Restoring the past to create for the future
The owners of Blockley House take inspiration from their childhood homes, and the heritage of their own home, to create the perfect kitchen for their growing family.
Not looking for a doer-upper, our clients Georgie and Richie and their three small boys had driven all over Buckinghamshire in search of their family home.
When they arrived at Blockley House they knew straight away that it was the one. “It had a strong family vibe and the woodland behind the garden was a real clincher,” says Georgie. “It wasn’t exactly what we were looking for, but there was so much right that we couldn’t say no… building work and all!
“From the beginning of the planning process, architects and builders recommended that we move the kitchen to the far end of the house, where we were adding a large conservatory-style room, but we both felt strongly that it should remain at the heart of the home. It felt right to keep it relaxed and easily accessible from the playroom and snug, as well as from the side garden door via the boot room.
The kitchen was previously mid-century in style, with lots of pine cladding. “We were keen to return to a traditional farmhouse kitchen, more in keeping with the old stone property,” says Georgie. “The plan was to remove the wall between the old kitchen and what was previously a separate breakfast room, not only to improve functionality and flow but to make the space large and lighter. We have three young boys, and we all gravitate towards the kitchen. The kitchen table and island tend to be covered in Lego and puzzles – as well as the odd homework book!
“I had always wanted limestone flagstone tiles and a curved island end, with integrated chopping board,” says Georgie. “Also, tonnes of storage and a secret door library! It is great to be able to ‘close the bookshelf’ on the mess and have a grownup space in the evenings. In fact, we wanted a kitchen where everything could be hidden away – a huge fridge-freezer was a must! The breakfast bar, with bi-folding doors, means that the morning clutter can be easily tidied out of sight.”
The Blockley House kitchen is a serene combination of strong neutrals. “Colour was always going to mean compromise,” says Georgie. “I love bright, strong colours and my husband prefers shades of white! We both fell in love with the geometric Spanish clay tiles, which would sit in the chimney breast behind the range, so that, at least, was a great starting point. The walls are painted in Edward Bulmer’s Jonquil at 100% saturation, which felt quite brave, but works really well, warming the space and contrasting with the cabinetry hand painted in Farrow & Ball Portland Stone.
A bespoke Barr Joinery bar, with an Edward Bulmer Brick tongue and groove back panel and Armac Martin Aberdovey shell cup handles, brings character to the space. Its opaque fluted glass keeps it lowkey in the daytime, whilst when lit in the evening allows it to become a focal point.
The finished space feels bright and authentic, which is in no small part down to exceptional build detailing. A heritage curved plaster finish makes the new opening feel like an original architectural feature. Within it, a kitchen which truly belongs to its space, designed and manufactured for longevity. We thank our clients for allowing us to share their story.