HALL RENOVATIONS - A STONE FLOOR

Our hall has a grandness. It has remained, the same as it was originally built back in 1870's. 
The staircase is the prized feature, with its deep stairs and mahogany handrail. 

This is the hall as it looks today... 



and looking the other way towards the front door...

When introduced to The Manor House, it was the hall that we walked into first. 

Standing all together, our first impressions was of a room in need of updating and some renovations. High ceilings, large staircase, lots of space, mostly a light and airy room with beautiful original doors to rooms that had to be explored.  

Once we'd moved in and started renovating the house, generally our motto has been that not everything has to be expensive to update.  We always try to use what you have or clean, mend or add too it. 

Under a green carpet in the hall, we found a natural stone floor.  It was an exciting moment.  
We suspect that the sandstone had been sourced from a Mansfield quarry in Nottinghamshire around the 1800's when this part of the house was built.  



(above) detail of stone floor

After many years of walking on the floor, especially into rooms that were probably occupied by servants, some areas have become worn and indented. We were keen to discard the carpet and see the distinctive beauty of the natural stone floor. 
It's a durable, unpretentious, honest flooring that will last many decades and beyond.


BEFORE (below)
We had to take the hall carpet up as soon as possible because I hated it (we didn't even have time to take any photos). The stair carpet we had to live with for many years before we decorated the hall and came up with a better solution.

BEFORE (below)

COLD OUTSIDE - WARM INSIDE

The weather has changed and we're experiencing winter at last.  

It's cold outside but warm and cosy inside.

This area in the kitchen is lovely sit at, after a freezing cold walk.

  

Luckily, we have a wood burner to add extra heat if needed.

We inherited it from the previous owner, who installed it probably in the late 70's.  

To be honest, it's not my ideal looking burner.  I would prefer something at little more

contemporary but by saving money when we renovated the kitchen, 

we decided to keep it.

On cold days like today, it's very good at it's job.

Bought at an antiques fair about 25 years ago, the school trunk is in its original state. 

It works well as a table.  We're not precious about it, so if anything gets spilt or knocked on it, we don't worry about it at all. Great for putting your feet up on too!

TEXTURES IN THE HERB GARDEN

Above - Thyme

The herbs are nearing the end of their growth this year. Autumn is on its way. Cooler weather and less sunlight is not necessary the best conditions for growing but despite this, they still have a beauty.  

Above - Wild Marjoram

We grow sage, thyme, fennel, rosemary, marjoram, parsley, mint and few others in the Summer months.  With the aid of Photoshop, these images show what we are growing at the moment.

 Above - Fennel

Above - Sage

 Above - Oregano

2014 WINNER OF THE GREAT INTERIOR DESIGN CHALLENGE

Congratulations Sarah on winning BBC2's final of 'The Great Interior Design Challenge' tonight.

Sarah Moore (41, vintage homeware designer) was one of the 28 amateur interior designers to take part in the show. She wowed us with her unique, always original and very stylish designs. A lot of repairing, a bit of restoring, lots of upcycling of furniture and rooms....a very talented lady. 

I have really loved watching the 12 episodes of this series and have some new insights into interior design.
An inspiration for The Manor House especially as I have some time on my hands now this programme has finished. Can't wait for the next series, if there is one!!!!

KITCHEN INSPIRATION

With thoughts of 'doing up' our kitchen and utility room this year, my eyes and mind are drawn to inspiration for it.  

This kitchen is one of those that I am inspired by.  It's from the serial house renovator and photographer Paul Massey's home in Primrose Hill.  His philosophy of restoring, repairing and renovating a building is in keeping with ours.  I much admire his taste and skills.