29 minute read
Homes & Interiors
HEAL’S APPEALS
Our homes and interiors expert Holly Johnson, of Holly Johnson Antiques in Knutsford talks to Shire about the furniture favourite Heal’s
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Heal’s is a well-established name in the UK furniture market. and often have it in their own homes,” Its heritage dates all the way back to 1810, when John Harris says Holly. “Designers very often Heal and his son set up the business. Originally, they made and choose Heal’s for their clients’ sold French-style feather-filled mattresses, and later expanded homes as well, as its simplicity into a wider range of furniture, including beds, dressers and tables. complements many different styles.” Ambrose Heal, great-grandson of John Harris Heal, joined the The classic materials of aged family company in 1893, and the business really started to boom. oak and limed oak provide a light Holly says: “Ambrose was not the most popular member of the and natural look in the home, and Heal’s team – he was seen as a bit of a tyrant by other members are signature styles of Heal’s. of the staff. However, he was a great marketeer and an ambitious salesman, which was very good for the growth of the business.” RARE FINDS It was around this time that Heal’s became a ‘destination’ shop, At Holly Johnson’s showroom, Heal’s renowned for its modern furniture designs. Ambrose Heal was pieces always sell quickly, and Holly says that ahead of his time and loved the Arts and Crafts the brand continues to grow in popularity. “The aged style. His designs appeared at shows run by oak pieces from Heal’s are very popular and are still the Arts and Crafts Exhibition Society, and soon became so successful that the previous antipathy towards him started to shift. “Aged oak pieces are very reasonably priced, although prices do seem to be on the rise. There are plenty of chances to find lovely mid-century Heal’s furniture, although the painted Ambrose was a founding member of the popular and furniture is rare and harder to come across.” Design and Industries Association (DIA), set still reasonably During the Second World War, the Heal’s factory up in 1914-15 to bring some of the values of the Arts and Crafts movement to industrial production. In 1910, to mark the centenary of Heal’s, commemorative postage stamps were priced, although prices are on the rise” turned to producing parachutes, the new skills mastered by the workforce later helping in launching the fabric arm of the business. In 1983 the produced, bearing the company was sold emblem of a four- to Terence Conran’s poster bed – after the store’s sign. The Storehouse company, but despite Tottenham Court Road location had investment of money and talent become such a popular meeting it never fully regained the status place that it was deemed iconic it had held in earlier decades enough to be put on envelopes as the leading retailer of welland posted all over the country. designed products for the home. In 1913 Heal became chairman Holly concludes: “In many of the firm and the Tottenham ways, the history of Heal’s Court Road store was rebuilt, with mirrors that of British design an gallery on the upper floor. Heal reform, with strong influences was knighted in 1933 and appointed from the Arts and Crafts as a royal designer six years later. movement and the DIA, “Interior designers, both in the and a growing awareness of Detailfrom a 1920s sideboard UK and abroad, love Heal’s furniture, Scandinavian design.” March/April 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 61
Asealofdistinction Classic good looks
HOUSE- SELLING HEROES
A prominent North Wales estate agent is celebrating a landmark anniversary as well as record-breaking awards successes
Homes in Ruthin
Williams Estates has handed over the keys to thousands of doors across North Wales over the past 21 years. Director Jason Williams launched the company at the turn of the century and has grown it strategically from one employee and one office to 25 staff across seven sites in Denbigh, Mold, Rhyl, Ruthin, Holywell, RhuddlanJason Williams and Prestatyn. Having taken on six new Welsh-speaking employees in past months the 51-year-old is laying the foundations for a bright future.
“We have grown through the pandemic and expanded our workforce, which is an achievement given the challenges all sectors have faced since the onset of Covid-19,” said Jason, who is married to Emma and has three children, Harry, Rory and Nathan. “But we have done so sustainably, as before, and are now focused on making ourselves even better rather than bigger. That means improving by 10-20 percent, which will make us even more efficient and meet the huge demand we have for our services at present. We have set the bar high, but you can always aim higher.”
Pandemic pivot
He added: “Like many firms we had to pivot quickly in the pandemic, but long term the changes we made – including video tours, online forms for tenants and vendors to complete remotely and virtual conferencing – will only make us more efficient and accessible.”
Williams Estates won six titles at the ESTAS – the property Oscars – at the end of 2021, including its ninth Gold for Best Sales Agent in Wales, and another for Best Estate Agency Group in Wales. Having developed the lettings side of the group to management of more than 400 properties, Jason, a former president of the North Wales, South Cheshire and Merseyside branch of the National Association of Estate Agents – says life has never been busier.
“When I opened our first office in Denbigh it was just me and a commitment to being a family-orientated business offering that personal touch, and never forgetting that the customer is always number one,” he added. “I’ve never strayed from that ethos and am now joined by a fantastic team who share that belief. We’ve grown together – as people and as a company – and I am so proud of what Williams Estates has become, and our place in the sector. To win awards is a huge honour and we are delighted with this recent success, but for me seeing the joy on the faces of a family when they get the keys to their new home is unsurpassable. That’s what has kept us at the forefront of this industry and why we are determined to stay there for another 21 years and beyond.”
