A bright kitchen with a large window overlooking green trees, navy blue cabinets, white countertops, and decorative items like plants, bowls, and cutting boards.

countryside pied-à-terre

Client
Private

Overview
Location: Umberslade, Hockley Heath
Project Status: Appointed 2022. Completed 2022.
Listing Status: Grade II*

Services
Interior Fit Out Design
Interior Furnishing
FF&E Sourcing
Art Curation
Dressing
Photography Direction

Team
Interior Design: San Stae
Architect: BPN Architects
Contractor: Springworth
Photographer: Jake Osborne

San Stae took on the renovation of a two bedroom apartment in Umberslade Hall, a magnificent grade II* 17th century mansion once leased to Triumph Motorcycles.

We approached this project with the intention of updating the apartment with a historic sensitivity, retaining as much of its uniqueness and character as possible.

The kitchen enjoyed the greatest transformation. Its formerly tight galley layout was reorganised by the removal of a single stud wall enabling it to now flow seamlessly into the dining room. Laminate worktops were replaced with veined marble slabs and bulky cupboards were swapped with floating open shelves to optimise the beautiful views of the surrounding parkland.

The property also underwent a full refurbishment of both bathrooms, the hallway and living room including the laying of new oak boards and chequered marble tiles.

Front view of an old stone building with six rectangular windows with white grids, some open, and a stone railing on the roof. The building's facade shows signs of weathering.

Wooden front door with glass panels, framed by columns, under a decorative lintel, with a patterned tile floor and a lantern hanging overhead.

A bowl of apples on a kitchen countertop with utensils in holders, a potted plant, and decorative items on a shelf in the background.

Interior view of a house showing a kitchen and a hallway with a chandelier. The kitchen has built-in stainless steel oven and blue cabinets. The hallway has tiled checkered flooring and white walls with wainscoting.

Minimalist kitchen counter with wooden cutting boards, utensils, a potted plant, framed black and white photo, and decorative vases with dried flowers.

“I worked with San Stae on an interior project for my new (Grade 2* listed) home. Aly really helped support bringing my vision to life and making suggestions on what would and wouldn’t work in the space. Aly was able to tailor the project based on my needs and budget, which I appreciated as it felt more customised. There were a few stress points where I changed direction due to outside circumstances and Aly was able to pivot and help provide options for me to move in a new direction with ease. I am so pleased with the outcome of project, and the beauty of my new home!”

Shower with brass fixtures and marble wall, glass door to the shower, white wall with cabinet on the left.

A white bathtub with gold fixtures, a striped towel, a green plant in the foreground, and a window with a potted plant on the windowsill.

Close-up of a gold-colored shower valve with four white knobs, set into a marble wall with a built-in niche containing brown bottles and a small rock.

Close-up of a white door with a brass doorknob and a small deadbolt, next to a marble wall with gray veining and a potted plant with large, brown and green leaves.

A bright room with a large window showing a view of green trees and fields, and a potted plant with large dark green leaves in the foreground.

A cozy living room corner with a white sofa decorated with colorful pillows, a large green leafy plant, an ornate ceiling detail, and a window letting in natural light.

A vintage style chair with black frame and green and beige striped upholstery, featuring a vibrant orange pillow with a geometric pattern, set against a white paneled wall and black and white checkered floor.

A narrow, white hallway with wainscoting on the walls, a diamond-patterned black and white marble floor, a white door at the end, and an ornate chandelier hanging from the ceiling.