FRENSHAM MANOR

Project Specification: Sector: Residential Client: Private Client Location: Frensham Manor, Surrey Project Value: £1m Timescale: 30 weeks

Having purchased the 180 acre estate, the new owner appointed Buildwise to turn the out-of-date ‘fussy’ interior of the Manor House to a more pared down contempoary style. The Buildwise team set about remodelling the interior space to reflect the new owners exemplary paired-down style and to accommodate his contemporary pieces of design-classic furniture. The timber framed structure, with an attached Grade I Listed chapel used as a dining hall, required renovation works to preserve the fabric of the building. As with any historic building, specialist knowledge and a sensitive approach is required when undertaking any work. Buildwise’s professional team have a wealth of knowledge with such work. Our carpenters paid particular attention to the medieval floor boards and wood panelling in the entrance, chapel antechamber and chapel, repairing any damage and restoring the wood to its former glory. An antique timber floor was laid in the reconfigured drawing room, and the leaded glazing units set within stone mullions were repaired. Bespoke French doors replaced the existing in a style more fitting to the period of the property. The large kitchen was overhauled in a contemporary style, and new limestone flooring installed – practical for country living. An unused space to the rear of the kitchen was reconfigured as staff accommodation, and a shower room added. The exterior saw a programme of repair including to the stonework, and the seamless re-pointing of brickwork with lime mortar. Over time both the house interior and exterior, and the adjacent gardens had seen numerous light fittings installed, most of which were defunct. Our electricians unravelled the myriad of cabling – particularly those that defaced the listed chapel and property exterior – and replaced all with a much more discreet solution.