For more information, visit www.williamsestates.com
Making a splash
Hot tub, sauna and leisure company UK Leisure Living, which has sites in Deeside, Mochdre and St Asaph, has won a major industry award – and celebrated by taking on a new brand ambassador. Managing director Gareth Jones was delighted to be named Best Hot Tub & Leisure Company at the UK Enterprise Awards and has welcomed Real Housewives of Cheshire star Ester Dee to help promote the firm’s products. Gareth said: “We had an incredible 2021 and are now
moving to position ourselves as the area’s leading outdoor leisure retailer, with products you won’t find anywhere else.” Among the innovative lines to be introduced is a collaboration with Swedish group Tylo, a pioneer in the area of saunas, steam rooms and steam showers, and a new range of barbecue grills and garden furniture. He added: “As we grow, we want to keep raising our profile, so it is great to have Ester on board. She is a dynamic, entrepreneurial person and very popular on social media channels like Instagram, where she has 283,000 followers. She also shares our love of hot tubs.” Ester, a former model who also appeared on Celebrity Dinner Date, lives in Deganwy with her daughter and is looking forward to working with Gareth and his 15-strong team. She said: “I feel proud to support a growing Housewife Ester Dee with Gareth Jones local company that plays such a big part in the community.”
BOWLED OVER
One local craftsperson is delighted to have a new outlet for her beautiful ceramics on the Shire patch
In a world where everything happens at the tap of a finger, Sarah believes the rewards in pottery are worth waiting for. She designs and makes stoneware that is simple, practical and to be used every day. It’s mainly wheel-thrown but she also enjoys hand building. Her aim is to create beauty in form, with minimal decoration.
Brought up in rural Cheshire, Sarah enrolled at art school after sixth form to study graphic design. After meeting her partner Neil, they settled in Northop, Flintshire, to run a design and editorial business. Sarah has always had a passion for ceramics, be it fine, antique or modern studio pottery. Visiting the Potteries with her mum at an early age introduced her to the skills of the potter. When she got a chance to have a go herself, she instantly fell in love.
The jugs, mugs and bowls she creates from her home in Northop are the ideal pieces to add creative charm to your kitchen. Bud vases and candle holders in all manner of sizes also form part of the range. The practical pottery is suitable for everyday use but as it is handmade, each piece is unique.
Sarah creates bud vases in a variety of sizes
Reason to be cheerful
Lifestyle emporium MOOand BOOM launched in Whitchurch in April 2021. Owner Maddie Ashbrook looks back over… well, quite a year!
We are delighted that our refurbished store on the high street has been embraced locally as well as becoming a little ‘destination’. We stock sustainable lifestyle and interiors products, including beauty, well-being and ladies’ clothing. Our clothing range has really taken off. The BCI cottons and b.young jeans all have a story behind them. People feel comfortable wearing them knowing they haven’t bought into fast fashion.
Part of our journey with MOOand BOOM was embracing the holistic lifestyle. We work with fabulous suppliers for our crystals, who guarantee their quality, and this in itself
is good energy. We hold workshops and events in our studio as well as tai chi, yoga and creative hours. It’s all on our website. We’re proud to be working with some new stockists this year. Kind Bag, London supply shopping bags and rucksacks made from recycled plastic bottles, in collaboration with designers like Maggie Stephenson. And we have Maddie , akaMoo some gorgeous hand-glazed Portuguese pottery. Antiques and upholstered items are sourced by my mum. She has a way of using colour that makes a piece really pop. Our little cafe specialises in gluten-free and vegan bakes. Come and say hi – there’ll always be positive vibes and a smile to welcome Those colours! you. Follow us @mooandboom or www.mooandboom.com
Sarah’s designs are simple, practical and unique
Pottering on
Sarah said: “I make my work in small batches to ensure it isn’t rushed and each process is enjoyable. I believe pottery that is a joy to make will be a joy to hold.
“I had a stall at the Christmas market at Rhug Farm Estate, and I’m pleased to now have a range of my ceramics for sale in their shop. I hope customers enjoy the uniqueness of the items.”
Amy Coleman, managing director of Rhug Ltd, said: “We are delighted with the beautiful range of ceramics Sarah has produced for us. Each item is a truly individual piece of art as well as being a practical item for the home. We are lucky to have such amazingly talented artists and producers on our doorstep here in North Wales.” Visit sarahbartlem.wixsite.com/ceramics
Hyggemug, £25
Mum sources the furniture
Kitchen dreams
Local craftsmen from Calon Kitchens have opened a new workshop where they continue to design and build bespoke and beautiful kitchens
Calon Kitchens is Tony Jones’s family business with over 30 years of experience in the industry. The team of local craftsmen build individually designed furniture, made to measure and finished to the highest standards. They offer unbeatable craftsmanship, quality and style, together with a truly personal service that ensures that no detail is overlooked. The team create luxury kitchens and furniture that are unique.
