Rewiring a Georgian Townhouse in Bristol
Restoring a Bristol Landmark
Perched high above Bristol on the prestigious Kingsdown Parade, this magnificent four-storey Georgian townhouse enjoys panoramic views across the city skyline towards the Dundry Hills. Behind its elegant brick façade lies everything that makes period homes so desirable – grand reception rooms, ornate cornicing, original fireplaces, sash windows and beautifully proportioned living spaces.
When interior designer Sylvie Morris and Symes Construction began the complete restoration of the property, their vision was clear: create a luxurious family home while preserving the character that had made the building special for over two centuries.
Business Electrical was delighted to be appointed to deliver the complete electrical installation.
As with many period property renovations across Bristol, the electrical work would be almost entirely hidden. Yet behind every restored wall, beneath every original floorboard and above every decorative ceiling, an entirely new electrical infrastructure would have to be carefully designed and installed to meet modern safety standards while respecting the building’s historic fabric.
A Complete House Rewire
Projects like this demonstrate why a full house rewire is often about far more than replacing old cables.
Older properties were never designed for today’s lifestyles. Modern kitchens, home working, decorative lighting, heating controls and increased electrical demand all require careful planning from the very beginning.
The specification for Kingsdown Parade included a completely new electrical installation throughout the property, incorporating:
- a new 22-way consumer unit with RCBO protection & surge protection
- replacement main earthing, bonding conductors & mains tails
- 37 twin socket outlets
- 17 dedicated 5-amp lighting sockets
- new lighting circuits throughout
- smoke, heat and carbon monoxide detection
- exterior lighting & garden power
- dedicated appliance supplies
- full testing, certification & Building Regulations notification.
- a new 22-way consumer unit with RCBO protection and surge protection
- replacement main earthing, bonding conductors and mains tails
- 37 twin socket outlets
- 17 dedicated 5-amp lighting sockets
- new lighting circuits throughout
- smoke, heat and carbon monoxide detection
- exterior lighting and garden power
- dedicated appliance supplies
- full testing, certification and Building Regulations notification.
While these figures hint at the scale of the installation, they tell only part of the story.
Respecting the Building's History
One of the greatest challenges with any Georgian renovation is deciding where not to work.
The original timber floorboards, decorative cornices, panelling, exposed brickwork and masonry had survived for generations and formed an essential part of the property’s character. Every cable route therefore had to be considered carefully before any work began.
Unlike a modern new-build, there are rarely obvious routes through an eighteenth-century townhouse.
Our electricians worked closely with Symes Construction throughout the project, identifying routes that protected original features wherever possible while still complying fully with the requirements of BS 7671.
Safe cable zones were particularly important.
Electrical cables concealed within walls must be installed in recognised safe zones, allowing future homeowners to make reasonable assumptions about where hidden wiring is located before drilling or fixing into walls. This careful planning meant that every socket and switch position influenced the cable routes running throughout the building.
Good electrical design often goes unnoticed—and that’s exactly how it should be.
Looking through the finished photographs, the original architecture remains the focus, while the electrical installation quietly supports the spaces without distracting from them.
Traditional Character with 21st Century
There is no such thing as an authentic Georgian electrical installation.
The Georgian period predates domestic electricity, meaning every installation is ultimately a balance between safety and historic appearance.
To complement the restoration, antique brass accessories were selected for much of the property, including upgraded Hamilton switches and engraved controls in the kitchen. These period-inspired fittings sit naturally against the restored interiors while providing reliability and protection.
Behind a traditional finish lies an electrical system designed around today’s regulations and lifestyles.
Lighting Around the Home
Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of this project was helping create a lighting scheme that complemented both the architecture and the interior design.
The generous proportions of the reception rooms flood the house with natural daylight through the original sash windows and curved bay elevations. During the evening, however, the lighting needed to create a completely different atmosphere.
Rather than relying on single ceiling pendants, the installation combines decorative feature lighting, wall lights and dedicated 5-amp lighting circuits.
These often-overlooked circuits allow table lamps and floor lamps to be plugged into dedicated lighting sockets and controlled from the room’s wall switches, creating flexible lighting scenes throughout the property without visible extension leads or individually switched lamps.
Combined with modern LED-compatible dimming systems, this gives the homeowners complete control over the mood of each room while maintaining the understated elegance of the interior.
A Kitchen Designed for Entertaining
The rear of the property has been transformed into a stunning open-plan kitchen and dining space overlooking the mature gardens.
Here the electrical installation was designed to disappear into the architecture.
Dedicated supplies were provided for the range cooker, extractor, appliances and heating controls, while engraved Hamilton switching creates intuitive control of the various kitchen functions. Pendant lighting above the island and dining table provides gentle focal points without overwhelming the room, while carefully positioned sockets remain convenient without interrupting the clean lines of the cabinetry.
The result is a kitchen that feels entirely natural—as though it has always belonged within the house.
Safety Behind Every Wall
Although the visible finishes receive most of the attention, the greatest transformation is hidden behind the plasterwork.
The property now benefits from:
- modern RCBO circuit protection
- surge protection
- upgraded earthing and bonding
- comprehensive smoke, heat and carbon monoxide detection
- new electrical circuits throughout
- full inspection, testing and certification on completion.
Like all of our domestic electrical installations, every aspect of the work was completed to current British Standards before being fully tested and certified.
Working Together
Projects of this calibre are never the work of a single contractor.
Symes Construction carried out exceptional restoration work throughout the property, carefully preserving and reinstating many of the building’s original architectural features. Interior designer Sylvie Morris brought together traditional materials, contemporary furnishings and carefully considered colour palettes to create a home that feels both timeless and welcoming.
Our role was to provide the modern infrastructure that allows the house to function effortlessly while remaining almost invisible.
From first fix through to final commissioning, close communication between every trade ensured the electrical installation integrated seamlessly with the wider renovation.
That collaborative approach is something Business Electrical prides itself on. Whether we’re undertaking a complete house rewire, upgrading a consumer unit, or delivering electrical installations as part of a major renovation, we see ourselves as part of the wider project team—not simply another contractor on site.
Bringing Period Homes into the Future
Kingsdown Parade perfectly demonstrates what we enjoy most about working on older Bristol properties.
Every period home presents unique challenges, from preserving original features to designing electrical systems that meet modern expectations without compromising historic character.
The finished result is a home that looks as though it has evolved naturally over time, yet behind the walls sits an electrical installation designed to serve its owners safely for decades to come.
We’d like to thank Sylvie Morris and Symes Construction for inviting Business Electrical to play a part in the restoration of this remarkable Georgian home.
Planning a Period Property Renovation?
If you’re renovating a Georgian townhouse, Victorian terrace or any older property in Bristol, Business Electrical has extensive experience delivering sympathetic electrical rewires that combine modern safety with traditional craftsmanship
Whether you need a full house rewire, consumer unit replacement, new lighting design, or electrical installations as part of a complete renovation, we’d be delighted to discuss your project. Give our team a call on 0117 462 0478 today or contact us online.