Aldington Manor

When HUB undertook the complete renovation and interior decoration of a Grade 11 listed Regency Manor House, it was clear that the building had “good bones”. Built in 1820, it was well proportioned with a Neo-Classic form, defined by symmetry and simple geometry.

HUB wanted to ensure that the original building was respectfully restored but at the same time, we wanted the house to be homely.

The 1980’s ceramic hall floor was replaced with limestone slabs and occasional slate cabochons, reflecting the original form of the entrance hall and contrasting the dramatic sweeping oak staircase. The same stone flows through to the rear kitchen, morphing from a formal cut to a more random, honed layout.

HUB that colour can be more than a background, it can give legibility and guidance in a building.

Taking some cues from the owners’ collection of paintings, HUB Interiors chose strong colours for the walls with lime white woodwork to emphasise the Regency joinery. In the hall there is a single dark purple/brown door that draws you to the kitchen family room. The same purple turns around the door leaf and across the tall kitchen units, leading from a family dining room, with a reconfigured bay and double doors to the warm enveloping hues of the kitchen.

The dining room is theatrical, with colour and light that transports and gives a sense of occasion and inspires conversation. The walls are painted a majestic dark blue and lit by Glass globes, reminiscent of a Phileas Fogg homecoming.

The drawing room is more serene and has 2 distinct areas; the fireside space for lounging and a more “upright” zone in the bow window, with a window seat detailed to sit seamlessly alongside original paneling with grilles that allow heat from the radiators below.

Beyond the sitting room HUB added a new snug extension, which offers a space for downtime.  Although it was important to have a warm atmosphere, the owners were also keen that the room should have plenty of natural light and with this in mind HUB designed an octagonal roof lantern and tall glazed door that sit perfectly alongside the rear elevation.

The bathroom design pays careful attention to the setting out of fixtures and fittings planned so that nothing jars or distracts and the rooms can be peaceful havens. HUB achieved this with precise drafting and coordination of all the components. The process can be onerous but planning is essential when it comes to the coordination of the 4 trades that will be involved with the construction process.

Above all, the project gave HUB the chance to combine Architecture and Interior Design seamlessly and without compromise.