Our Team, at Leslie Cornell Building Restoration Ltd, take immense pride in all of the services we deliver to our Clients throughout Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. From the initial Site Visit to the completed works, we strive to provide a first-class service through our honest and sympathetic approach to the conservation, preservation and restoration of historic buildings.
Please find below a sample of the Testimonials we have received from our Clients, which we hope will give you the reassurance you need to engage with us. Alternatively, you can visit the Federation of Master Builders for our Customer Approval rating.
Lime Pointing Golant Leslie Cornell Building Restoration came highly recommended to us and we’ve been very happy with their work. They work diligently to address issues and are proactive in finding solutions. They have been flexible and able to accommodate addition requests as they arose during our repointing work. They have good communication and can keep you informed from a distance via phone calls, pictures videos etc. They also work well with other construction/building teams. We’ve been very happy with the quality of work and the follow up. Ben Winstanley – May 2022
Cornish Lime Company
We've worked with Leslie Cornell Building Restoration Ltd for many years now and are delighted to supply them with their Lime and associated products. Over the last few years we have spent time with Leslie and his Team at the Royal Cornwall Show where we both exhibit, and, despite supplying them with lots of materials throughout the year it's only at this event that we really get to see the evidence and better appreciate what they do, and do very well indeed. We hope we'll meet again at this year's Show in June in the Countrywide Skills Area, where we will see what they have been up to over the last year. Their speciality is for Cob buildings and we wholeheartedly congratulate them for the sterling works they have carried out over the years. We applaud their passion and focus on this very traditional material that may appear simple to many, but Leslie and his Team, like Cornish Lime, know and appreciate the consequences of what can go wrong when even simple materials are treated inappropriately. Leslie Cornell Building Restoration Ltd are Specialists in this area and we look forward to supplying them with materials and assisting in their future.'
Cornish Lime Company
Lime Pointing and Lime Rendering Truro
Matt and I wanted to say a huge thank you for making our time with your company such an incredibly easy, stress free experience.
Your professionalism has been outstanding right from the moment I made the initial call. We have been genuinely blown away by your management of the whole job, the communication, efficiency, attention to detail, middle-manning the scaffolder! Not to mention the finished result is beautiful.
In addition all of the lads that you have working for you are a real credit to your company - such friendly and professional guys.
Maybe in the next few years we will be in contact re some internal work, but in the meantime we wish you all the very best and sincere thanks to you, the lads and Teresa.
Best wishes, Lisa and Matt, Truro – December 2022
Lime Plastering Perranwell Station
The Lime plastering works to our cottage was efficiently and cleanly carried out within the agreed timeframe by a considerate and affable work force, who we can highly recommend and indeed may use again in the foreseeable future.
C & JBB – Perranwell Station, Truro, Cornwall – October 2022
Lime Pointing Golant
I was very pleased with the lime works carried out at our property. The 2 lads from Cornell Building Restoration arrived promptly as we had been informed they would. They worked steadily and efficiently throughout the job which by its nature was quite bitty and fiddly. Despite this they finished a little earlier than expected leaving us with complete and very satisfactory repairs. They were very efficient and hard working and kept us informed at each stage of the job. They cleaned up well as they went taking all the waste away. I was particularly impressed that they studied each part of the job to only do what was necessary and in a discrete way. It all looks great. Then of course after a reasonable gap they returned to further damp down the new work and remove the hessian drapes. It was well worth the wait for all this to take place with Covid having delayed things. We noted that Leslie Cornell was kept informed of progress throughout and indeed attended to confirm our satisfaction. He seemed to have a gentle hand on the tiller which was good to know and clearly knew of his teams abilities. We can only highly recommend this firm for the quality of their work and their workers.
Graham Taylor – August 2022
Lime Pointing Golant
Leslie Cornell Building Restoration came highly recommended to us and we’ve been very happy with their work. They work diligently to address issues and are proactive in finding solutions. They have been flexible and able to accommodate addition requests as they arose during our repointing work. They have good communication and can keep you informed from a distance via phone calls, pictures videos etc. They also work well with other construction/building teams. We’ve been very happy with the quality of work and the follow up.
Ben Winstanley – May 2022
Boundary Wall Lime Pointing and Structural Repairs Budock
We are delighted with the work completed on our Grade ll listed boundary walls at Budock Quaker Burial ground. We will certainly ask Leslie Cornell Building Conservation to carry out further works for us.
Mike, Budock – May 2022
Lime Plastering Tywardreath
We initially contacted Leslie Cornell over concerns with an exterior bedroom wall prior to decorating. Internally, plaster had fallen off the wall in chunks revealing the natural stone behind! On inspection by Leslie it was determined that the exterior of the stone wall had been decorated with a non-breathable coating etc, along with several other external problems that needed to be addressed. We were given a very completive estimate. A start date was given and scaffold erected. Leslie’s team commenced work immediately and were very thorough, conscientious and approachable keeping us informed at all times. We found the work to be of the highest standard and his advice invaluable. Every instruction was confirmed in writing which was extremely helpful throughout the project. We would highly recommend Leslie and his staff who proved very knowledgeable throughout the restoration process. A fabulous job well done!
Gay and Steve – May 2022
Damp Problems Liskeard
Site Visit Leslie recently visited, my period property which had historically been a victim of some less than appropriate work that maybe causing me damp issues. So I had Leslie round to see what it would take to put things right. A very sensible chap who could have easily convinced me that considerable costly work was required, however surprisingly he advised against major works unless I was certain that was the direction I wanted to pursue. Rather he gave me sensible suggestions and things to keep an eye on and to feedback for future discussion if problems continue. Refreshing to find a builder who didn’t advise me to spend money in the first instance. Great chap and will have no problem commissioning him if work ultimately proves necessary. One watch ought to mention is that he is in so much demand that I had to wait several months before he was able to visit. But a testament to being in demand.
