Our client’s vision was ambitious: they desired a family home, a sanctuary for their children, and a place to retire comfortably—a lifelong investment. This historic house, once owned by Ian Hendry of ‘Avengers’ fame and situated on an island previously gifted to Lord Nelson, presented a unique challenge. Our firm specializes in bringing projects from concept to completion, making us the ideal choice for this complex endeavour. We not only managed all the necessary building work but also navigated the complexities of coordinating with various companies and authorities. All of this, while preserving the historical significance and aesthetic charm of the property, and handling logistics for a project accessible only by boat.

The enormity of this project became apparent from the outset. The logistics alone took six months to set up, a stark contrast to the usual six weeks for residential projects. Everything had to be transported by barge, and we grappled with the unpredictable nature of the River Thames.

Apart from the access challenges, the renovation scope was monumental. The house had not seen updates since the 1950s, necessitating a complete gutting. We even had to create a front door where none existed, and the entire house stood on stilts due to the waterlogged island. As we installed 6-meter pilings to support a hot tub, we discovered a substantial crack in the foundations beneath the new kitchen. Further investigation revealed asbestos, forcing us to halt the project until the hazardous materials could be safely removed, again by barge. Only then could we rebuild the foundations.

The roof also demanded replacement due to rot, requiring extensive scaffolding brought in by barge. When we removed the tiles, a hidden history emerged – the roof had once been thatched, and most of it was left within, posing a fire hazard and biohazardous risk. This required specialist removal and disposal.

The pool patio, with varying levels, had deteriorated decking on one side. We had to level the patio and re-render the pool, but it couldn’t be emptied entirely because the waterlogged ground’s pressure would damage it. Instead, we rendered it with one meter of water still inside, briefly drained it for the final meter of rendering, and then allowed it to dry for two hours before refilling to prevent ground water intrusion.

Inside the home, almost all downstairs rooms were moved or merged. The staircase was relocated to comply with regulations, and numerous alterations were made to windows, doorways, chimneys, and hidden nooks. Bespoke joinery was essential due to the house’s unconventional shape, and even the ceiling was removed to reveal original beams in the upstairs landing. Every aspect of this house underwent transformation.

We added a stunning pavilion with a sedum roof, complete with an outdoor kitchen.

Becky reflects, “At one point, I wondered if I had bitten off more than I could chew. It seemed that at every turn, we encountered a new challenge. But I assembled the right team for the job, and the result is nothing short of spectacular. There was nothing ordinary about this project; it was the challenge of a lifetime.”

Only after overcoming these obstacles could we begin to implement the interior design scheme we had envisioned. The client sought a classical, elegant, and timeless space infused with their own personality, influenced by their love for comics and science fiction. We incorporated these passions into the interior, from a Batman-themed WC/plant room to a Terminator-inspired pinball machine, which guided the study’s colour palette. Nautical touches, such as a bed frame in one of the bedrooms, were introduced to create a coastal atmosphere. To infuse water elements, we used hand-blown glass for wall lights and chandeliers.

The result is a stunning transformation—a historic residence now meticulously restored and exquisitely designed, truly becoming a luxurious and timeless haven for our clients.