Making Period Homes Accessible Without Compromising on Style
- Sophie Hart
- May 12
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 29
Making Period Homes Accessible Without Compromising on Style
Historic and period properties are full of character, charm, and craftsmanship - but they weren’t exactly built with accessibility in mind. So how do you make a Georgian townhouse, Victorian terrace, or a quaint countryside cottage wheelchair accessible without ruining the look of it?
That’s the challenge we solve every day at Rise Ramps by making period homes accessible without compromising on style.
Why Accessibility Matters in Heritage Homes
Whether you're future-proofing your home, helping a relative, or adapting a property for a client, access shouldn't mean sacrifice. Everyone deserves safe, dignified entry into their home - regardless of the age of the building.
Unfortunately, many disabled access ramps are designed for function alone, with little thought to how they look. That can be a big problem for period homes where aesthetic harmony is vital.
Our Approach: Designed to Blend In
At Rise Ramps, we specialise in creating wood-clad, modular access ramps that enhance - not harm - a building's appearance. Our ramps are:
Built with treated timber cladding for a warm, natural finish
Modular and removable (great for conservation requirements)
Customised to match the materials, tones, and textures of the property
Designed to meet DDA and Building Regulations standards
Listed Building? Conservation Area? No Problem.
Many of our installations are for listed buildings or homes within conservation zones. In these cases, a standard metal ramp or concrete solution often won’t cut it - and may even breach planning rules.
We work closely with homeowners, architects, and planning officers to ensure our ramps meet regulatory requirements and preserve the integrity of the building.
Case Study: Access Ramp for a Grade II Listed Cottage in Oxfordshire
An elderly couple needed a step-free entrance to their listed brick cottage. We designed and installed a timber-clad steel ramp that matched the tone of their existing brickwork and paving, including discreet handrails and a low-profile landing. The finished result provided safe, everyday access without drawing attention away from the home’s historic features.
Planning Ahead with Style
Even if you don’t yet need a ramp, planning ahead with a stylish, sympathetically designed access solution can make life easier in the long run. Plus, it adds value and future-readiness to your property.
Accessible design doesn't have to be an eyesore - and with Rise Ramps, it never is.
Need help with an access ramp for your period or listed home?
Contact our team today to discuss your project.