Mr J Howarth, Liskeard – March 2022
Lime Pointing Mevagissey
Myself and a neighbour contacted Leslie Cornell Building Restoration Ltd, to quote on a job to repoint our joint properties which are Grade 2 listed. He was prompt in replying, gave us a competitive quote and assurance that the job would get done within the quoted time. There were delays due to the pandemic (which were issues for all contractors/suppliers) but when they started they were onsite continuously (rainy days excepted) and cracked on admirably. They were very responsive to our needs plus any demands and additional requests that we had. We were kept informed throughout and given best advice to issues that arose during the work. Very prompt invoicing and receipt of payment. Impossible to fault the job that Leslie and the team did for us. Can’t recommend them more highly.
D Mac, Mevagissey – February 2022
We engaged the services of Leslie Cornell Building Restoration to remove all the cement-based pointing on the exterior stone wall of our Grade II Listed Building and replace it with the proper lime- based mortar. We received bids from an assortment of builders, contractors and tradesmen and, although the pricing was generally very similar from everyone, the level of expertise & knowledge about the work-at-hand was anything but similar. Prior to consulting with Leslie, I have to confess to being *that* person who honestly believed that, "Surely it can't be all that complex to remove the cement and re-point with a lime-based mortar." And to be fair, that's why I'm not a builder. However, the worrying thing is that, with the exception of Leslie, all the other contractors we spoke to were also just as quick to talk about this project in terms of something that didn't require any thought or special treatment. It was the unmistakable expertise of Leslie, and his clear knowledge & understanding of both the materials and the process that made it a no-brainer to go with him (even though it meant having to wait to get on his schedule). His understanding of what's needed to restore the fabric of your building, and the techniques he uses to ensure it's all done correctly, is what will set him apart from the other people you get bids from (and this will be clear to you from the very first time that Leslie comes to review the project). Moreover, it's also clear that this expertise has been (and are being) passed along & shared with all the lads that work on his team. As a result, we ended up with a finished project that's not just cosmetically appealing, but that is also structurally sound, fit-for-purpose and will stand the test of weather & time.
Andrew & Kelly, Mevagissey – February 2022
Lime Pointing Bodmin
We were recommended to approach Leslie Cornell Building Restoration after a good deal of our house restoration had already been completed. We had had the house re-roofed, electrically re-wired, a central heating system installed and a good deal of general building work completed. The house had suffered from decades of trapped moisture caused through a lack of heat and ventilation but primarily because the original lime mortar, when it had failed years earlier, had been replaced with cement then further exacerbated by the coating of a non-breathable render and white paint. The task of rectifying this problem seemed like a mountain to climb. From our very first meeting with Leslie he patiently listened to our concerns and quickly put us at ease with his passion and knowledge for the skills required in dealing with stone-built properties. We were provided with a detailed costed breakdown of the work phases involved and made certain we understood the processes involved, which add to our confidence that we were in good hands. The actual work phase was far less daunting than we had imagined, given that the house had to be stripped back to bare stone and all the old cement joints removed before the new lime mortar could be applied. Leslie has instilled a very strong knowledge base and work ethic across his entire team, who were always polite and worked conscientiously throughout the day – they were a joy to have around. Their care, attention to detail and respect shown to our property was a real breath of fresh air. At the end of the day either Leslie, or the senior member of his staff, would ask us to inspect the work completed that day and make certain we were happy with the tidiness of the whole site before leaving. Leslie and his team have transformed the exterior of our house and returned it to its original 200 year old look – it is now absolutely stunning! Leslie and his team have restored our faith in Cornish builders and we would have no hesitation in recommending them in future – thank you all.
Liz and Laban, Bodmin – July 2021
Lime Render and Mineral Paint Cornwall
Leslie Cornell has been absolutely fantastic in dealing with my property at Bank Street, St Columb Major. The rear elevation partially fell down, we contacted Leslie and he came and made it safe. He then planned the works. When the final painting was being carried out it was noticed that more of the rendering was faulty. We phoned the insurance company who agreed it was dangerous and Leslie came, made it all safe and then carried out the works. He even dealt with our tricky neighbours. His boys were polite and spoke highly of him as an employer. I was very impressed when they told me he tests them every Friday on their product and working knowledge, even those who have worked for him for a long time. There was no fuss and nothing was too much for him. He is extremely professional, polite and helpful.
Rana Soobiah, St Columb – June 2021
Lime Rendering and Mineral Paint System St Agnes
I am absolutely delighted with the work that Leslie Cornell carried out on my property in 2020. From the initial enquiry to the end of the project Leslie, Chris and the team were amazing. With an extensive knowledge for restoring the render on an old property like mine, it was obvious from the start that they enjoyed working with the building. The team were very professional, cleaned up at the end of each day and made the whole process much easier than I had anticipated, I hardly knew they were there. The end result is stunning and I would have no hesitation in recommending them to anyone looking for the same service.
Katy Barnes – Holly Cottage, St Agnes – April 2021
Insulating Lime Render Cornwall
We first heard about Leslie Cornell Building Restoration Ltd by word of mouth. We were due to renovate a listed building that would be our home and so we wanted a professional and trustworthy team to complete the work for us. We wanted outstanding workmanship and we found it with Leslie and his team. We contacted Leslie and made arrangements for him to come out to look at our property to discuss what needed to be done. He knows all about restoring properties, just like ours, which came across during his first visit. He explained to us the different options that were available and after the appointment he sent across a clear and coherent breakdown of costs. We had no hesitation instructing Leslie and his team to carry out the work at our property. On the start date of the job, the team arrived promptly and parked their vehicles respectfully. Leslie greeted us and introduced the team and then ran through the job with his team, after which they remained busy for the duration of the job. Clearly, Leslie has high expectations and they all know the standard he expects. They all have a great knowledge and skill and each member of the team carried out work to a high standard, whilst leaving the work space clean and tidy and ready for the next day. At the end of the job the team cleaned the area before leaving. They made sure to speak to us before they left. They made us aware that during the drying process the Lime may crack in places and to contact Leslie if we needed them to return and repair any areas. We did need them to return and they did so with immediate effect and rectified these small areas. Again, we were impressed with the level of care and professionalism the company have. Overall, we have had a 5-star experience with Leslie Cornell Building Restoration Ltd and would not hesitate to recommend them to others. We are going to instruct them to carry out further restoration at our property in the future.
