Design Guidance

Much of the early Garden City housing is characterised by its attention to detail. Retention and repair of original features will not only enhance the appearance and individuality of a house but may also improve its financial value. You should therefore first see whether it is possible to repair rather than replace such features as windows and doors. However, where replacement is inevitable, you should take care over the selection of design and materials.

Many standard products and modern materials may not be suitable in appearance for use on early Garden City homes or in a Conservation Area. Replicas should be used where possible and re-roofing should be with reclaimed or matching tiles. It is also important to note that in a number of areas of the Garden City, housing was designed in distinct groups or small estates, many in terraces, where unity of detail and materials are key to their original character. In these cases, attempts to individualise one house will harm the appearance and architectural harmony of the group and, again, may affect their financial value. If you live in such an area, it is worth talking with your neighbours so that you can all co-operate to maintain the special quality of your group of houses.

The Heritage Foundation runs a grant scheme which helps owners meet the additional cost of replacement non-standard windows, doors, roof tiles etc, which match the original, and the cost of restoring original features such as chimneys. North Hertfordshire District Council also runs a grants scheme to help with the cost of repairs to the fabric of Listed Buildings, such as render and brickwork repairs, retiling and the repair of original doors and windows.