This wonderful Arts & Crafts, brick & timber building has retained many of its original features including mullioned windows, leaded-light windows, tall chimneys, low-slung roofs and prominent gables. The south west side has an impressive five-columned portico with original small quarry tiled veranda which has been recently restored. This portico connects the outside with French doors to the principal downstairs living areas; kitchen & breakfast room, dining room and drawing room.
The main entrance still retains its original stone entry porch leading through to the impressive reception hall which has a vaulted glass ceiling and wide turned staircase leading up to a pillared and arched galleried first floor landing.
My role in this exciting project was to rejuvenate the historic aspects and work on the interior architecture & design for the restoration and refurbishment as well as bringing Courtmead gently into the 21st century. Part of this task included relocating the kitchen away from the north facing original servants' quarters onto the south west facing side of the building (including moving and restoring the original AGA) and joining it to the large dining area. We also added a cinema room, underfloor heating, ensuite bathrooms, new oak herringbone parquet and limestone flooring and many other modernities, all done in partnership with Nicolas Pople Architects and Douch Partners Contractors.
The house has since been sold and is now in the hands of a new careful owner.
— Mette Udsholt.