Mr & Mrs Rowe, St Austell – April 2021
Lime Plastering Padstow
Leslie and his team provide a first-class service. They are reliable, trustworthy and have a wealth of knowledge. I would have no hesitation in recommending their services to anyone looking for a professional Cob and Lime Specialist.
Caroline Marshall-Roberts, Padstow – April 2021
Cob and Stone Round House Repairs Cornwall
We would highly recommend the services offered by Leslie Cornell. When our cob and stone roundhouse developed cracks and required attention, we looked for a specialist who could repair the structure and ensure it would withstand the elements for years to come. Leslie visited and shared his considerable knowledge, providing friendly advice and a comprehensive quotation. His team arrived on site and shared the same passion for cob and stone that Leslie had shown. The work was completed in a professional and friendly manner and they were the tidiest trades people we have encountered. Thank you, Leslie and team.
Nick and Alison, Portloe – December 2020
Lime Pointing Grade II Listed Property Mid Cornwall
We contacted Leslie Cornell Building Restoration Ltd because we had concerns with the outside walls of our Grade Two listed property. Their initial site visit was prompt and very informative, and the subsequent quote was very competitive. They also helped with the booking of scaffolders and included roof and guttering repairs in the quote as well. We were given good notice about the proposed starting date, and when that arrived there were at least nine men working on the project from day one. The workers were polite and courteous at all times, the foreman kept us updated with the progress and the site was left clean and tidy every night. The office staff were also extremely helpful with planning permission forms, and any subsequent administration questions raised by the Council Authority. The end result is excellent, pleasing to the eye and will definitely add value to the property. I have no problem recommending Cornell to anybody looking at a restoration project.
George Harris, Mid Cornwall – December 2020
Lime Rendering and Lintels Bodmin
Our cottage is a traditional Cornish build of Granite and COB, we needed a building company that would appreciate and sympathetically restore the outside from the ground upwards. We contacted Leslie Cornell Building Restoration Ltd., who on their initial visit were both prompt and had a full understanding of the construction of our property and explained in detail how they would approach the necessary work. We found Leslie Cornell and his team very informative, professional, and the quality of their work was exceptional. We have further used Leslie Cornell and his team for additional work, and again their professionalism was without question. “
Mr & Mrs Roberts, Bodmin – November 2020
Lime Rendering, Breathable Paint System and Structural Repairs Bodmin
Our property was suffering from a serious water ingress issue on the Front Elevation. Leslie came highly recommended as the right person to sort the problem out. This certainly turned out to be the case. The initial inspection was conducted promptly and the list of issues causing the problem was identified, along with recommended solutions. Every aspect of the required work from the Quotation of the works through to completion was well organised and carried out to the highest standard. Most importantly during the process further unforeseen issue were discovered, including a failed lintel and I would commend in particular Chris in Leslie’s team for resolving what could have quickly developed into a major structural problem. I have no hesitation in recommending Leslie and would like to thank him and all the team that worked on our property for a job well done.
Rob, Bodmin – November 2020
Cob and Stone Wall Repair Mevagissey
I would like to thank your company for it’s excellent work. A very old stone garden wall, which has collapsed, has been restored to its former glory. We are very pleased with both the wall and how pleasant the men were who carried out the work.
David and Julia Weston, Mevagissey – November 2020
Lime Rendering and Mineral Paint System Truro
Cornell Cob Lime rendered the front of our house in the Spring of 2020. They have done a fantastic job. The removal of the old render was carefully done, without mess or damage. The new render was expertly applied, after a number of appearances/options were explained and offered. Their depth of experience in both Lime and Cob was clearly demonstrated. The team were friendly and very considerate to the comings and goings of a busy young family. The high-level of attention to detail that Leslie and his team show has paid off: the finished product is eye-catching and still draws compliments from passers-by. Highly recommended.
Rob, Truro – November 2020
Lime Pointing Grampound
We had chosen your company to carry out renovation works at the our property because of the good reputation and high regard that many building professionals had given us in Cornwall. The works undertaken was to renovate the front of the house by helping and advising us in the removal of the concrete render and then to perform the pointing in a lime mortar on the original stonework. Included in the works, was the new wooden lintel above the front door and the re-pointing of the chimney stack. We are the proud owners of a beautiful looking home that has been superbly restored to its former glory. We are extremely grateful to Leslie and his team of consummate professionals for the outstanding workmanship and attention to details. Leslie and his team are friendly, polite, hardworking, knowledgeable, trustworthy and reliable. We would not hesitate calling upon their high-quality services again and cannot recommend their services enough.
