Victorian cellar conversion

[User543211]

We are very lucky to have a cellar (with door and staircase) that already has electricity and heating. We are looking to 'convert' it into a extra living space with a sofa bed for guests, TV, maybe some kids toys though our kids are a bit small to be down there alone yet. All Google shows me are very fancy London conversations opening to the outside or beautiful wine cellars.
We are keeping the stone walls (stone 2/3 way up it's rendered above which we'll paint). This is especially what I'm struggling to find as everything I see is completely plastered. There are 2 windows but obviously it's quite dark. We're getting plenty of spot lights put in.
Really struggling to find inspiration, anyone out there have a little cellar they'd be willing to show?
It's about 5m x 3m.

I think they are usually plastered because of the damp proofing?

If you are planning to use this as a sleeping space or place for children to play its vital there is no damp and the space is properly ventilated.

I wouldn't put down a carpet as that will insulate the floor from the heating and a cold floor is more likely to get damp.

Thanks @candycane222 , it's not damp at all but my DH (builder) and the builder doing the work both say we shouldn't plaster over or so the walls can 'breathe'. I like the look of fully plastered though. There is carpet down at the moment but that's coming up and the floor will be insulated then laminate on top.

Your DH and the builder have a point - its possible dampneds could build up behind the plaster and destroy the decor: though it is possible you could line the walls with something breathable like lime plaster or diathonite (an insulating lime plaster) that might look smarter. It would need either to be self coloured or decorated with breathable paint though or you're no further forward.

And moisture "breathing" out of the walls has to be consistently taken away. Hence the need for proper continuous running ventilation.

Are the windows a viable escape route (they need to be a certain minimum size and max distance from the floor)- if not then you may not meet fire regs to use as a bedroom.

I have seen lots of cellars smartened up in the way you describe, however they tend to be used as utility rooms, play/craft rooms or a home exercise studio - not for sleeping. I will see if I can find some pics

OP -don't know how much help but I know someone who did a rolls Royce £++ type conversion. It involved tanking and creating a small window . See links below for pics and plan.

Plan

Work completed I can't link directly but scroll here and it's nos 155a

Thanks @Onagoldenautumnday that's absolutely lovely. Really good of space and lovely window. Thanks for linking!