Location:
Carmarthenshire is a county in the south-west of Wales. The three largest towns are Llanelli, Carmarthen and Ammanford. Its an excellent location, nestled between Swansea and the Pembrokeshire coast, ensuring all the benefits of urban amenities and natural beauty are always within reach.
Background:
Many of us dream of restoring a Victorian property, but few take on the challenge with as much dedication as Daryl and Siwan, known on Instagram as @old.welsh.reno. Their journey began in 2020 when they purchased a neglected 1890s vicarage that had stood empty for nearly 20 years.
Determined to bring it back to life while preserving its original charm, they set out to restore its period features and create a warm, traditional family home.
The Challenge:
With its grand proportions and high ceilings, the Old Vicarage had the potential to be a stunning period home.
- Many original Victorian details, such as crown mouldings and ornate trims, had been removed over the years.
- The challenge was to reintroduce these architectural elements authentically.
- The renovation had to stay within budget while respecting the house's history.
The Project Plan:
To restore the character of their home, Daryl and Siwan chose to install traditional plaster coving and ceiling roses in key rooms. After researching various suppliers, they selected Plaster Ceiling Roses for their high-quality, handcrafted gypsum designs.
They chose a ‘Swan Neck’ design for the coving. This is a large Victorian-style plaster cornice with a 170mm drop and 190mm projection - ideal for their high ceilings. To compliment this a ‘Plain Acanthus’ ceiling rose was ordered. This is a classic design that works well with the coving and adds a period detail to the ceiling.
The couple ordered samples before committing, ensuring the coving’s proportions suited their space. Once delivered, they carefully installed themselves, restoring the home’s grandeur one room at a time.
Before & After:
Before the renovation, the rooms lacked definition, and the absence of traditional coving left the ceilings feeling bare. The addition of the swan neck coving instantly transformed the space, creating an elegant transition between walls and ceiling.
In their lounge, the coving was paired with wall panelling and a bay window, enhancing the room’s sense of scale and symmetry. By keeping the ceiling and coving white while painting the skirtings and walls green, they achieved a striking yet timeless contrast.
Products Used:
• Plain Acanthus Ceiling Roses (MPR061)
Final Thoughts:
The addition of traditional coving and ceiling roses has made a significant impact on the overall feel of the Old Vicarage. Daryl and Siwan have successfully reinstated a sense of grandeur and period authenticity, proving that the right architectural details can completely transform a space. Their thoughtful approach to restoration is both inspiring and educational for fellow renovators.
For more updates on their renovation journey, follow @old.welsh.reno on Instagram.
Do you know we deliver across the UK?
Our experienced drivers will make sure you get your plaster mouldings quickly and safely. For sales and general enquiries please call 0333 043 1471 or email service@shawfieldpark.co.uk.
