Client: Countess of Iveagh
Architect: Peregrine Bryant Architects
Main Contractor: Ken Biggs Contractors Ltd

Requirements 

To return the estate to its original condition, conserving the house using traditional materials and adapt it to become a home for a family.

Construction

The roof was repaired and recovered with welsh slate.  The existing walls to the house were built from flint, with areas of brickwork infill panels; the complete house was re-rendered with lime render.  The existing external doors and windows where refurbished to maintain the original design.

Numerous structural repairs were carried out to the interior of the house, i.e steel work to strengthen the structure.

The main staircase was altered and reinstated to its original position and design.  The existing ornate ceilings were restored and added fire protection installed to the ceilings.  The wall panelling was restored and re-polished.

The kitchen area was re-designed to act as a catering kitchen for large parties.  The kitchen units were manufactured in our joinery shop and fitted.

The dining room area ceiling decorations were papier mache involving specialist refurbishment.  Within the dining area a jib door and opening was formed to serve the dining room from the kitchen.

All bedrooms within the house were re-designed to incorporate ensuite bathrooms.  Bathroom panelling, vanity unit and dressing room fittings were also manufactured at our joinery works and fitted.

The grounds of the house were re-designed to the period of the house and landscaped accordingly.  Within the grounds a large napped flint wall was constructed with Portland stone step leading to croquet lawns. An ornate pond and fountain was constructed to the front of the house.

Within the grounds of the estate nine properties were restored.  Three of these properties were constructed out of flint and cob walling. Structural repair and strengthening of the structures to these were carried out on the three properties.

The estate had a completely new infrastructure for all services and drainage systems to all the estate’s properties.  This involved alteration to the electrical grid removing three pylons and burying the electrical cables, which opened up the park and the front of the house.

The house was completed on programme and was awarded the RICS International award for conservation.

The project was completed to a high standard of finish and to the satisfaction of our client.

Value £7,500,000