Hotel facade restoration, Chelsea, London

London Architectural Stonemasonry completed a detailed hotel facade restoration at San Domenico House, Chelsea SW3. The five-week project included repointing brickwork, restoring sash windows, and repairing bay windows and pediments. We delivered on time and with minimal guest disruption while the hotel remained open.

During this project we:

• Carried out a full ground-level survey to provide a clear estimate.
• Scheduled work around hotel guests to minimise disruption.
• Erected scaffolding and conducted a final close-up inspection.
• Repointed brickwork with colour-matched mortar for a uniform appearance.
• Repaired stone window sills to restore form and function.
• Restored and redecorated original sash windows with attention to historic detail.
• Rebuilt and colour-matched lower bay window sections and decorative panelling.
• Repaired and redecorated timber pediments on the roof terrace.
• Completed all works within the strict five-week timeframe.
• Dismantled scaffolding immediately to allow full hotel operation to resume.

Pictured: San Domenico House hotel, expertly repointed and redecorated by London Architectural Stonemasonry

“We just renewed the facade of our hotel in Chelsea and we are really satisfied! They finished the job on time, being clean and making sure all was done properly. We will definitely consider them again for the future.

“Thanks a lot also to Will, very professional.”

Eugenio Pugliese, General Manager at San Domenico House

Pictured: Elegant Victorian brickwork and bay windows brought back to life by London Architectural Stonemasonry. We restored the facade of the middle building in this image.

We were approached by the hotel chain’s manager, who was seeking a contractor with the expertise and flexibility to carry out a sympathetic facade restoration within a tight five-week period. The restoration needed to be done as discreetly as possible while keeping parts of the hotel open for business and ensuring minimal disruption to guests. The hotel owners were committed to maintaining the building’s pristine appearance while still operating.

Before any work commenced, we carried out a full ground-level survey to prepare a clear and accurate estimate. The client agreed to proceed, and we scheduled work around guest needs, with agreed working hours to reduce disruption. The goal was to preserve the building’s original character while addressing deterioration, all while working to an immovable deadline.

Pictured: The contrast between the unrestored facade on the left and the restored hotel facade on the right.

After erecting scaffolding, we conducted a final close-up survey to ensure all works were accounted for and correctly costed. From there, the restoration began in earnest. Our first major task was repointing the brickwork. Over the years, various patch repairs had left the facade with a mismatched appearance. We carefully repointed the entire area using colour-matched mortar, giving the brickwork a uniform finish and enhancing the building’s elegant Victorian look.

Stone window sills were repaired to restore both appearance and function. We also undertook careful restoration and redecoration of the original sash windows. Particular attention was paid to the projecting lower sections of the bay windows, which required extensive work. We took precise profiles of the original shapes and rebuilt them using render that was colour-matched to the existing finish. Our restoration specialists recreated the decorative inlays and panelling to match the original design exactly.

At the rear of the building, we repaired and redecorated timber pediments above the windows and doors on the roof terrace. These had deteriorated over time and were made safe and attractive again, allowing the space to be reopened for guest use.

Pictured: Colour-matched mortar in repointed brickwork

The full scope of works was completed within the agreed five-week timeframe. We dismantled the scaffolding the day after finishing, allowing the hotel to reopen suites immediately without affecting any pre-booked stays or business operations. The new facade not only restored the elegance of this Victorian townhouse but did so without interrupting the comfort or experience of the hotel’s guests.

Following the successful completion of this phase, the hotel chain’s manager has already scheduled us to return in 2025 to restore another section of the building. We’re proud that our approach, attention to detail, and commitment to the client’s specific needs earned us further trust and business.

Pictured: Restored facade completed on schedule with no disruption to hotel guests, ready for continued use

If you’re a hotel or property manager in London looking for experienced, discreet, and skilled facade restoration specialists, contact the team at London Architectural Stonemasonry. We bring traditional techniques and a client-focused approach to every project—ensuring your building looks its best without disrupting business.

• Learn more about our facade restoration services
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