Hi, I’m Adam. Based in Devon, I’ve been working with traditional lime mortars and lime plasters since my late teens. What began as a trade quickly became a genuine passion for historic buildings, traditional craftsmanship, and the materials that have protected our built heritage for centuries.
Today, I specialise in traditional lime pointing, internal and external lime plastering, cob repairs, and timber lintel replacements for period, listed, and traditionally constructed properties throughout Devon and the surrounding counties.
I believe older buildings deserve sympathetic repairs using compatible materials and traditional techniques. Whether I’m restoring historic cob, applying a multi-coat lime plaster system, repointing masonry, or carrying out structural lintel replacements, my focus is always on preserving the character, performance, and longevity of the building.
If it involves traditional lime or historic masonry work, chances are I’ll be happy to help.
Call me on: 07860 882064
Email me at: thornesplasteringdevon@gmail.com
Three-coat lime plaster systems using traditional non-hydraulic lime mortars.
Traditional cob repairs and lintel replacements
Breathable, traditional repointing for stone and brick buildings using appropriate lime mortars.
Devon is home to unique historic architecture, from classic cob cottages to rustic stone farmhouses. Because these solid-wall properties were originally built to manage moisture naturally, lime plasters and mortars are the only compatible choice when carrying out repairs or maintenance. Modern cement traps damp inside walls, leading to severe moisture issues and cob deterioration. Lime, by contrast, lets the building breathe—an absolute necessity in Devon’s damp maritime climate.
Lime is also inherently flexible, allowing older buildings to move and settle without cracking surrounding masonry or cobwork. By accommodating natural movement and drawing out moisture, lime preserves structural integrity and authentic character. For period and listed properties throughout Devon, lime isn’t just an aesthetic preference—it’s vital for the health of the building.
From transforming just one problematic wall in a thatched cob cottage in Tavistock through to complete lime restoration projects for country estates around Totnes, we handle a wide variety of work across Devon. Here’s what clients have to say about working with us!
Take a look at more of our recently completed projects throughout Devon on our portfolio page.
From listed cottages and historic farmhouses to churches and heritage buildings, we work with homeowners, property custodians and conservation-minded clients in Devon who want to care for their buildings using traditional materials and sympathetic repair methods.
Whether your property requires lime plastering, lime pointing, stonework repairs or breathable renovation solutions, every project is approached with an understanding of how traditional buildings were designed to function. By using appropriate materials and time-tested techniques, I help preserve the character, integrity and long-term health of older properties throughout Devon and the surrounding counties.
Sensitive repairs and traditional lime work for protected and historic properties.
Breathable lime mortars and repairs designed to work in harmony with traditional stone construction.
Helping maintain the character and performance of Devon’s historic rural buildings.
Traditional materials and craftsmanship suitable for buildings of historic significance.
Experience working with lime-based materials appropriate for places of worship and historic community buildings.
Supporting sensitive restoration projects where preserving original fabric and breathability is paramount.
Choosing the right contractor for a traditional building is about more than simply finding someone who can plaster or point a wall. Older properties require an understanding of traditional materials, breathable construction methods and sympathetic repair techniques that work with the building rather than against it.
At Thornes Lime Plastering, we specialise exclusively in lime-based repairs and heritage building work. From traditional three-coat lime plastering and lime pointing to cob repairs and breathable renovation solutions, every project is approached with care, craftsmanship and respect for the building’s history. Our aim is always to deliver repairs that not only look right but help protect and preserve your property for many years to come.
Whether you’re restoring a character cob property in Tavistock, repairing traditional masonry in Totnes, carrying out sympathetic renovations around Exeter, or looking for specialist lime plastering in Chagford, I offer a personal service focused on craftsmanship, compatibility, and the long-term health of your building.
We also regularly travel further afield for larger heritage and conservation projects. Not sure if you’re within my working area? Feel free to get in touch—I’m always happy to discuss projects across Devon, Cornwall, and the wider South West.
Areas Commonly Covered
📍 Torrington
📍 Bideford
📍 Barnstaple
📍 Okehampton
📍Bude
📍 Chagford
📍 Drewsteignton
📍 Buckland Brewer
📍 Berrynarbor
📍 +1 Hr Radius of Great Torrington
If you’re looking for lime plastering, lime pointing or traditional building repairs in Devon then please feel free to get in touch via the form below.
