Our client had always dreamt of recreating their childhood home on the Isle of Man, so the opportunity was too good to miss when a pair of derelict harbourside houses came up for sale. The house is in a conservation area and, true to its type, contained small dark rooms not suitable for a contemporary lifestyle. The dream was to restore the buildings to their former glory, constructing a stunning new interior in green oak. The Challenge The Isle of Man Planning Department required that any alterations to the property should match the existing style of the building and enhance the historic harbourside. We also had to find the most effective way of keeping our client, who was continually travelling overseas, fully briefed and updated with progress and the finishes, fixtures and fittings. The Solution Through our long-standing relationship with the Planning Officers, we convinced them to grant planning on a minimalist ridge roof light and larger windows on the first floor that complemented the original architecture. Even though the client was overseas, they were involved in every step. Using our in-house virtual 3D modelling service, the client could look around the new home on their computer. The result is a stunning restoration of a period property which accommodates the client's need for space, light and modern living.