Testimonials
Cornish Lime CompanyCornish 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.'
Andy McCartney (Treasurer) - St Probus and St GraceGrade I Listed Church Land Drainage St Austell
Our church was suffering from wall dampness and the effects of poor waterproofing and building decisions taken many decades ago involving inappropriate cement render and also failed rainwater management at the base of some walls. Leslie was very informative on his site visits and had a very practical and can do approach suggesting remedies for both of our areas that met with full agreement from our QI architect and DAC. Leslie was able to provide further evidence for the DAC faculty decision process and this helped with gaining permission to do the work. It's reassuring to deal with a contractor who is used to working on grade one listed ecclesiastical buildings and who understands the importance of gaining proper permissions before any work is undertaken... It really does help give confidence as to the decisions we were taking to improve the building condition knowing that Lesile’s company is experienced in this sort of work. The quotes received were clear and easy to understand and the work was carried out in the time predicted, and Leslie was able to easily adapt to slight changes in plans as the work progressed. The invoicing process was clear and professional. The team on site were courteous and polite to all the church users and very considerate to the community e.g. by keeping pathways clear and being able to adjust their schedule to avoid noise during midweek services or during a visiting school group. It really felt like the whole team enjoyed working as a team and they seemed very productive, knowledgeable, organised and tidy. They are a really good company to deal with and they were also very responsive in fixing a minor snag noticed after the work was completed.
Debbie - St AustellListed Building Restoration St Austell
I contacted Leslie Cornell to address persistent damp issues in my home. Leslie developed a comprehensive plan to resolve the problem and even helped with the application for listed building consent. Living abroad, finding a reliable and trustworthy builder was essential, and Leslie kept me informed every step of the way with regular updates and photos. When challenges arose, Leslie quickly found solutions and even negotiated on my behalf with my neighbours. The team was respectful, minimized noise, and received glowing feedback from my neighbours. I wouldn’t hesitate to work with them again.
Sarah and Jez BowyerLime Pointing Liskeard
Thank you so much for the professionalism you have shown us from start to finish with our project.
From the initial call and booking , the visit from Leslie on site to discuss what needed to be done and to the job itself, everything was competently dealt with.
There was regular communication to update us on what progress was being made and what the next steps would be. The team that worked on our property did so with care and respect for the property. They were hard working and they left the site tidy at the end of each day.
I would definitely recommend Lesley and his team to anyone who needed a knowledgeable/ reliable and hard working company to do the job. If anyone would like to visit the property to see what has been done we would be happy to show them around.
R AngellLime Repointing Lostwithiel
I cannot praise highly enough Leslie and his team; they are always punctual and polite and their work ethic is exemplary. I am absolutely delighted with the repointing on my cottage in Lostwithiel and very willing to write this glowing recommendation.
CraigLime Bag-Rub St Austell
From start to finish we found Leslie Cornell Building Restoration Ltd incredibly professional and diligent in all aspects of the works carried out. From the initial site visit, clear and concise estimate documents and scheduling of works.
All through the renovation the project management team kept us informed and completely engaged with us providing daily updates on works completed and next stages to action.
Nothing was too much trouble, and all the site team were courteous and engaging making sure we were happy with every stage of the works.
All the renovation works were carried out to a very standard and completed ahead of schedule.
I’d have no hesitation in using Leslie Cornell Building Restoration Ltd again or recommending them.
Mrs T WilliamsLime Rendering Portscatho
We had been concerned about our front wall for some time as the render was badly cracked and consequently very damp. We contacted Leslie Cornell Building Restoration Ltd as they came highly recommended by local builders as the best people to do the job properly, and so we found. Leslie’s initial site visit was very prompt and informative, as was his communication throughout the project. Leslie’s excellent team made many visits, first to remove the old cement-based render and then to apply three coats of a new lime render before finally painting. During the course of the works it was found that two window lintels would need replacing and the porch facia and guttering renovated. All this was done to a high standard and at a fair price, and the team were unfailingly polite, friendly and professional, always clearing up beautifully at the end of a visit. We are truly delighted with the outcome and three neighbours have already asked for Leslie’s details as they are so impressed!
