Conkwell Grange

A modern restoration with traditional touches

Location: Bath

Year Completed: 2018

Project details:

With elegant styling in mind, we respectfully restored an estate home to modern standards.

The large project required a consistent style throughout for its layout changes, interior design, bespoke joinery, finishings, lighting and electrical layouts.

The layout included eight bathrooms and a secret kids’ playroom.

Client brief—What the client wanted…

The client wanted to refurbish the entire home with a high-end outcome that such a unique building deserved.

The estate home had only recently been purchased. The client had started the design process with another architecture firm, but appreciated our eye for detail and interior design.

We collaborated with the client’s son, who project managed the refurbishment.

Key design features—How we responded

The layout and design of the bedrooms and bathrooms on the apartment’s first floor took in the landscaped garden views. The master bedroom in particular has a freestanding bath with excellent views of the gardens.

A secret bar in the library was designed by the joinery contractor. Specific hinges were needed to support the door’s sheer size and weight , and ensure it operated smoothly.

Stylish material selections offer timeless elegance. Bathrooms have marble and traditional-style brassware that won’t age. Wardrobes and hallways were remodelled with built-in panelling. Brick tiles distinguish back-of-house areas such as the boot room, while limestone flagstones in the kitchen typify a country home.

Challenges—Issues we had to overcome

We had to respect the history of the building, as it’s of public interest. A balance had to be struck between functionality for the homeowner and historic integrity for legislative purposes.

The estate home’s listed building status limited the design. Decisions took longer, and everything had to be approved before it could be carried out, which presented time challenges.