Audley | In with the old – a Grade II listed property development
Having worked with a local property developer for several years, Mrs Trail’s head was turned by a new project.
Part of an exquisite development on the Suffolk/Essex border comprising a grade II listed building of late C18 with early C19 alterations, the property was set within the grounds of a sizable walled garden.
“I fell in love with the heritage of the building and working on the development from its infancy, I was lucky enough to be able to influence the interior.” Exclaims Mrs Trail.
Built with soft red bricks and gabled coping, the structure is rectangular in plan, incorporating a central garden surrounded by a part-buttressed wall on all sides.
The exposed redbrick wall runs through one side of the property, and a series of smaller rooms creates a self-contained guest wing comprising a bedroom, bathroom, snug and a modest kitchen which is home to an original Victorian range oven and a red and black quarry floor.
“When it came to choosing the furniture, we knew we would need to commission a bespoke kitchen company to get the best finish. Davonport was recommended to us for the quality of their cabinetry and exceptional customer service.”
The project consists of a larger entertaining kitchen, a smaller kitchen (in the room housing the original Victorian range), and a utility/boot room.
In the main kitchen, an iconic Aga range oven was on Mrs Trail’s wish-list. This creates a natural focal point and nods to the country heritage of the building.
The room has been designed in Davonport Audley furniture, with a classic layout that includes a traditional style mantel, a large island with bar-style seating, and an American-style fridge freezer that sits alongside a bespoke pantry and larder cupboard. At the end of the room 2 sofas and flat screen TV create a snug area, making the space the perfect layout for entertaining.
Nearby is a smaller utility and boot room, providing a separate entrance to and from the garden. The layout of the furniture has been designed to maximise the wall space, incorporating a bank of floor to ceiling cabinets for storing linen and domestic appliances, a classic butler sink with surrounding worksurface, and a bench seating area with turned shaker-style pegs.
The smaller kitchen in the older part of the building has been designed around the original Victorian range. Davonport Holkham furniture, a simple shaker style cabinet with smaller proportions, was selected for the cabinetry. Fully functional, the kitchen includes an integrated oven, induction hob, undercounter fridge and traditional style butler sink.
“I chose dark green hand-painted cabinetry in the smaller kitchen to nod to its Victorian heritage.” Adds Mrs Trail.
“It looks really in-keeping with the original chequered floor tiles and exposed brick mantel.”
Paired with a light stone worktop, aged brass handles and exposed butt hinges, the kitchen exudes a classic feel, yet also incorporates modern-day functionality in the way of integrated appliances.
Now transformed into a wonderful home for Mr & Mrs Trail, the unique single storey property has Davonport furniture at its heart, blending seamlessly into the interior, meeting the lifestyle needs of the couple.
