. The Victorian mosaic tiled floors in the entranceway were revived tile-by-tile, and Apartment 2 features an original period cooking range that now takes pride of place. Every decision, from brickwork to roofing, was about balance – celebrating heritage while gently upgrading it for contemporary living.
It’s not just one of our proudest projects; it’s one that has been recognised by the York Design Awards and shortlisted for the Pitched Roofing Awards – and most importantly, it’s now a home for a new generation of stories to unfold.
Salomons Estate: From Delicate Potting Sheds to Luxury Retreats
If you’ve ever visited Salomons Estate, you’ll know the charm of the old potting sheds, full of character but in desperate need of care. We saw more than a forgotten outbuilding. We saw potential.
Situated on a historic estate once home to one of Kent’s most prominent scientific families, the potting sheds were reimagined and converted into unique holiday cottages. Every beam, every brick was treated with respect, repaired where we could, replaced where we had to, but always with the aim of keeping the charm alive.
The cottages now offer guests a slice of heritage living, nestled in the grounds of one of the county’s most historically significant estates. It’s a true example of how heritage can be a luxury – when done right.
Why Heritage Work Matters to Us
Working in listed and historic buildings is never the easy route. It means navigating conservation rules, balancing structural needs with original features, and working with a whole lot of unknowns once the walls come down.
But it’s always worth it.
There’s something incredibly special about walking into a space and seeing 150 years of history, knowing that your job is to let it live on. Whether we’re carefully relaying handmade clay tiles or rebuilding an arch using original stone, the goal is always the same – to breathe new life into the old, without erasing what made it beautiful in the first place.
And at Presence & Co., we’re lucky to have all the expertise under one roof – from in-house electricians and roofers to our planning and development teams. That means we can handle heritage projects with the respect, consistency, and craftsmanship they deserve.
Looking After the Old – With an Eye on the Future
If you’re lucky enough to own a heritage building, or have your eye on one, we’d love to talk. Whether it’s a sensitive restoration, a conversion project, or just understanding what’s possible, we’re here to help you unlock the value and magic in your property – without losing its heart.
Because history isn’t something to preserve in glass. It’s something to live in.
