The owners' vision was to create a magnificent Georgian-style property as befitting the stunning grounds. In the 1800s a vicarage had stood on the site but this had fallen to rack and ruin to be replaced by a mediocre 1960s house.
First job for builder Bernard Tompkins and his team at William Ash Builders Ltd was to demolish the 60s house, before embarking on an eighteen month construction project that would create a stunning home.
Needless to say, the project was not without its complications. At the start, the builders were digging foundations when they unearthed the large basement structure of the original Vicarage. This unexpected find included water cisterns, cellars and old steps, requiring Bernard and his team to excavate much deeper foundations to satisfy the building inspectors. This delayed the project by a couple of months. Modifications to steel work in the roof also caused minor delays.
However, one area that was accomplished without incident was the important centrepiece of the house, a massive stone staircase, which appears to be unsupported. After careful planning, the builders skilfully constructed the cantilevered staircase at the same time as the walls of the vast entrance hall.
To create the feel of a grand Georgian house, William Ash builders commissioned a local joinery firm to produce the oversized windows, and found a specialist supplier to make the oversized doors. Both contribute to the building's impressive frontage, and allow clear views of the beautiful grounds.
While traditional in style, the house has been built to 21st Century standards. With underfloor heating throughout, a condensing boiler and plenty of insulation, the house is not only impressive but also environmentally sympathetic.
Finishes for the property were not decided at the outset but were chosen as the work progressed, which added to the challenges facing Bernard Tompkins and his team.
With a change of owner mid-build, due to an unfortunate divorce, William Ash Builders effectively had two clients for the price of one. However, they coped admirably and completed the build to the new owner's taste. Peter Ellis is rightly delighted with his property, which has been built to an exceptionally high standard of workmanship using first class materials. Bernard and his team continue to do additional external work to Peter's impressive property.
