A bit about me

I started out as a builder’s labourer, and my first real experience with lime was on a repointing job at an old schoolhouse in Stroud. I was amazed by what an incredible material it was to work with, and when I stood back and saw the finished job, I couldn’t stop looking at it. That was the moment I knew I wanted to learn more about lime, traditional building methods and everything that comes with working on old buildings.

After working for two local building conservation firms, I decided it was time to set up on my own. Along the way, I was lucky enough to work alongside some great craftsmen, learning from their experience and building a real understanding of how old buildings work and how best to look after them.

I genuinely care about what I do, and I take pride in doing things properly. I hope that shows in the work I produce.

If you’ve got a project in mind or just want a chat about some work you need doing, feel free to give me a call or fill in the contact form, and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.

What we do

  • Traditional Lime Pointing

    Look around the Cotswolds and you’ll sadly see lots of old houses repointed with cement.

    The problems this can cause can be serious ranging from damp inside the home to the stone/brick actually rotting from within. Repointing with a soft lime mortar allows the wall to breathe & stop water ingress and maintains the health of the stone/brick for many more years.

  • Traditional Lime Plaster onto stone wall with cast iron radiator and new timber windows installed

    Traditional Lime Plaster

    Using old school techniques that have worked for years. Lime, sand and horse hair.

    Lime is a lovely material to use, it is very forgiving, and changes the feel of a room completely.  

    Most problems with old houses result from inappropriate use of modern building materials which prevent your house from 'breathing' - things like cement and gypsum plaster, emulsion paints and tanking. 

  • Close up of dry stone wall in the cotswolds using natural local stone

    Dry Stone Walling

    There’s nothing quite like a good dry stone wall.

    Built by hand using carefully chosen natural stone, each wall has its own character and charm. Whether it’s a new garden wall, a field boundary or restoring an old wall, we take pride in creating solid, long-lasting work that looks right at home in the Cotswolds.

  • A person working on scaffolding outside a brick building with two arched windows and a wooden door.

    Window Restoration

    We can restore both timber & metal windows back to their former glory at a fraction of the price of replacements.

    The secret to timber longevity is linseed paint. Linseed paint has been used throughout Scandinavia for centuries, the wood doesn’t rot and the iron never rusts.

  • Cast iron guttering and downpipes installed on period property in the Cotswolds.

    Cast Iron Guttering

    Cast iron guttering combines traditional character with exceptional strength and durability, making it an ideal choice for both period properties and modern homes seeking a classic finish.

    Built to stand the test of time, it offers excellent longevity, weather resistance and a premium appearance that enhances the character and value of any property.

  • Section of a white stucco wall with part of the surface removed, revealing red brick underneath.

    Damp Consultation

    Tanking, sealing & injecting are all terms from the damp industry that have no place in old properties.

    Using these forms of ‘damp proofing’ can cause serious issues within your home as you’re fighting against the process of how old buildings work, they need to breathe, both inside and out!

    The use of cement & gypsum plaster in old properties are one of the main causes of damp as you are effectively sealing the wall and keeping the moisture in there.

    Tackling the cause rather than treating the symptoms is the way to go.

“He showed a passion for old building techniques and the finished wall far exceeded my expectations.”

Johnathan Burges, Chalford

A stone house wall with greenery climbing on it and a window on the right side under a sunny sky.

“James has great knowledge and helped me understand what was wrong with my old, damp cottage. We both look forward to getting you back in for the next project .”

Martin Goode, Stroud

“James showed real care and attention to detail when lime plastering our cottage, we wouldn’t hesitate to have him back.”

Lindsey Stuart

, Nailsworth

Inside a rustic room with a small window and a door leading outside. The window has wooden framing and looks out onto a garden with trees and a small shed. The walls are uneven and stuccoed, giving a cozy, rustic feel. Outside the door, there is a pile of firewood, some greenery, and outdoor furniture.
Room under construction with scaffolding, a bucket of paint, and small window in the wall.

Lime is the oldest building technology still commonly used today.

It was used extensively by the Romans, and is found in nearly all buildings built before the early 1900's.