Sincerely, Sarah & Mark Roberson – July 2020
Lime Pointing Stone Lodge St Austell
We originally contacted Leslie Cornell Building Restoration to tackle some failing concrete mortar on one elevation of our stone built dwelling and replace it with Lime. It quickly became clear that this company takes a holistic view of any property that they are working with. I was able to discuss all the issues I had with the building concerning moisture from gutters to drainage to paint finishes on rendered surfaces. So, for example, this year Leslie and his team have returned to renew the mortar on a second elevation and whilst the scaffolding was in place they have replaced all the guttering seals at the same time. I will certainly have them back to continue with the restoration next year, the standard of their work is excellent and the finish is absolutely beautiful.Steve & Jane, Duporth – June 2020
Lime Pointing St Austell
We are very pleased to be able to write a testimonial for Leslie Cornell Building Restoration Ltd. From the very first phone call Leslie was very helpful and committed. He was always available for any queries we had. His professionalism and knowledge of the damp problem in our cottage was extensive and gave us full confidence. Also the people he employs were always polite, punctual and worked to a high standard, leaving everything clean at the end of each visit. Therefore we would be happy to recommend the company to anyone contemplating such works.Many thanks Sue and Steve Poole (St Austell) – June 2020
Charlestown Cob Cottage
Leslie and his team carried out a complete external refurbishment of our property including Lime rendering, Lime pointing and rebuilding of external stone walls. From our initial conversation to completion he was very responsive and most helpful. He never let us down, worked to the proposed timetable and within his proposed budget. Inevitably with an older property issues arose, and he worked through these with us, finding solutions. His team were all hardworking, punctual, polite and tidied up carefully.Georgina and Andrew, Charlestown – June 2020
Lime Rendering and Breathable Paint Fowey
We were delighted with the work done on our Victorian terraced house in Fowey in 2019. Leslie’s team took great care with our property, and that of our neighbours and particularly cleaning up every day, which is difficult with our property having a very small patio and garden. Our house is circa 1890 and the render had blown, allowing water ingress and we were recommended to use a specialist in Lime render. They are clearly passionate about the conservation of old properties and both the Lime render team, lead work contractor and the specialist painter were superb. We would not hesitate to recommend both them and their contractors to anyone else. Leslie communicated with us almost on a daily basis and the whole re-render took over three months because of adverse weather. The result is stunning.K & A, Fowey – January 2020
Lime Rendering and Breathable Paint System Truro
We are restoring a 250-year-old cottage, which had inappropriate paint applied to the outside . After contacting Leslie, he recommended a lime render and BEECK paint system to the external walls, which has now been completed. The work undertaken by Leslie and his team was completed to a high standard and the team arrived on site on the dates specified by Leslie. The site was left in a tidy state at the end of the working day. We look forward to working with Leslie in the future to complete the restoration on a room by room basis. We would recommend Leslie and his team to others undertaking a similar project to ours.Nick and Sandra, Truro December 2019
Lime Repointing and Land Drainage St Cleer
We contacted Leslie Cornell Building Restoration Ltd because we had some concerns over damp issues in one of the rooms and we were keen to restore the cottage back to how it looked in the 1840’s when it was first built. Leslie came and looked at the job in hand and immediately his passion and care for old buildings shone through. He asked what our requirements were and was open and honest about what he could do for us, and at no point did we feel pressured into making a decision. He patiently answered many questions before we finally decided to go ahead. Once work was agreed his team came as promised and were friendly, knowledgeable and flexible whilst carrying out the work. The cottage looks lovely and many of the villagers have commented how good it looks and that it’s nice to see it back as was intended. I can’t recommend Leslie and his team highly enough, a very professional and passionate company that clearly takes great pride in the renovation of old buildings. They are first class craftsmen and women.Andy & Jane Webb, St Cleer – December 2019
Lime Pointing Tintagel
We contacted Leslie Cornell Building Restoration Ltd regarding a damp wall. Their response was positive and consisted of a site visit, where Mr Cornell picked up on several things we hadn’t thought of. Having met with him to discuss the project, we felt confident that the work would be done properly. Although the first date to start was not convenient another date was fixed. They turned up promptly and the work was done in less time than estimated. The area was left clean and tidy. The wall now looks wonderful. Many thanks for all you have done.Sue Ede, Tintagel – October 2019
Lime Pointing and Lime Bag Rub Truro
We purchased an older property that had been neglected for some time. We approached Leslie for a quote to point or render all of our exterior walls with Lime, rather than the existing concrete which was contributing to damp problems. Leslie came and offered very helpful impartial advice during his initial visit, as well as a prompt Quotation that was aligned with the market rate. During the work he kept us informed as well as advising on other aspects of our renovation. All the builders were courteous and a credit to their employer. We have been extremely pleased with the work that has been undertaken and would highly recommend their services. We are going to have them back to do some of the internal work as we were so impressed!M Wyatt, Truro – October 2019
Lime Applications West Cornwall
Being the new owners of an old granite cottage, we had been reading about the importance of breathability for historic buildings as our cottage was covered in cement render. We cam across the work of Leslie and team and were very impressed with their portfolio and understandingof the materials these buildings need. From the very start, Leslie was professional and attentive and shared lots of insight with us about our property. We decided upon much of the house being re-rendered in Lime. His team worked quickly, and carefully, and our home has been beautifully transformed beyond our expectations. We wholeheartedly recommend their services.Sian & Sean, West Cornwall - Sept 2019
Render Removal and Lime Pointing, Charlestown
We contacted Leslie through his website concerning damp ingress in our cottage in Charlestown. He was prompt to respond and carried out a first-class job removing external render, exposing the original stone and re-point with Lime mortar. We have commissioned him to carry our further work and are very pleased to recommend his services to others.
Peter, Charlestown - August 2019
Historic Grade II Listed Mill Restoration Cornwall
We are renovating a listed building and contacted Leslie Cornell Building Restoration Ltd to undertake major works to a mill which had been derelict and structurally unsound for many years. The knowledge, skill and dedication Leslie and his team have brought to the project has been outstanding and always in a timely and professional manner. The craftsmanship is magnificent, and the building now stands proud again and is admired by everyone who sees it. Having worked with Leslie and his team we can’t recommend him highly enough. He has been with us every step of the way and was as determined as us to make our project a success.
Mr & Mrs Woods, St Keyne - August 2019
Lime Repointing and Land Drainage Cornwall
I contacted Leslie Cornell Building Restoration Ltd as I wanted to have the exterior of my house repointed with Lime. Leslie came to look at the house and discussed the available options that would be most suitable to protect the stone and prevent dampness. This was followed up with a comprehensive and detailed cost breakdown. Leslie and Teresa were very responsive and helpful with questions I had, and we greed a time for the work to start. Communication with the team before and during the work was excellent. The work has been done to a very high standard and I am very happy with the finish. They did a particularly good job covering up the damaged parts of the stonework.
Eleanor Page, Cornwall - August 2019
Lime Repointing Helston
We have been so very impressed with Leslie Cornell and his fabulous team, not only with the exceptionally beautiful work they completed but also the respectfulness and professionalism the whole team showed. We have truly been blown away. From start to finish it has been an absolute joy to have a team with such brilliant skills, communication, knowledge and attention to detail restoring our lovely home. It was a truly refreshing experience. Thank you to all.
