Situated in a small rural hamlet down a quiet country lane is home to Ed and his family, a Victorian house built in 1850, that has been lovingly renovated into a family home with character and charm. We had the opportunity to meet Ed and hear more about his project with a special Q&A, featuring the Dijon tumbled limestone tiles.
When did your project start and how long did it take?
We purchased the house in early 2021 and it needed completely renovating, we started with the basics like the roof, a new boiler and rewiring (after we started getting electric shocks off the kitchen sink!) and in 2023 demolished an unsympathetic 1960s flat roof kitchen, starting to build the new extension. We wanted to create something warmer, lighter and more in-keeping with the rest of the house with a full height ceiling and exposed oak trusses.
What styles did you want to see in your renovation?
We are quite traditional and classic in our style, preferring natural materials and items of quality with a story to tell. We decided right from the start that we wanted exposed oak trusses in the new building and natural stone for the floor.
Why did you choose natural stone for the kitchen?
We wanted the flooring to feel like it had always been here and didn’t want it to dominate the room in any way. Natural stone will always look good even if our interior styles change. It is practical too, cleans easily and works well with the underfloor heating.
Why in particular did you choose the Dijon Tumbled limestone?
The Dijon Tumbled Limestone has a timeless feel with subtle variation and character in each piece. The colour of the stone is soft and gentle which doesn’t dominate or try and steal the limelight, rather it blends into the rest of the room.
Why did you choose Quorn Stone for your flooring?
We actually shopped around and went to several different companies for a price once we knew that it was the Dijon limestone we wanted. We chose Quorn Stone for several reasons, firstly the price was good, secondly the quality of the stone was a higher grade than the competition and thirdly the help and advice we received from one of the sales advisors, was outstanding.
How was your experience in placing your order with us?
Extremely positive! We dealt with Tara, she was amazing, an absolute mine of knowledge about every aspect of the stone, from its extraction in Egypt to what products should be used to clean it. The help and advice we received really made the difference to us, having confidence in buying from Quorn Stone.
What is your must have gadget in the kitchen?
I don’t think it could be classed as a gadget exactly, but I’d say the Aga, we love it!
What is your favourite interior piece and why?
We have yet to properly furnish the area, but my favourite piece has to be the big, old dresser that used to belong to my Gran. It is now pride of place in the middle of the room. I get a feeling of nostalgia every time I see it. It is beautiful, old and extremely well built and happens to be very useful storage too.
Are you planning any future projects?
The next phase of work will tackle the utility room, boot room and the bathroom and shower rooms.
What 3 words would you use to summarise your style?
Classic, country, mixing old and new (not technically 3 words sorry!)
