The Brief
Renowned for their luxurious Georgian-style homes, award-winning Sherbourne Developments are masters of their craft. ‘We absolutely love Georgian architecture,’ explains Margaret Ellison, Creative Head of Design. ‘We really want to build the listed properties of the future so we try to keep authentic to true Georgian design.’
One of their most remarkable projects is the recently completed Hurstbourne Manor, set in 149 acres of breathtaking scenery in the south east of England. The brief was to create a Georgian-style house in keeping with tradition, but using more contemporary materials to bring it into the 21st century. ‘We designed a Georgian-style house that fits within the area,’ says Margaret. ‘We try to make sure that all the detailing that goes with it is true to Georgian design. The house’s exterior and interior were all designed and constructed so as to be authentic, but sometimes with a little twist.’ Internally, the emphasis was placed on architectural elements, such as the doors, cornicing, skirting and flooring, remaining true to Georgian design, while all the joinery was constructed with dovetail joints. Natural stone by Artisans of Devizes was a prerequisite to elevate the flooring and bathrooms in this palatial property, not only for its authenticity and sumptuous aesthetic, but also because it is environmentally friendly.
The Project
Creating a showstopping impression as soon as you enter, the spacious entrance hall exudes elegance with a sweeping staircase and a statement floor created with Sloane Limestone with Nero Slate Cabochons. The warm white tones of the sumptuous limestone flecked with pale grey markings and interspersed with dramatic dark grey cabochons evoke a classic aesthetic. ‘Straight-edged limestone with cabochons was installed in the hallway in a diamond layout to evoke a more formal look,’ explains Margaret. ‘It injects the wow factor and results in a grand aesthetic.’ The classic flooring extends to the downstairs cloakroom, too, with its elegant period-style washstand.
Sloane Limestone is then carried through into the modern country-style kitchen complementing the palette of warm whites. A tumbled finish was chosen for the flooring to reflect the more relaxed atmosphere of the space. ‘It maintains authenticity but caters for practicality,’ says Margaret. Intelligent Stone, a manmade product, was used on the countertop with Berber White Ceramic tiles selected for the kitchen splashback. ‘Intelligent Stone was chosen for its aesthetic and also because it has the practicality of stone as it is very hard wearing, doesn’t stain and is very easy to clean,’ notes Margaret. Tumbled Sloane Limestone is then continued through the back of the house to the floors of the utility, boot room and snug for a cohesive and harmonious effect. Keeping to the limestone theme, Buscot Limestone was chosen for the paving and cobbles outside the house.
Downstairs, meanwhile, a cosy ambience is evoked in the wine cellar, which combines red brick walls and Tetbury Terracotta floor tiles to create the aesthetics and feel of a timeless, traditional wine cellar.
Artisans of Devizes products were chosen for all of the bathrooms. The master bathroom showcases exquisite Carrara marble on the floor, with a walk-in shower, complete with bespoke niches, for the ultimate in indulgence. A Victoria + Albert rolltop bath takes centrestage between the two windows. Lombardo, Aliseo and Domus marble were installed on the countertops and the shower walls. ‘We introduced marble in the master bathroom - it’s a very luxurious stone and that’s what the Georgians would have used. It works so well to create that grand aesthetic,’ explains Margaret. Aliseo and Domus marble were used on the floors, countertops and vanities in the other bathrooms, apart from the top floor bathrooms where Artisans' Rabat White Ceramic tiles were installed.
‘We really welcomed the knowledge that Artisans of Devizes brought to the table - it was fantastic,’ says Margaret. ‘Their products are outstanding and their people are really efficient and inspiring. They are a great company to work with and that’s what you want.’