Sue, Helston - August 2019
Lime Rendering St Austell
Many thanks to Leslie Cornell and all the guys. Old render removed exposing wonderful granite. The stone was then pointed, and areas of cob were Lime rendered and finished with a breathable paint finish. All work was carried out to a very high standard with no disruption. We are hugely pleased with the finished result. Thanks again, all of you!Rob and Tamsin, St Austell, Cornwall - July 2019
Lime Plastering Charlestown
Our 200 year old cottage has had damp in one wall for a couple of years. After cleaning underground drains, curing the backup of water in the rainwater downpipe and waiting several months the wall finally dried out. It was in a bad state of repair having had numerous patch up repairs over the last 50 years. We contacted Leslie who quickly came and investigated what we required. He spent time checking, not only the condition of the wall but also the roof, guttering and drainage to check the damp problem had been properly cured. Leslie quickly came up with a quotation which we accepted and then a timescale was agreed. Leslie’s team were very hard working. On 3 consecutive Tuesdays they quickly and efficiently removed the patchwork of cement plaster and the original Lime plaster and re-plastered with 3 coats of Lime. They were fastidious about clearing up after each day’s work and on completion there was no sign they had been here apart from the transformation of the wall. I am vey pleased with the result and happy to recommend Leslie Cornell Building Restoration Ltd as a highly professional company who communicate well and do an excellent job of the specialised type of work.
Richard Larsen - July 2019
Lime Plastering Duloe
We purchased a Grade 2 Listed Cottage which had damp problems due to the stone walls being covered in non-breathable paint internally. Having removed some of the paint we found the problem was worse than expected, the walls were also covered in cement tanking. At this point I got Leslie and his team involved. As expected, full removal of paint, tanking and cement mortar was recommended, followed by re-plastering with Lime. We could not be happier with the results. Leslie’s team always turned up on time and within 3 visits they had totally transformed the interior, and despite being messy work, they always cleaned up before leaving the site. I will be going back to Leslie next year for some external work.
G and V Rogers, Duloe, Cornwall - May 2019
Structural Building Repairs Cornwall
Leslie and team are true craftsmen.
They are experts with Lime and are also willing to learn new skills in building restoration.
They are reliable and trustworthy and go beyond what is expected. Their work is sympathetic to the character of a building and I am delighted with the work they have undertaken on my property.
Ms E Swanson, Mevagissey - March 2019
Chimney and Structural Repairs, Truro
I was very impressed by Leslie Cornell Building Restoration Ltd.’s service.
The work, the communication, the professionality, the friendly guys and cleanliness were the best I have had to date.
I’m self employed and have done a few renovations on houses myself over the years, and you guys are head and shoulders above the rest so far.Gary, Truro - February 2019
Lime Pointing and Land Drainage, Bodmin Moor
Leslie Cornell was a pleasure to work with, and we are delighted with the work that they have completed on our property. The entire village commented on how hard-working and efficient the team was, and on how wonderful the finished repointing looks. They have been unfailingly accommodating and professional, and we look forward to continuing working with Leslie and his team on the remaining part of our project. We would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a building company specialising in traditional materials and historic buildings.
Patrick, Bodmin Moor - January 2019
Lath and Plaster Gorran
We contacted Leslie Cornell to repair a ceiling in our property.
We were very impressed by the service, which was prompt, courteous and reliable.
The quality of the finished work was excellent.I Drew, Cornwall - January 2019
Cob Cottage Repairs, Mawnan Smith
The exterior of our cob cottage needed redecoration and some repairs since the last Lime wash, which has not lasted well. I contacted Leslie Cornell and arranged for a site visit and an estimate to be sent to us. Bear in mind that Leslie was working with us at a 5,000-mile distance, and also had to schedule the work some months in advance so we could be present during the project. All this was accomplished very smoothly with thanks to his email communication and the input from the office manager. Leslie advised us to use a mineral paint system which would last longer, and also allow the cob to breathe. In spite of a downturn in the weather in September and October, the redecoration was finished within our timeline. We are pleased with the final results and have received many compliments form our friends and neighbours.
L Newman, Cornwall - June 2019
Lime Pointing and Lime Rendering, South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
We own a 200 year old farmhouse in South Devon. Mr Cornell came to visit our property within a week of us making contact. He was clearly very knowledgeable, listening to our concerns and making helpful suggestions. When the time came, seven workers arrived and set about the work with great efficiency, making rapid progress. The workers were all polite and very respectful of our property, flowerbeds and carpets. There were no blaring radios. Mr Cornell did both the work and supervised the quality of the work. The job involved removing worn out old pointing and rendering and replacing it with new. When the render was complete he advised us on how to look after it in the first few weeks. We wanted to paint the render ourselves. He advised on paints and exactly how to complete the three-stage painting process, sending an idiots guide in plain English to ensure I did it correctly. He even advised on some artistic touches. We are very pleased with the results and would have no hesitation in recommending Mr Cornell and his company.
Dr M Finnegan & Dr V Finnegan - August 2018
Internal lime Plastering St Austell
Once again, we contacted Leslie Cornell Building Restoration Ltd about issues in our old house. They had previously Lime pointed the stone work on the outside of our property and Lime plastered the living room wall. This time, we needed the bedrooms to be Lime plastered on one wall. As ever he was quick to come out to see us and accommodating of us when we requested the work to be completed when we were away. I would always recommend Leslie if you need any work done on an old property. He has a wealth of knowledge and the work he completes is of an incredibly high standard. Thank you!
Bex & Matt, Probus - September 2018
Internal Damp Problems, Cornwall
Leslie and his team were extremely professional. What impressed me most was that they were friendly, courteous and kept to schedule. After Leslie had quoted for the work he produced a detailed schedule as to what was to be done and when, this he stuck to. Even if he was running ten minutes late I would receive a phone call stating that he was going to be a little late. All work was done quickly, professionally and with minimum fuss, nothing seemed too much trouble. We are extremely pleased with the end result, it’s totally changed the character of our house and it looks gorgeous. I would have no hesitation in highly recommending Cornell Cob, utterly brilliant. We have other restoration projects in mind and I will be contacting Leslie and his team to do the job in the future.
