Nestled in the heart of the Norfolk countryside, surrounded by lush woodland and open skies, Oaklands Garden is a striking example of how a thoughtful renovation can breathe new life into an older property. The house, a 1980s farmhouse situated on three acres of land, had been left untouched for decades and was in need of a complete overhaul when its current owners, Abi and her husband, took it on.

Abi recalls, “It had nothing done to it since the 1980s. Everything—from the interiors to the external features—was dated, tired, and in some places, even dilapidated. We knew when we bought it that this would be a full renovation project. We completely gutted it, knocked down internal walls to create a more open-plan feel, and bricked up some windows that no longer worked with the new layout. In the process, we ended up with some blank exterior spaces that needed a creative solution.”

Given the house’s location, nestled among tall trees and dense greenery, the couple was also cautious about the type of materials they used on the exterior. “We didn’t want to render the whole building,” Abi explains. “With the trees surrounding us, we were concerned that full render might discolour over time from things like moss, damp, or tree sap. So, we needed a façade that would look good, stand the test of time, and be easy to maintain.”

It was a recommendation from their plastering team that eventually led Abi and her husband to discover Cedral facades. “Our plasterers had used Cedral on several previous projects and spoke highly of it,” Abi says. “They knew we were struggling to find the right finish for the exterior, and when they showed us samples of Cedral, we instantly saw the potential. It offered us the flexibility we needed, both aesthetically and practically.”

They chose Cedral Click in C18 Slate Grey, a colour that blends beautifully with both the natural setting and the existing brickwork. “We used it on select areas of the house to break up the render and to cover some of the old, untidy brickwork. It really helped us achieve that characterful look we were going for,” Abi explains.

The result is a harmonious combination of textures and tones. The sleek, modern lines of the Cedral panels provide a contrast to the rustic charm of the original bricks, while the slate grey colour complements the new rendered sections in soft, neutral tones. The materials sit well within the rural setting, creating a home that feels both contemporary and timeless.

“Cedral gave us that traditional farmhouse feel, that country look we really wanted,” Abi adds. “It doesn’t look out of place here in the countryside. It looks like it belongs.”

Beyond aesthetics, one of the biggest draws for the couple was the low-maintenance aspect of Cedral. Living in a rural location, they were keen to avoid finishes that would require regular upkeep. “We have enough on our hands with the land and the garden,” Abi laughs. “Knowing the exterior cladding wouldn’t need constant care or repainting was a big bonus.”

Now fully renovated, Oaklands Garden stands as a beautiful example of how modern materials like Cedral can be used to preserve the charm and integrity of a rural property while giving it a fresh, updated look. The house not only suits its natural surroundings, but also reflects the owners’ personal style and practical needs. It’s a home built for the future—rooted in tradition, but designed with modern living in mind.