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The Brief

That vision came to life through a carefully layered selection of dark smoked timbers, natural stone, textured finishes, and refined industrial detailing. In turn, these deeper, more dramatic elements were softened with warm bronze and brass accents, tactile materials, and layered lighting that added solace and intimacy throughout the home. As each space unfolded, the design was intended to feel immersive and connected, balancing bold architectural moments with an enduring sense of comfort and ease.

At the same time, functionality remained just as important as aesthetics. Every detail was considered through the lens of how the home would truly be lived in; from integrated smart technology and bespoke storage solutions to thoughtfully tailored spaces for entertaining, wellness, and family living. The result is a home that feels both deeply expressive and effortlessly livable, where atmosphere and practicality exist in complete harmony.

 

Location

Hale, Chehsire

Size

14,000 sqft

Project Type

Demolition to Turnkey

Duration

2.5 years

Materiality & Craftsmanship

Material selection became a defining part of the design process and played a central role in shaping the home’s identity. Following an extensive sourcing journey through Italy, fifty-four slabs of natural stone were individually hand-selected to create a sense of continuity and flow throughout the residence, allowing each space to feel intentionally connected to the next.

This commitment to detail and craftsmanship informed every layer of the home, resulting in interiors that feel curated rather than simply styled. Timeless in atmosphere, deeply personal in character, and grounded in a level of craftsmanship that is evident at every turn.

 

The entrance lobby was designed to be far more than simply a point of arrival; it was conceived as an experience in itself. From the moment of entry, the space creates a carefully choreographed transition from the outside world into the calm, intimate atmosphere of the home beyond.

As the architecture unfolds, concealed lighting washes gently across textured plaster, natural stone, and smoked timber finishes, subtly transforming the space throughout the day and into the evening. At the same time, expansive glazing draws natural light deep into the interior, enriching the depth of the darker material scheme while maintaining a sense of softness, vibrance, and balance.

 

A dramatic double-height void immediately establishes a sense of scale and presence, drawing the eye upward to a sculptural stone pillar that rises powerfully through two levels of the home. This central architectural feature anchors the space, creating a feeling of permanence and opulent grandeur from the moment of arrival.

Around it, smoked timber joinery introduces richness and depth against the cooler stone surfaces, mellowing the tones while adding a sense of intimacy to the expansive volume. In turn, bronze mesh detailing balances subtle layers of openness and playful privacy glimpsing the spaces beyond.

 

The staircase to the right was conceived as far more than a functional element of elevation; it was designed as a sculptural focal point within the architecture itself.

Crafted from solid timber and illuminated by integrated lighting beneath each tread, the staircase appears to float effortlessly within the volume, bringing a sense of lightness and movement to the otherwise grounded material palette.

A finely detailed bronze handrail introduces yet another layer of refinement, reinforcing the home’s commitment to craftsmanship in even the smallest details.

The staircase itself became one of the defining architectural moments within Whitbrow Heights, carefully conceived to shape both movement and atmosphere throughout the home. To explore our wider perspective on sculptural staircases and their role within luxury interiors, read our journal feature.

The super-wide lounge space was designed to centre around a fireplace and curate two seated areas that reflect each other in layout. Carefully balancing the scale of the architecture with the hygge and tactility of natural materials. While the volumes of the home create a strong architectural presence, the layered finishes and softer detailing ensure the spaces still feel intimate, welcoming, and deeply lived in.

At the heart of the room, a sculptural wide fireplace gives strong architectural presence. Flanked by glazing and elevated in richly veined natural stone it acts as both a visual and emotional anchor, naturally drawing people together within the space. Above it, liquid-metal facia surrounds the television, introducing depth, movement, and subtle variation, allowing the surface to shift and evolve as natural light moves throughout the day.

The result is a living space that feels both grounded and atmospheric, refined in its detailing, yet effortlessly comfortable in the way it is experienced.

 

Layered textures of materials were used throughout the lounge to bring a gentle quality to the darker materiality offering moody sophistication. Dark timber joinery, woven fabrics, textured plaster, alabaster, bronze, and natural stone were carefully composed to create interiors that feel rich in depth and tactility, yet still grounded, calm, and deeply inviting.

As light moves across each surface, the spaces reveal subtle shifts in texture and tone, adding to the immersive atmosphere of the home and revealing the quality of the craftsmanship, the balance of proportion, and the richness of details that have been thoughtfully considered at every level.

 

Symmetry plays an implicit yet important role within the composition, throughout the residence, as the technique introduces a sense of balance and calm that feels intuitive rather than overly formal. This subtle order helps ground the richness of the material palette, allowing the spaces to feel composed, effortless, and serene.

Throughout the interiors, handmade alabaster sconces cast a luminous glow against the darker finishes, bringing ambience and intimacy to the architecture. As evening falls, concealed lighting and integrated shelving illumination gradually transform the atmosphere, highlighting textures, materials, and carefully curated details in a way that feels both cinematic and deeply inviting.