Sally and Nikki - August 2018
Lime Pointing and Lime Plastering West Cornwall
Our Listed cottage in Cornwall needed major damp problems addressing. We researched cob specialists in Cornwall, on-line and had several quotes. We were very impressed with Leslie Cornell's knowledge and passion for historic buildings and felt we were in safe hands. Leslie and his team arrived each day with enthusiasm and worked with good humour. Leslie was always just a phone call away if we had any worries or needed advice. The project was finished on time and within budget. We would absolutely recommend Leslie Cornell Building Restoration Ltd, and almost wish we had it all to do again, just to have them back!
John and Angela Mason - June 2018
Lime Rendering and Breathable Paint System Lerryn
Two years ago, we contacted Leslie Cornell to repair our internal walls. It needed a specialist in Cob & Lime restorations. They had done a superb job. Earlier this year, we contacted Leslie and his team to address the external walls this time. We knew Leslie would provide the best advice as to what needed to be done to repair and give a new face lift to our old cottage. As before, they have done a fantastic job and very timely. The site was always tidy, the crew always on time and the updates were regular (via photos). Leslie also undertook the co-ordination of the scaffolding and the roof repair, which saved us a lot of additional logistics and co-ordinations. We are extremely pleased with the work and would definitely recommend Leslie Cornell and his team. Our cottage looks amazing inside and outside!
Charles & Jayne Noblet, Lostwithiel - May 2018
Lime Pointing Helston
Leslie Cornell repointed, with lime, a portion of the front wall of my listed Georgian farmhouse. This was described as excellent by the County Listed Buildings Officer. I then instructed Leslie to complete the job which was carried out quickly as soon as the weather permitted. I am very pleased with the final result. The workmen were polite, and I found Leslie approachable and easy to deal with at all times. The cost was similar to what other builders quoted.
Owen, West Cornwall - May 2018
Lime Pointing Mullion
Thank you for the fantastic job you and your team did on the front of our cottage we are so pleased. Communication and efficiency of the work carried out was excellent.
Many thanks Sarah and Paul - May 2018
Lime Pointing Wadebridge
After a harsh winter my garden wall was looking shabby with gaps appearing and failed cement flaking off. My neighbours expressed concern that it might collapse. The stone wall is over a hundred years old, so I needed expert advice. I contacted Leslie Cornell Building Restoration Ltd who promptly came to inspect the wall. Leslie was immediately very reassuring and explained that the wall could be restored by patching and repointing, using an appropriate Natural Lime/sand mortar. I happily agreed to this and very soon Leslie Cornell and a team of six men started preparing the wall, mixing mortar and repointing. The finished result is truly spectacular. Neighbours stop to thank and congratulate me. They feel, as I do, that this beautifully restored wall will be a joy to behold for many years to come. I’m very grateful to Leslie Cornell and his splendid team for their expert workmanship.
Mr. J. Cormack, Wadebridge - May 2018
Lime Builder Liskeard
My gable end wall had been rendered in cement and painted white. Over the years, it had discoloured and was peeling off. Mr Cornell and his team removed the cement render, and repointed the stonework with a lime mortar. I think it looks beautiful now. He is very knowledgable about his craft, professional and efficient. The site was left tidy at the end of each day. I will be using the company again to deal with the inside of this wall, which has old dry lining and suffered from condensation damp because the wall couldn't "breathe". I can thoroughly recommend Leslie Cornell Building Restoration Ltd..
Jay, Liskeard - April 2018
Manaccan Parish Church
Dear Leslie, Thank you very much for your quotation received today. May I firstly say how impressed I am at the speed at which you have produced this quotation, and also the detailed layout within.
I congratulate you! This matter will be discussed at our next meeting (this month), you can be assured. However, I believe Sue and Marcia, who you met, did indicate to you that we do not have big congregations and lots of funds. Nonetheless, very interesting.
We will be in touch with you further, and again, very many thanks. With best wishes...Prue Towner, Chairwarden - March 2018
Lime Plastering on Cob – Truro, Cornwall
The Cob Specialist work carried out on my cob cottage was superb and undertaken promptly and efficiently. I really felt Leslie Cornell Building Restoration Ltd went the extra mile to complete the work to such a high standard. I cannot tell you how thrilled I am with the results. Thank you for doing a beautiful job.
Trina Oxford - Cornwall - March 2018
Lime Plastering - North Cornwall
The company did Lime Plastering work for us on a thatched, cob cottage in Cornwall. Leslie gave us very useful advice and the team did a great job. They were all courteous, efficient and highly professional. Our experience from start to finish was a good one and we have no hesitation in recommending Leslie Cornell Building Restoration Ltd.
Virginia and Richards Jennings, North Cornwall - March 2018
Lime Pointing Old Chapel
Before we bought our house, the building survey identified that we would need to have the exterior re-pointed along with some other measures to manage damp and the building’s breathability. We began doing research into options for both the internal and external walls of the house and we were advised to focus on the exterior before tackling the interior. Leslie Cornell Building Restoration Ltd were recommended to us by Cornish Lime and we asked them to quote for doing the pointing work. From the outset it was clear that choosing Leslie Cornell Building Restoration Ltd was the right route to go down; the response was prompt and came with in depth advice and recommendations about what the best course of action would be. One thing that struck us about Leslie’s response in comparison to other quotes was his attention to detail, which put us instantly at ease that the job was in safe hands. Prior to work being carried out, communication was regular and any questions that we had were answered very promptly. During the work Leslie kept in regular contact with updates, which again gave us complete peace of mind. His team were polite, tidy and considerate at all times. The work was carried out with meticulous attention to detail, with Leslie himself regularly being on site to check the quality of the work being carried out and to discuss progress and any concerns that we had in person. Leslie and his team were also extremely obliging; going above and beyond to help us where other issues and trades were concerned. We are delighted with how the house now looks and the quality of workmanship; the house has been transformed. It has been a pleasure having Leslie and his team on board. We could not recommend him highly enough.
