In short
- Reigate has a historic centre and several conservation areas with Victorian and older buildings.
- Victorian villas with solid walls suit breathable renders or carefully specified external wall insulation.
- Interwar and post-war suburbs such as Woodhatch and South Park suit modern through-coloured systems.
- Parts of Reigate Hill and the North Downs lie within the Surrey Hills National Landscape.
Reigate's houses
Reigate's historic centre around the High Street and the castle grounds contains buildings from many periods, and there are several conservation areas across the town. Large Victorian villas on the slopes toward Reigate Hill and around the station often have solid walls and decorative details such as bays, string courses and moulded surrounds that must be respected.
The interwar and post-war suburbs of Woodhatch, South Park and the areas toward Redhill are mostly cavity-walled and suit silicone or monocouche.
Detailing on period houses
On Victorian houses the question is whether rendering is appropriate at all. Painted render on stucco-fronted houses should be repaired like for like. Brick villas are often best left unrendered or insulated internally. If external insulation is chosen, window reveals, eaves and decorative features need careful design. See rendering period and solid-wall homes.
Planning
Reigate and Banstead Borough Council currently handles planning here. Surrey's district and borough councils are being replaced by new unitary councils, so check which authority handles planning at the time you apply. In conservation areas and in the parts of the borough within the Surrey Hills National Landscape, cladding a house in render is not permitted development.
Questions people ask
Do you cover Redhill?
Yes, along with Woodhatch, South Park, Reigate Heath and Merstham.
Can I insulate the outside of a Victorian villa?
Sometimes, but it changes the appearance significantly and may need planning permission. Internal insulation or lime-based systems can be better on period houses.