 

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Entering through double pocket doors the darker drama of the dining space is revealed – thoroughly on brief with moody sophistication. A strong sense of structure, symmetry, and sculptural presence, while still maintaining cordiality that defines the rest of the residence. The space was conceived to feel refined yet welcoming, somewhere equally suited to intimate family dinners and larger gatherings shared with friends.

At the centre of the room, an oversized elliptical dining table crafted from richly veined dark marble becomes the defining focal point of the space. Its softened geometry provides a deliberate contrast to the stronger architectural lines that surround it, creating a sense of balance between boldness and restraint. Around the table, upholstered dining chairs in heavily textured woven fabric introduce comfort and tactility,  easing the overall composition and encouraging a more relaxed, informal way of gathering.

Fluted dark oak joinery, woven wallcoverings, natural stone, and brushed metallic finishes were carefully composed to create depth and variation, with each material contributing subtly to the overall atmosphere rather than competing for attention.

Among the defining features of the space are the central backdrop of marble recessed panels. Each slab was individually selected and meticulously book-matched to form mirrored compositions that feel both dramatic and organic at the same time. Rather than functioning simply as surface finishes, the stone becomes sculptural in its presence, transforming into architectural artworks that anchor the room with a sense of uniqueness, craftsmanship, and refined artistry.

 

Above the dining table, the presence of a suspended pendant installation drawers the eye with a sense of movement and rhythm, almost reading as a floating sculpture within the space.

At the perimeter, floor-to-ceiling glazing maintains a strong visual connection to the surrounding landscape, allowing natural light to move gently through the interiors throughout the day. This connection is softened by sheer linen drapery, which filters the changing daylight and creates an intimate atmosphere as evening falls.

 

This same appreciation for natural stone craftsmanship extended beyond the architectural detailing and into the bespoke furniture pieces created specifically for the home. At the centre of the space, the sculptural dining table became a defining element within the overall composition, balancing material richness with refined simplicity. To explore the craftsmanship and design journey behind bespoke stone furniture in greater depth, read our journal feature.

Conceived as a private wellness retreat rather than a traditional leisure space, the pool and spa level was designed to evoke a sense of calm, stillness, and restoration within the home.

The wooden vertical slats in the hallway offer tantalising glimpses as you spy the space from the walkway. From the moment of arrival, the atmosphere shifts deliberately, the material selection here transitions to a noticeably lighter palette, creating a secluded and more meditative experience that feels removed from the energy of the surrounding living spaces and in contrast with the darker, more dramatic tones used throughout the rest of the residence.

Large-format natural stone wraps continuously across both the floors and walls, creating a seamless sense of flow and tranquil cohesion throughout the space. With minimal visual interruption, the material finish feels calm and immersive, allowing the architecture itself to recede in favour of atmosphere, light, and texture.

At the perimeter, full-height glazing dissolves the boundary between interior and exterior, inviting natural light to play across the water and stone surfaces throughout the day.

This paired-back simplicity allows often overlooked details to come to the fore: Shadow gaps, recessed junctions, concealed lighting, and integrated ventilation were seamlessly incorporated into the architecture itself, ensuring the purity of the material elements remained uninterrupted. The result is a space that feels effortless and serene, where every detail contributes seamlessly to the overall sense of calm.

 

Bronze detailing was introduced throughout the space to bring a subtle glow against the cooler mineral palette, creating moments of contrast that feel refined rather than overt. As daylight fades into evening, layered lighting begins to transform the atmosphere, gently enhancing the softness, depth, and tactile quality of the surrounding natural textures.

From here, the adjoining wellness areas continue the same calm and restrained material language, allowing the experience to unfold seamlessly from one space to the next. Brushed oak cabinetry, woven gymnasium flooring, concealed detailing, and cocooning treatment rooms work together to create an environment that feels intimate, grounded, and deeply restorative. Every element was carefully considered not only for its aesthetic contribution, but for the way it shapes the emotional experience of the space itself.

The result is an atmosphere of serene relaxation: one centred around balance, wellbeing, and a profound sense of calm, where architecture, materiality, and light come together to support complete restoration and retreat from everyday life

      Simon Evans, Managing Director

Interested in understanding more? Read our related Journal.

At the heart of the room, a sculptural stone fireplace anchors the space both visually and emotionally, creating a natural focal point around which the atmosphere of the snug unfolds. Surrounding it, floating smoked oak shelving and integrated lighting introduce carefully curated moments of display, adding depth and subtle layers of ambience throughout the space.

While refined in its detailing, the room was designed first and foremost around the realities of everyday family living. As part of the wider joinery composition, bespoke integrated spaces were thoughtfully created for the clients’ dogs, allowing these functional elements to feel seamlessly embedded within the architecture rather than treated as afterthoughts.

Generous seating, durable materials, and soft woven fabrics further reinforce the sense of comfort and ease, encouraging slower moments of gathering, conversation, and retreat. The result is a space that feels calm, deeply personal, and effortlessly liveable. Balancing practicality and comfort with the same level of craftsmanship and intention seen throughout the home.

