Pargetting

Contact for pricing

Pargetting is a decorative lime plastering technique that graces the walls of buildings, particularly in the historic counties of Suffolk and Essex. This unique craft involves applying a textured layer of lime plaster to exterior walls, which is then intricately patterned with designs. These patterns can range from simple geometric shapes to elaborate scenes featuring flowers, animals, and even figures. Pargetting adds an artistic touch to buildings, showcasing the skill and creativity of the plasterers who create these eye-catching facades.

Pargetting Projects

View examples of our pargetting work.

Church Mouse Barn

Preston St Mary

We were delighted to complete both the internal and external plastering at the beautiful Church Mouse Barn in Preston St Mary. This characterful barn conversion featured stunning exposed oak beams internally, so we took extra care with specialist preparation to keep the historic timber completely lime-free throughout the works. All walls, inside and out, were plastered over Savolit board. We applied 100 mm scrim tape to every board joint for maximum strength and a flawless finish, then followed with a traditional three coat lime plaster system: a base coat, followed (weather permitting) by two top coats 48 hours later, expertly trowelled to a smooth, high-quality finish. As a lovely personal request from the client, we also hand crafted a charming lime-rendered mouse sculpture the perfect finishing touch that perfectly captures the spirit of “Church Mouse Barn”. This project showcases our attention to detail and expertise in working with traditional timber framed buildings, delivering clean, crisp lines and a durable, attractive finish that enhances the warmth and character of the property.

Horses head pargetting

Bulmer

Custom lime plaster horse head feature On this project the customer asked for a rendered wall with a striking 3D horse’s head in traditional lime plaster. I sketched the design freehand on site, then built it up in layers of lime plaster to create the relief. For the eye I used a carefully chosen stone to give it real depth and character, and I worked from a reference photo the client loved. The result is a beautiful, bespoke piece that sits perfectly on the freshly rendered wall — a one-off feature that really makes the property stand out. Lime plaster was the ideal choice here: it’s breathable, durable, and ages gracefully on an external wall while giving that soft, authentic finish.

External Lime Plastering and Pargetting

Borley

We were commissioned to restore this attractive timber-framed building following the installation of a new roof. Our works included the complete removal of the existing pebble dash render, thorough cleaning and preparation of the original oak timber frame, installation of insulation and new lathing, followed by traditional lime plaster. At the clients’ request, we also carried out decorative pargetting on the gable featuring their initials “D & J” and the year the work was completed, 2022. The project was finished with multiple coats of breathable limewash in this beautiful soft yellow, enhancing the building’s historic character while ensuring long-term breathability and durability.

Royston External Lime Plastering & Pargetting

Royston

Lime Plaster Restoration with Bespoke Hand-Sculpted Mice Period Property We were delighted to restore a failing render of traditional lime plaster on this attractive period property. The original render, applied directly over clunch, had deteriorated and detached from the wall. Our team carefully removed all the defective material before applying three full coats of high quality, breathable lime plaster. The customer then provided a charming drawing of two mice she wanted featured on the wall. I personally hand sculpted these delightful running mice in relief, faithfully copying her design straight into the fresh plaster to create a unique and playful bespoke detail. To finish, we applied three generous coats of soft limewash, restoring both the structural integrity and the original character of the wall. A really lovely project with a wonderful personal touch our customers were absolutely thrilled with the result! 🏡