A town named after a crocus
Saffron crocuses were grown widely here in the 16th and 17th centuries for dye, medicine and cooking, and the crop gave the town its name, which had replaced Chipping Walden by the 1540s. St Mary the Virgin, the largest parish church in Essex, has a 193-foot spire added in 1832, and the turf maze on the common is the largest of its kind in England, first recorded in 1699.
Listed homes
Saffron Walden has 373 listed buildings: ten at Grade I, 32 at Grade II* and 331 at Grade II. If your home is one of them, listed building consent can apply to work inside as well as outside, so speak to Uttlesford District Council before changing the kitchen.
Stone for older kitchens
Honed granite, quartzite and marble sit naturally against old brick, plaster and timber, and an ogee or bullnose edge suits a traditional kitchen. If you prefer something maintenance-free, a quartz design with soft veining works in old and new houses alike. The edges guide shows the profiles.
Uneven floors and walls
Stone needs level, solid units beneath it. In older houses the floor often slopes, so units are packed level before templating. Templating then captures the walls exactly, so the worktop fits tight even where the room is far from square.
Questions from Saffron Walden
Is consent needed for new worktops in a listed house?
Possibly. Consent can apply to interior changes that affect a listed building's character. Ask Uttlesford District Council before work starts.
Which stone suits a period kitchen?
Honed natural stone such as granite, quartzite or marble is the traditional choice. Soft-veined quartz is a lower-maintenance alternative.
Saffron Walden is in Essex. Is it in your area?
Yes. The CB10 and CB11 postcodes are part of our area.
Sources
- Saffron Walden (Wikipedia) (opens in a new tab)
- Listed buildings in Saffron Walden (Wikipedia) (opens in a new tab)
We are not connected with the organisations linked here; they are listed for reference.