Felicity & Andrew, Cornwall - January 2018
Lime Plastering & Lime Pointing Truro
We were recommended to Leslie Cornell Building Restoration Ltd by neighbours who were pleased with them.
We asked Leslie to inspect our house where we had damp penetration. It was due to faulty render which had to be replaced carefully using a lime mixture.
The firm fixed a date for the necessary scaffold to be erected and all was done on time and on the exact dates we had agreed.
As well as their obvious skills, the men were tidy, helpful and friendly. We would not hesitate to recommend Leslie Cornell Building Restoration Ltd to anyone else, particularly those with older types of Cornish houses.Brian & Sarah Wilson, Truro - January 2018
Lime Plastering St Austell
Having dealt with Leslie Cornell Building Restoration Ltd previously, we knew they were the right people to re-plaster our internal wall. They very quickly removed the plaster that was on the wall and found the original fireplace that had been hidden for a long time! We chose to keep the fireplace as a feature and due to their expertise, they could replace bricks, with ones they make, that had been damaged. They gave us different options on how to finish the wall and were available to talk through which would be best. As always, they were easy to have in the house. The final clear up was brilliant, which isn’t easy when dealing with plaster dust! Thank you for putting life back into our living room!
Bex & Matt, Probus - October 2017
Listed Boundary Wall Cornwall
We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Leslie Cornell Building Restoration Ltd. We bought a Georgian end of terrace house with an original garden wall that was seriously deteriorating and had been badly patched up in the past with cement. They restored it with a lime bag rub repair with original slate and ridge tile top using beautiful locally sourced reclaimed materials. They managed the listed building application for this and from start to finish their work and professionalism was of the highest standards. Their attention to detail, enthusiasm, skills and good humour (despite extremes of weather) were exemplary. The results have exceeded our expectations and we are delighted. For any other work on our property, we willlook no further.
John and Kathy, Truro - October 2017
Listed Building Specialists Cornwall
Leslie Cornell Building Restoration Ltd are our ‘Go-To’ builders in Cornwall. They are proficient, meticulous, exceptionally reliable, and have integrity. The whole team are professional, knowledgeable, respectful and have a high standard of craftmanship. More importantly, all of the Cornell Team works well, cleanly, swiftly and are a pleasure to deal with. They are passionate about using cob and maintaining the health of cob buildings. Having managed old properties in Britain and abroad, I am quick to criticise and hard to please. I could actually relax when the Cornell Team was on site. Our old house is now very happy that Leslie has given it a new life, and so are we.
Lucy and Toni, Truro - June 2017
Lime Pointing and Land Drainage – Camborne, Cornwall
I’ve been really pleased to work with Leslie Cornell and the team at Leslie Cornell Building Restoration Ltd over the last two years. I called Leslie as I wanted advice on how to care for a cottage that needed some TLC and I thought had some cob structure. I knew this needed to be repaired by a specialist.
Leslie came and assessed the property with me, and shared his knowledge about the building structure and then put forward a programme of repairs. Leslie organised all the works, including repairs to the roofing which another local team undertook. As the property had tenants living in it, the professionalism of Leslie’s team was particularly appreciated as no inconvenience was reported. I have been very pleased with the swift and clear communications, and that Leslie’s team have been prompt in dealing with issues as they have arisen. I’ve been delighted with the work and look forward to working with LCBR again.Nicola Thomas, Exeter - June 2017
Full Historic Building Restoration – St Marys, Isles of Scilly
Leslie Cornell Building Restoration Ltd was superb in meeting all challenges of restoring a Grade II* Listed 18th Century former storehouse in the remote and windswept Isles of Scilly.
Leslie Cornell clearly has considerable expertise in all aspects of historic building restoration. We were very impressed from the start and throughout the project at their dedication and commitment to ensuring that all restoration work was sympathetic to the historic nature of the site.
Leslie Cornell Building Restoration Ltd did everything – from drawing up and submitting the application for Listed Building Consent, navigating the complex logistics of transporting the team, materials and equipment to and from the islands, undertaking external and internal repairs to walls and windows, flues and waste pipes, organising and coordinating scaffolding, roofing and carpentry, to the completion of works (including making sure all evidence of their activity was removed from site) within our timeframe, in spite of inclement weather isolating the islands for days at a time – all with good will and excellent level of hard graft and professionalism.
We knew from our first meeting with Mr Cornell that we could trust him implicitly; this was particularly important to us as we knew we would be off site for most of the three-month project, except for two very brief site visits. The quality of their workmanship is excellent and we were also delighted to see Leslies' expertise, skills and ethos being passed on to hard-working apprentices. Leslie Cornell Building Restoration Ltd has our highest recommendation.Larissa and Cynthia Wakefield - April 2017
Lime Plastering - Liskeard, Cornwall
‘We were really pleased with the Lime Plaster finish in our living room, and love the fact that if the walls get scratched or marked it is really easy to re-lime the surface.
We haven’t had any damp issues since we had the living room Lime Plastered, despite a really wet winter.Lisa Evans, Liskeard - April 2017
Listed Building Conservation & Preservation - Truro, Cornwall
Leslie Cornell took time to visit the cottage and meet with the architect before providing us with a very detailed tender. Our architect was impressed with the attention to detail at this early stage and after we met with Leslie Cornell on site we were too and so elected to go with Leslie Cornell Building Restoration Ltd.
Leslie and team are professional, courteous and hard working. Whilst the project has taken longer than anticipated, partly due to the nature of the materials being used in the restoration and partly because both we and Leslie wanted to get it right, the result has been superb. The restoration of our cottage has been extensive with the complete removal of the floor joists and floor boards, all internal and external render and pointing, re-wiring and replacement of plumbing.
Leslie Cornell considered the implications of each component and made suggestions to solve any minor problems, whilst keeping true to the historical fabric of the building. The expertise and enthusiasm for Cob and Lime work is plain to see and translates to an incredible high quality of work and attention to detail. Their work and approach to getting the best out of the building is to be applauded. They also took time to talk with our neighbours and keep the site clean to minimise any disruption to everyone in our village.Nick, Truro - April 2017
Site Visit, Lime Plastering - Truro, Cornwall
I contacted Leslie Cornell Building Restoration Ltd to enquire about having the front of our poorly cottage fixed. I have little knowledge regarding the process that is necessary to rescue our cottage but was under the impression that a lime application would be of benefit so contacted Leslie Cornell Building Restoration Ltd after discovering their company on Google.
