A DORSET couple have restored an historic building as a home and business in a labour of love.

Local designers and furniture makers, Esme and Jason Cameron, took on what was a dream challenge - the restoration of a Georgian property where they could live and operate their businesses.

Cameron Furniture and Grange Gallery are both now operating in the beautiful building in the heart of Wareham.

Having worked together for many years as professional designers and makers, between them they have many sizeable build projects under their belts.

The building was originally home to popular family greengrocers ‘Bests of Wareham’.

The family served the community with fresh floral arrangements and fruit and veg for more than 50 years and for the past 30 years it was a gift shop ‘County Theme’.

The Grade II* listed property was in a rather sorrowful condition when Esme and Jason purchased the property in 2022 and needed some serious attention to save it from further deterioration.

Once the green light from Dorset Council and English Heritage had been given for the restoration, the couple became a fixture on the high street throughout the winter and spring months.

They said: “We had to start with the roof, as the building had sustained water damage on the inside and on the outside because of failing flashing, broken tiles and guttering.

"We then cleaned and painted the building, restored all the sash windows on the top two floors, before getting our feet on the ground to start on the shop façade.”

“The restoration work, especially on the shop façade and town house entrance, took its time because we had to be so careful.

"We uncovered original features and fine detailing that had almost been lost forever because of the water damage the façade had been exposed to.”

Summer 2023 saw the completion of their first phase of the restoration.  The result was transformational to the property’s previous condition and to the high street scene. 

Esme and Jason have opened the doors to Grange Gallery where they both showcase their own art, homeware and furniture range.

“The support of the local community, businesses and visitors to Wareham has been overwhelming, we could not have wished for a warmer welcome to the town. We received so many wishes of support from passers-by especially during those cold, wet winter months – it really meant so much to us."