Every property and every job is a unique story, requiring an in-person survey to enable us to give you the best advice. To arrange a tailored on site quote, please use the form below or give us a call to get in touch.
While many plasterers offer lime as an additional service, lime work is at the heart of everything I do. I have dedicated years to understanding traditional materials, historic building methods and the correct techniques required to repair and preserve older properties.
From traditional three-coat non-hydraulic lime plastering and lime pointing to stonework repairs heritage building work my focus has always been on delivering sympathetic workmanship that respects the age and character of the building. I continually invest in expanding my knowledge and work closely with some of the UK’s leading suppliers of traditional building materials, including Mike Wye, Cornish Lime and Best of Lime.
By specialising in lime rather than treating it as an occasional service, I can provide informed advice, appropriate material selection and repairs that work in harmony with traditional buildings. For me, lime isn’t simply a product I use—it’s a craft I’m genuinely passionate about.
Navigating the do’s and dont’s of the lime world can be confusing at first, as well as trying to understand the different types of lime and their applications. I’ve answered some of the commonly asked questions by Devon’s home-owners when it comes to lime plastering & lime pointing and traditional building repairs. If your question isn’t on the list feel free to give me a call and be more than happy to help.
Not always, but it depends on what’s currently on the wall. If your walls have been covered with modern cement render or gypsum plaster, these will need to come off before lime goes on. Cement and gypsum are far too hard and non-breathable to sit alongside lime, and leaving them in place can cause serious moisture problems down the line. Original lime plaster that’s still sound and well-bonded can often stay. I’ll always assess the existing substrate before recommending anything — there’s no point in unnecessary stripping if it isn’t needed.
Lime plaster ‘dries’ (it actually carbonates) significantly slower than modern gypsum — and that’s actually a good thing. Each coat needs time to carbonate (react with CO₂ in the air) before the next goes on. As a rough guide, allow 2–4 weeks between coats depending on the time of year, ventilation, and wall thickness. A full three-coat lime plaster system on a room can take several months to fully cure. It’s a patient process, but the result is a wall that breathes properly and lasts for generations.
Yes — in fact, lime is often the better choice for damp-prone areas in older properties. Unlike gypsum, lime is breathable and naturally resistant to mould. It allows moisture to move through the wall and evaporate rather than trapping it behind an impermeable surface. That said, it’s not a substitute for addressing the root cause of damp — if there’s a structural issue, that should be resolved first. I’ll always flag any underlying concerns before starting work.
No, and it’s an important distinction. Cement mortar is far harder than the stone or brick it sits between, which means any movement causes the masonry itself to crack rather than the joint. In older stone buildings — which are common across Devon — this can lead to serious structural damage over time. Lime mortar is softer and flexible, so it acts as the sacrificial element, protecting the stonework. If your property has been previously pointed with cement, I can remove it carefully and replace it with an appropriate lime mix.
Almost certainly yes — and it’s likely what was originally used. Traditional stone buildings across Devon were built to breathe, using lime throughout. Applying modern materials to these walls is one of the most common causes of damp, spalling stone, and internal condensation. Lime plaster and pointing work with the building’s natural moisture movement rather than against it. If you have an older property and you’re unsure what’s on the walls or what’s causing problems, I’m happy to take a look and give you an honest assessment.
Every job is different — wall condition, accessibility, the number of coats required, and whether any substrate preparation is needed all affect the price. I provide detailed, no-obligation quotes after seeing the job in person. What I can say is that lime work is a specialist trade and the materials are more expensive than modern alternatives, but the longevity and performance of a properly done lime finish more than justifies the investment. I don’t cut corners on materials or preparation.
The general rule is: if your building was constructed before around 1920, it almost certainly needs lime. Properties built with solid stone or brick walls — rather than cavity walls — are designed to manage moisture through the fabric of the building. Sealing them with modern impermeable materials causes moisture to build up, leading to damp patches, peeling plaster, and even structural damage. If you’re seeing recurring damp, crumbling plaster, or efflorescence (white salt deposits) on your walls, there’s a good chance modern materials are the culprit. I’m happy to discuss what you’re seeing before you commit to any work.
Currently Accepting New Projects
Traditional Lime Plastering and Heritage Lime Pointing Services for Devon’s Older Properties.
Send A Message
Fill in the form below and I will be in touch as soon as possible to discuss your requirements.
No spam. Your details are only used to contact you regarding your enquiry.