 

Designed as one of the home’s most intimate spaces, the snug was conceived as a place of retreat. Somewhere to slow down, unwind, and feel completely at ease within the architecture of the home. While more relaxed in mood than the larger entertaining spaces, it still carries the same sense of refinement, craftsmanship, and carefully considered detail found throughout the residence.

Dark brushed oak joinery, textured plaster walls, natural stone, and bronze detailing come together to form a composition that feels rich and enveloping, yet never overwhelming. These deeper tones are softened through layered lighting, tactile finishes, and carefully selected materials that introduce an inviting atmosphere, depth, and a sense of understated comfort. As the atmosphere shifts from day to evening, the space becomes increasingly immersive, creating an environment that feels both deeply personal and effortlessly calming.

 

The secondary principal suite was designed as a softer and more tranquil counterpoint to the darker material scheme carried throughout the rest of the home. While still connected to the overall architectural language of the residence, the atmosphere here shifts noticeably. Embracing a sense of calm, serenity, and a more understated expression of refinement. From the moment of entry, the space was intended to feel calming, restorative, and deeply personal.

Drawing inspiration from boutique hotel environments, the suite layers tactile materials, layered lighting, and bespoke detailing to create an experience that feels both refined and effortless. Every element was carefully considered to encourage a sense of retreat, allowing the space to function not simply as a bedroom, but as a private sanctuary within the home itself.

 

Dyed eucalyptus veneer forms the foundation of the room’s architectural language, bringing softness, and subtle movement through the richness of its natural grain. Used throughout the suite, the material creates a sense of continuity and cohesion, allowing the space to feel calm, enveloping, and effortlessly  refined.

This sense of integration continues through the bespoke joinery, where wardrobes, bedside detailing, shelving, and vanity areas were seamlessly incorporated into the architecture itself. Rather than appearing as individual elements placed within the room, each component was designed to feel intrinsic to the overall composition, reinforcing the suite’s restrained and considered aesthetic.

Delicate bronze trims and concealed lighting were then threaded carefully throughout the space, introducing moments of subtle definition and warmth without interrupting the calm visual rhythm of the interior. At the centre of the composition, the layered headboard wall becomes the defining focal point of the suite, combining upholstered panelling, mirrored surfaces, bronze detailing, and concealed illumination into a single continuous architectural gesture. Together, these layered materials create an atmosphere that feels intimate, immersive, and deeply restorative.

 

At the entrance to the suite, curved wall detailing and a bespoke floating console introduce a fluid architectural language, immediately shifting the atmosphere into something calmer and more intimate. This graceful transition creates a sense of arrival, allowing the experience of the suite to unfold gradually before opening into the bedroom itself.

Throughout the space, natural light moves softly across the layered material palette during the day, enhancing the inviting, tactile quality, texture, and subtle tonal variation of each surface. As evening approaches, concealed lighting begins to reshape the atmosphere entirely, casting a gentle glow that transforms the suite into an environment that feels serene, cocooning, and effortlessly refined. The result is a space designed not only to be seen, but to be experienced: immersive in mood, yet effortless in its sense of comfort and calm.

 

The bedroom is more than a place to rest; it’s a deeply personal space that reflects your taste, lifestyle, and need for calm. If you want to understand more about our design principles in this area, and how we approach master bedroom spaces, explore our thinking behind creating truly restorative bedroom retreats: Master Bedroom Retreats: Ultimate Comfort & Style

A Home Defined by Atmosphere & Craftmanship

Designed in collaboration with an exceptional team of craftsmen, makers, and specialists, Whitbrow Heights brings together bold architecture, refined interiors, and deeply personal living into one cohesive vision. Inspired by the atmosphere and emotional experience of elevated hospitality, yet firmly grounded in the realities of modern family life, the home carefully balances dramatic curation with soul, comfort, and timeless design principles. The result is a residence that feels both striking in its presence and effortlessly liveable in the way it is experienced every day.

More than simply a completed home, Whitbrow Heights represents the outcome of an intensely collaborative design journey, one shaped through shared vision, craftsmanship, and a deep respect for material selection at every level. From the architectural framework and construction through to the sourcing of natural stone, bespoke joinery, interior detailing, and landscape integration, every element was approached with care, precision, and intention.

Every detail was approached with care and intention, from the architectural framework and construction through to the sourcing of natural stone, bespoke joinery, interior detailing, and landscape integration.

          Simon Evan, Managing Director

Project Team:

 

Inside The Design: Follow Our MD, Simon, As He Explores The Finer Details Within Whitbrow Heights

Designing a new build offers a rare opportunity: a completely open canvas. Without historical constraints, every decision, from spatial planning to materiality, shaping how the home will feel, function, and evolve.

If you’d like to explore how we approach new build interiors, and how we transform blank architectural shells into deeply personal homes with character, you can read more about our design thinking and process here: Interior Design for New Builds in Cheshire – How to Make a Blank Canvas Feel Like Home

Enquire Now

If you’ve connected with the philosophy behind Whitbrow Heights and are considering a home or plot of land for a bespoke interior design project, we would be glad to hear from you. Whether it’s a new build, full renovation, or an architectural collaboration, our work begins with understanding how you want to live.