Leslie contacted me promptly and he was polite and helpful. Leslie arranged a site visit for just a few days later and he was a pleasure to meet. He is clearly very experienced with cob walls and historical properties, and displayed a passion for this area. Leslie was knowledgeable and explained everything clearly to me. Leslie was thorough and understanding of our cottage with its’ needs during the site visit.
I would have no hesitation in recommending Leslie to visit any site to share his valuable expertise, particularly where stone and cob are concerned.Leanne, Truro - April 2017
Lime Plastering and Lime Pointing - Redruth Cornwall
We have been renovating our old granite cottage for some years, and have inevitably required help from a number of different specialist services. Of all the company’s we have dealt with, few have come close to the level of service and professionalism we’ve experienced from Leslie and his Team. We were involved at each stage and kept fully informed. All the staff were very courteous and polite. The company are totally used to working with older buildings which require lime and other breathable render. The materials and workmanship are of the highest standard, and are sympathetic to both the constructional needs and the looks of the building. The icing on the cake was a final invoice which was lower than the original quote, because some of the anticipated work was not actually required.
We have no hesitation in recommending Leslie Cornell Building Restoration Ltd to anyone considering similar restorative work.Mr & Mrs Peters, Brea - December 2017
Lime Pointing - St Austell, Cornwall
Leslie Cornell Building Restoration Ltd were superb from start to finish! They were friendly, personable and professional. Their pricing was competitive and their professionalism exemplary. We would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone needing lime pointing. They have transformed the look of our property and the work has helped to eradicate damp!
Bex & Matt, Probus - February 2017
Lime Plastering Lostwithiel Cornwall
This year, we started our first renovation project. The upstairs walls were concealed with plasterboards but we could imagine what was hiding behind it. We discovered ancient stones walls, cob walls, beautiful chimney breasts and a lot of dust and crumbles. After weeks of worries, discussions and research, we finally found out what we needed.
These walls were crying for Cob and Lime Specialists! Leslie came to visit us to assess the work. His confidence and knowledge was a breath of fresh air and exactly what we need. We could not wait for them to start the work.
Leslie is driven by the quality of their work and customer satisfaction. The overall experience was the best we had from a trade company ever; on time, efficient, knowledgeable, polite and always very responsive. It was just great to see photos of the progress on site, uploaded every evening on the cloud. What a brilliant, open and honest way to communicate with your customers about progress.
Their work has transformed our walls; exposed beams, re-pointed chimney breast, beautiful cob and lime plaster finish. Our cottage has now re-gained is full history and glory. They are Specialists.Jayne & Charles, Lostwithiel - April 2016
Heritage Builders Cornwall
Dear Leslie, The shroud has been taken off the front of the farmhouse and we are delighted with its appearance. The stonework looks stunning thanks to your excellence of the lime re-pointing.
We cannot stress enough how pleased we have been with the professionalism of you and your team. Not only are they hard working but they conduct themselves in a polite, respectful and cheerful manner. Having workmen on site can sometimes be awkward but your team were a pleasure to have around. Plus, their clearing up at the end of the day is second to none! Thanks to you all for a superb job.Sue and Paul, Liskeard
Lime Rendering Truro
Dear Leslie and team, We are more than happy to provide testimony for the work you carried out to our cottage to cure a long standing damp and mould problem. The work entailed removing existing cement render wrongly applied to interior and exterior cob walls then applying lime plaster render and installing a French drain.
Unusual for a builder Cornells started on the agreed date,finished on time and within the agreed budget. Some extra work was willingly taken on and done at reasonable cost.
On his initial visit Leslie impressed us with his knowledge and obvious passion for cob work and kept the amount of work to the minimum required to solve our problem. We were kept well informed of what was happening and why, all questions answered and phone calls promptly replied to.
All staff (Shep being the exception) worked hard all the time including when the boss was not on site,were polite,friendly,no shouting or swearing,no radios or prolonged tea breaks,were enthusiastic about their work and a credit to the company.
Health and safety rules were complied with. Each day the site was left clean and tidy and we had no security concerns about leaving the property with the staff on site. Whilst it is never a good time to be living in a house when it is being pulled apart Cornells kept the inconvenience to a minimum and were a pleasure to have around with a sense of humour on both sides. We are very pleased with the quality of work and the finished look and have no hesitation in recommending Leslie and his team.Jim and Penny, Allet
Major Cob Repair Cornwall
Leslie Cornell Building Restoration have carried out the re-plastering and re-pointing of my house in a manner beyond all expectation. The work was carried out with meticulous attention to detail and by people who clearly were experts in their field and with a pride and knowledge of what was requiredJohn Grampound
Lime Putty Builder Cornwall
We bought a 200 year old stone cottage that had one of its exterior walls rendered in concrete, leaving it unable to breathe as originally intended.
We contacted Leslie and he came to our house and gave it a thorough inspection and provided us with many ideas of how we could restore it back to its original form. The first priority for us was to have the concrete render removed as this was exacerbating a damp issue in the stone wall. What became evident very quickly was the knowledge and passion that Leslie exuded when it came to restoration projects and we quickly decided that this together with the examples of high quality craftsmanship that we saw in his previous work meant that he was the right person for us to work with.
Within a week of accepting his quote Leslie and his team arrived on site and worked efficiently and effectively to remove the two storey render, using only hand tools as to preserve the integrity of the underlying stones.
It was an absolute pleasure having Leslie and his team of passionate apprentices on site for the week. Every day the site was left clean and tidy and at the end of the project all the render was bagged and removed. They cleaned and washed the site so well you would hardly have known they were there. The exposed wall looks fantastic and we would not hesitate in using Leslie for future work at our home or recommending him for potential clients.Mr & Mrs Cavanagh Feock
