A Guernsey Granite Cottage Reborn as a Stylish, Award-Winning Family Home

From outdated to outstanding: one family's bold vision transformed a crumbling cottage into a mid-century-inspired haven. See how heritage met innovation—and won an award.

, and Administrator

2026 May 19 . 10:03 PM

1 min read

The image shows an old book with a drawing of various types of houses on it. The book is open to a... — The image shows an old book with a drawing of various types of houses on it. The book is open to a page with detailed plans of the houses, each with its own unique design and layout. The text on the page provides further information about the houses and their features.

A Guernsey Granite Cottage Reborn as a Stylish, Award-Winning Family Home

A granite cottage in Guernsey has been transformed into a stylish family home, blending old and new. Pres de Sable, renovated by Doug Langlois and contractor Habitat Ltd, recently won a 2024 design award. The project combined careful restoration with bold mid-century touches—all while facing industry-wide construction challenges. The renovation began with the removal of an outdated conservatory and lean-to. In their place, a spacious family room, a modern kitchen, and an extra bedroom were added. Many materials were reused, including a striking 1969 orange kitchen salvaged from a farmhouse undergoing refurbishment.

The rest of the house received a thermal upgrade, with new floors, ceilings, and wall linings installed. Yet traditional features—like fireplaces, exposed beams, and original floorboards—were preserved to keep the cottage’s character intact. The design balanced respect for heritage with a love of mid-century aesthetics. Langlois took on the roles of architect and self-builder, working closely with Habitat Ltd throughout. Their collaboration ensured the project stayed true to its vision, even during a difficult period for construction. The result is a home that feels both timeless and fresh.

Pres de Sable has now been recognised with the Small Projects (up to £250k) award at the 2024 Guernsey Design Awards. The finished home offers modern comforts while honouring its origins. Its mix of recycled materials, thermal efficiency, and thoughtful design sets a standard for sustainable renovations.