Emma and AlfLime Rendering and Lime Pointing Wadebridge
We contacted Leslie Cornell to come and look at our old cob cottage which was suffering from being rendered outside and plastered inside with non-breathable mixes. Leslie was extremely knowledgeable and helpful, answering all of our questions and giving us options on how to break the work into stages to help spread the cost.
From the first day on site to the completion of the works, Leslie’s team were hardworking, friendly and polite. Leslie and his team did an excellent job and I would have no hesitation in recommending them to anyone. In fact, Leslie Cornell made what might have been a stressful and difficult time absolutely stress free. Thank you to all of the team.
Steve & JoInternal Lime Pointing St Austell
From my initial phone call with Teresa the service received from Leslie Cornell and his team was second to none. Leslie inspired me with confidence on his first visit with his knowledge and experience of renovating older properties. The work carried out by his team exceeded our expectations and transformed a dreary, uncared for fireplace into an impressive, striking new feature to our home. All three tradesmen were pleasant, worked tirelessly and kept everywhere clean and tidy. I would not hesitate to use this company again.
John KnowlesHistoric House Maintenance Cornwall
We were most impressed by the very high standard of workmanship and courtesy shown during the work carried out on our property and would highly recommend Leslie Cornell and his team.
AlanLime Pointing Old School Bodmin
We’re very pleased to recommend Cornell’s, from our initial contact to having the works completed everything was handled professionally and with due care.
Our property is Grade two listed and required some tlc when we purchased it. The exterior walls were in a poor condition and the wrong type of pointing material had been used causing damp patches within. Leslie Cornell visited and provided us with a plan on how to improve the condition of the property, also sought planning permission for the agreed work. The repairs started on time and on a date acceptable to us. Throughout the repairs, care and consideration was given to the property and the neighbours who were affected by the work. Everything was completed on time and all waste material removed. The property is now watertight and the neighbours comment on how well the property has been improved and is keeping with the remainder of the village.
AnnieChimney Repairs Truro
I contacted this specialist regarding my chimney which required attention. The office contact was always very efficient and helpful. The site visit was prompt and the work was carried out to a very high standard. There was ongoing communication regarding the work being undertaken ( as I was not on site during the work ).
I am absolutely delighted with the job and the outcome. I would most definitely recommend Leslie Cornell Building Restoration Ltd in the future.
M ToonLime Bag-Rub Truro
My thanks to Leslie and the team for really excellent work. I'm getting lots of compliments on the work.
Miss R JamesLand Drainage Redruth
We are delighted with the work completed by Leslie and his team. Leslie has been really helpful in his advice, and his team were very thoughtful, conscientious, efficient and tidy. We highly recommend them.
Andrew TLime Pointing St Austell
Thank you to everyone for a superb service. From initial enquiry through to assessment and repair, I have been kept very well informed throughout – and that makes such a difference.And the result is excellent. Brilliant work all round.
Thank you.
RobLime Pointing Bodmin
Leslie Cornell Building Restoration Ltd Cob and Lime Specialists repaired the pointing on our beautiful 16th century barn conversion. They provided a great service from our initial enquiry to completing the project, with great communication and a polite hardworking team. We're delighted with the transformation and our home looks much smarter as a result.
Ben WinstanleyLime 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.
Lisa and Matt, TruroLime 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.
Liz and Laban, BodminLime 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.
Mr & Mrs Rowe, St AustellInsulating 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.
Rob, TruroLime 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.
Sincerely, Sarah & Mark RobersonLime 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.
K & A, FoweyLime 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.
Mr & Mrs Woods, St KeyneHistoric 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.
Patrick, Bodmin MoorLime 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.
John and Angela MasonLime 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!
Charles & Jayne Noblet, LostwithielLime Rendering and Breathable Paint Systems 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!
Larissa and Cynthia WakefieldFull 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.