How to remove textured render from front of property

[Sard]

Hi,

I have a 25 year old house with mock tudor beams and a textured render (see photos). I would really like to have a smooth finish instead of the textured render and wondered what the best option would be? I am contemplating whether it would be better to a) skim over to obtain a smooth finish b) attempt to knock it out and then skim or c) look for a chemical based solution that might liquify/loosen it for removal.

 

[Tigercubrider]

It looks as if it was a paste or thick paint applied rather than a render?
I would be tempted to experiment on an out of the way area. Have any houses in your road had it removed?
Are you sure that it's not an 80's or later finish applied at time of build? The wall underneath might be horrible.
Does it sound hollow or well fixed?

 

[dontbelieveawordofit]

looks like sandtex high build.