Tudor Manor House, family owned & now second generation want to add some 1920's magic with a Hemingway styled backdrop and a hospitable attitude that's always ready for a party. Bold statements, opulent finishes, and stacks of personality & character, this was a fun project. The initial conversation was emotional, with stories of growing up surrounded by siblings and devoted parents that cooked, entertained, supported piano lessons, ballet and once a year opened the Christmas room. 

The family were still coming to terms with the overwhelming grief of losing their dad, lovingly remembered as the head of the house but the softest giant, always ready with a big hug. The void is immense and now the next generation are in situ they are torn between accepting it's time to move on and live their life but with the nagging worry of tearing down memories and removing everything that made the grand house a warm & loving home.

Sometimes working on a house redevelopment is as emotional as it is physical. Learning to remember, and accept, that all buildings start as bricks & mortar just as you would make a cake, it's the flavourings, fillings, toppings, and decorations that make it come to life.

A big part of any project is being patient, opening ears and eyes to listen to all the information and to see what's important. A renovation of any shape or size does not have to be scary or overwhelming, it can be cathartic, healthy and should always be exciting. 

It quickly became apparent that the second generation wanted to live the life that they remembered from their childhood but with a new flavour, adding updated ways of doing things and they realised that having these ambitions were not disrespectful but quite the opposite. Stage one of the project included a music room, a new bar for making very opulent cocktails and a master suite with the largest walk-in wardrobe including a major design feature to hold every copy of Vogue ever purchased since early teens. 

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