At Presence & Co., we believe exceptional homes start with a vision, and Camden Hill is a perfect example of what’s possible when thoughtful design, careful planning, and expert craftsmanship come together. This full renovation and extension project in Tunbridge Wells wasn’t just about modernising a property, it was about reimagining how a home feels, flows, and functions for contemporary family living.
From Probate House to Modern Family Home
When Camden Hill first came into our hands, it was a dark, dated probate property that no longer met modern needs. The layout was compartmentalised, the interiors felt heavy, and the home struggled to provide the comfort and functionality a family required. While this presented a challenge, it also offered a unique opportunity to create something truly special, a home that blended heritage charm with contemporary living.
Our mission was clear: to preserve meaningful historical features while creating bright, welcoming spaces that worked for everyday life. Over an eight-month renovation period, completed in November 2025, our team transformed the property from top to bottom, ensuring every detail, from layout to finishes, was carefully considered.
A Fully Managed, End-to-End Transformation
What set Camden Hill apart was the integrated approach we took throughout the project. Presence & Co. led every stage, acting as a single point of contact while coordinating all trades, timelines, and decisions. This approach ensured continuity, clarity, and quality at every stage, removing the potential stress and complexity often associated with large-scale renovations.
Key aspects of our approach included:
- Comprehensive project management: Scheduling and coordinating trades to minimise disruption and ensure timely delivery.
- In-house oversight: All aspects of electrics, plumbing, carpentry, decorating, and flooring were supervised to maintain high-quality standards.
- Preservation of original features: The staircase and other heritage elements were upcycled and restored, providing continuity and character.
- Attention to detail in finishes: From marble and timber to bespoke joinery, every element was sourced and installed thoughtfully.
- Exterior improvements: The garden was completely redesigned for outdoor living, and the driveway extended for functionality.
- Client communication: Regular updates and progress reviews ensured the client was fully informed and involved throughout the project.
Design That Balanced Heritage and Modern Living
Transforming a property like Camden Hill was all about balance. While embracing modern design, we were committed to retaining and celebrating the home’s original character. Features such as the staircase were sensitively restored, becoming striking focal points that connected the property’s past with its present.
Inside, the interiors were completely reimagined. Dark and heavy décor was replaced with bright, open spaces that maximised natural light and created a sense of flow between rooms. Carefully chosen materials, including herringbone timber floors and marble features added elegance, while soft grey carpets provided warmth and comfort. Every room was designed to suit contemporary family life without losing the home’s personality.
The open-plan kitchen and dining area, for instance, became the heart of the home, combining functionality with style. Natural light flooded in through carefully positioned windows and doors, creating a welcoming space for everyday living, entertaining, or simply enjoying time with family.
Practical Enhancements and Outdoor Living
The transformation extended beyond the interiors. The rear garden was entirely redesigned to create a family-friendly outdoor space, perfect for both play and relaxation. Landscaping was approached with the same attention to detail as the interior, ensuring it complemented the home’s design while enhancing usability.
The front driveway was also extended, improving practicality and enhancing the property’s street presence. These exterior improvements were a key part of creating a cohesive, thoughtful home where every detail worked together.
Challenges and Solutions
Every renovation comes with challenges, and Camden Hill was no exception. Working with a probate property meant navigating structural limitations, outdated wiring, and layout constraints. However, our team approached each challenge methodically, finding solutions that enhanced the property rather than compromising its integrity.
For example, integrating modern conveniences such as underfloor heating, updated electrical systems, and improved insulation required careful planning to preserve the building’s character. Our holistic project management ensured these updates were seamlessly incorporated, providing a comfortable, energy-efficient home without detracting from its heritage appeal.
A Home Ready for the Next Chapter
By the time Camden Hill was completed, it stood as a testament to what thoughtful residential transformation could achieve. It was a home that felt unrecognisable from the property we first stepped into: bright, elegant, and designed for modern living. By blending restored heritage features with contemporary finishes and layouts, we created a property that was stylish, functional, and ready for the next chapter of family life.
From revitalised interiors to landscaped gardens and extended parking, every element of Camden Hill was carefully considered and executed. The result was a home that exceeded expectations, not just in appearance, but in usability, flow, and comfort.
