Working closely with the client and their architect we gained planning permission to increase the Cheshire property’s footprint by a remarkable 150%. Working on a Grade-II listed Georgian property in a conservation area had its challenges although we were able to offer a complete turnkey service.
To support the architect and client to space plan, design and fit and evolve this classic Georgian ‘box’ house, restoring it to its former glory whilst creating a fresh lifestyle proposition and expansion.
In the dining room we used a solid wood herringbone pattern floor, contrasted with the softest of silk rugs. The centrepiece is a breathtaking, highly lacquered dining table which is completed with two-tone upholstered chairs in cream with striking blue backs complementing the artwork and embellished with mother-of-pearl handles. This imposing arrangement is set off with a rock crystal chandelier and matching wall lights that reflect beautifully in the silk wallpaper. The centre fireplace was replaced in a Portland stone with a Christopher Guy mirror above to finish the room completely.
The drawing room offered more tranquillity of the space with its floor-to-ceiling panelling and beautiful bay window which we had to delicately rebuilt. The fireplace, again in Portland stone, has a contemporary twist to the dogs and hearth.
The study is something of a temple to the art of bespoke joinery. The desk and all cabinetry are made in a special ‘fumed oak’, and we extended this finish to the windows, architraves and all the panelling. We’ve also had some fun: the desktop is inlaid with ultra-fine herringbone cross weave suede details, in the draw linings and even in the suede chairs that sit in front of the fire, all elegantly lite with diffused LED strips in the cabinetry.
The heart of the home was extensively renovated created a south facing and supremely elegant elevation. This space houses the dining table, with roof lantern-light flooding into the hand-painted kitchen which leads into two different zones. The first, by day, a living space with a library feel and, by night, a full digital cinema experience with a drop down screen. The second zone is a tasting room, flanked with wine and champagne cases at either side. A high-level, backlit onyx table with bar stools creates the perfect environment in which to sip cocktails.
The boot room off the kitchen has a staircase which takes you down to a complete spa experience. The spa itself is raised from the deck level of the swimming pool, and the steam room and sauna sit together in a completely circular fashion to complement the circular spa.
The gym is raised and fully glazed so that you can overlook the pool. Water cascades from the rear wall into the pool, with the glow of LEDs dancing on the water. Beyond, glazed doors open out onto a stunning sunken terrace and total haven of privacy.
A fine house demands a ‘statement suite’ and this one lives up to that aim. We have reinstated a magnificent Georgian fireplace and even opened up a very secret second dressing room, intriguingly accessed through an existing cabinet. A bespoke headboard with an LED surround gives a halo effect to this fully upholstered bedhead. The main dressing room consists of bespoke lacquered birds eye maple woods and contrasting leather inlays with a central ottoman and above a pendant light of horse hair and bone giving tonal light retractions and enter the Master En-suite Bathroom.
The bath has been dressed in silver metallic crocodile leather with a back drop to the bath of bookmatched and backlit Labrador quartz stone. This stands floor to ceiling with the taps and spouts mounted on the wall and out of the marble itself. The toilet cistern has been cunningly hidden behind the listed cupboards to bring function where there is character. The vanity unit has inlaid leather materials and has been shaped and sculpted to the room. A beautiful shower enclosure completes the room with body jets and a complete wellness experience.
The entrance to this property is equally as grand, entering through the gates you sweep up a gravel drive. An extensive programme of planting and introducing mature trees has given the house a suitable stature outside as well as in. The garden has a two-tiered approach with broad stone steps leading down to the manicured lower level terrace. In turn this takes you to a sunken lounging space of the main spa. This is subtly complemented by seamless glass balustrade in order not to detract from the heavy detailing of the Georgian structure.
Even the external garaging is special, hiding almost Bond-like gadgetry. A car lift takes you and your car down into the lower garage which has accommodation for a further four vehicles.
