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Choosing our Architect - Elspeth Beard
Choosing an architect can be daunting, but our decision to go with Elspeth Beard was both instinctive and informed. From the outset, Elspeth stood out with her straightforward communication and transparent approach. She tells it like it is, ensuring we understood every step of the process and what she could achieve for our project.
Faced with the challenge of designing a large house that demanded a matching budget, we were drawn to Elspeth's ability to harmonise the old with the new. Her previous and current projects showcased her talent for seamlessly integrating historic properties with contemporary additions, creating spaces that felt both cohesive and innovative.
Elspeth worked on a diverse range of spaces for us, including designing a bungalow, a gym, and a garage, all of which were completely new builds. She also brilliantly converted two single garages and created a stunning contemporary kitchen extension with a first-floor terrace. Each building complemented the others and the main residence beautifully, resulting in a versatile multi-use event space.
Elspeth's work resonated with us because everything she creates works sympathetically with existing structures, creating a collective character that looks intentional and as if it had been conceived that way in the first place. Her expertise and clear vision made her the perfect choice for our project.
A Heritage Palette for a Modern Retreat - Joa Studholme
When we began transforming Kingsley House from a cherished period property into a luxurious boutique bed and breakfast, we knew we didn’t want to follow the well-trodden path of stark white walls with colour added only through furnishings. Instead, we set out to honour the heritage of the house through every brushstroke — creating a home where tradition and modernity flow seamlessly together.
Our vision led us back to Joa Studholme, the celebrated Colour Curator at Farrow & Ball, whom we first worked with in 2017 during a renovation project in North London. From the moment we met, we knew she was the perfect partner for this next chapter. Joa has a rare gift for understanding your natural colour instincts and then gently guiding you toward shades and combinations you might never have considered.
The result is a palette that feels timeless and harmonious — rooms that unfold with quiet elegance as you move through them, each space connected yet distinct. With Joa’s expertise, the colours become part of the architecture itself rather than just decoration. It’s a sophisticated layering of history, character, and comfort — exactly the atmosphere we wanted guests to experience the moment they step inside Kingsley House.
"It was such a joy to work on Kingsley House. The vision was to use colour to create a contemporary feeling space without compromising the integrity of the building - colours that sit happily in the glorious countryside and compliment the amazing attention to detail that has gone into the design of the house. It is a magical house!"