Calon Kitchens previously worked out of both Cerrigydrudion and Llangollen but Tony has moved all elements of the business to Corwen. His new workshop is now up and running in the Old Forge on the Rhug Estate, where there is also a showroom.
He said: “Rhug Estate is the perfect location for us. The Old
Watch your project coming together
Forge lends itself well to being a workshop and it also provides us with a shop window. Visitors can see the Calon Kitchens’ team building kitchens and watch the detail that goes into every single piece of furniture that we produce.”
DID YOU KNOW? The can opener wasn’t invented until 45 years after tin cans! Forging ahead Emma Story, Rhug Estate’s estate manager said: “Last year’s lockdowns gave our estates team time to concentrate on one of our longer-term projects, which is to develop the commercial units we have available to let. The first unit to get some attention was the Old Forge, at the far end of our farm shop car park. “We’ve taken our time to find the right people for it – we’ve been letting the space out to pop-up shops in the interim. We’re very pleased to welcome Calon Kitchens here as our new tenant. “It’s well worth a trip to appreciate the workmanship of Tony and his team, and we love that you can ask to watch your kitchen or furniture items being made in the workshop. We’d like to encourage more of this type of offering at Rhug, where local businesses showcase their work and customers can come and view the whole process.” The Old Forge building is situated at the far end of the car park, near the entrance to the Drive Thru, and has been re-roofed and refurbished to create a perfect working space. The estate is always keen to hear from local businesses looking for rental space. If you are interested in finding out more, email Emma at contact@rhug.co.uk or call 01490 413000. For more on Calon Kitchens, see www.calonfurniture.co.uk
LOWFIELD TIMBER FRAMES INVESTS IN RESPONSE TO CLIMATE EMERGENCY
Mid Wales-based timber frame manufacturer Lowfi eld Timber Frames reports a rapid increase in demand for Passivhaus builds
Having completed the first Passivhaus social housing scheme in Powys, a new-build primary school in Welshpool and a social housing development in Shropshire, Lowfield Timber Frames (LFT) has secured more Passivhaus projects for the future, including several schools and council-led residential schemes.
The term ‘Passivhaus’ refers to buildings created to rigorous, energy-efficient design standards so that they maintain an almost constant temperature. In response to the climate emergency and increased demand for low-carbon installations for government buildings, LTF has invested in its own Warmcel insulation system, meaning that insulation can now be installed in roof cassettes off-site, during the manufacturing process, thus reducing the time working at height on site and avoiding possible site defects from insulating after installation.
Warmcel is a high-performance insulation for timberframed buildings, sustainably manufactured from recycled newspaper. LTF is an approved installer and its team have undertaken technical training to ensure they are expert in the techniques and standards.
There is a natural fluctuation of moisture levels within a building that begins at the construction stage and continues throughout its lifetime. The hygroscopic properties of Warmcel help this moisture to migrate naturally to the outside of the building fabric without building up on structural elements.
Darren Jarman, managing director of LTF commented: ‘Our clients are really starting to understand the importance of a breathable, airtight building envelope as well as thermal performance, and Warmcel ticks all the boxes.’ “As main contractors start putting greater emphasis on embodied carbon and the need for EPDs (environmetal product declarations), Warmcel will become mainstream and we are excited to be able to provide this offering in a factorycontrolled environment.”
lowfieldtimberframes.co.uk
“Clients are starting to Passivhaus is the peak of energy e ciency understand the need for a breathable, airtight building envelope” Roof cassettes can now be insulated o -site, before being installed
Lowfield Timber Frames is pleased to announce we will be attending this year’s Homebuilding & Renovating Show on 24th-27st March at NEC, Birmingham B40 1NT. Go to www.lowfi eldtimberframes.co.uk/news to register for your pair of tickets – and visit us on Stand D156!
New Homes
ENTERTAINING SPACE
It’s always great to have somewhere to entertain at home and a good social space is a big part of any house design – whether it’s outside or in
Now that mixing and mingling is back on, we’re all happy to welcome friends and family into our homes. But maybe it’s time to look at the areas you use for entertaining? Having the perfect social space to host your friends and family is invaluable, whether that be a basement conversion for sumptuous late-night parties, or a chic home bar stocked with fine wines for a sophisticated soirée. There are, however, several key considerations when curating the ideal setting to enjoy with your guests and it might be worth adding a bespoke social spot to your plot – away from the main house.
Edward Medd, co-founder of modular buildings specialist Vita Modular, gave Shire his insights on contemporary design options. Garden rooms, he said, have come a long way from the draughty wooden summerhouses of old – and yes, it really is possible to create the luxurious entertaining area you have always dreamed of in your own back yard.
A space for all seasons
“In the past, homeowners looking to extend their living or leisure space with a garden building were generally faced with very little choice but to opt for timber shed-style structures, which are simply not practical for use in colder months,” said Medd. “Modular buildings, which are rising in popularity, provide an innovative solution for those seeking more solidity and durability and can be used even in the depths of winter. He continued: “When selecting your garden building, it is important you not only have complete peace of mind knowing that you have a room that is built to last, but also that it can be enjoyed with friends and family comfortably all year round. Vita Modular garden rooms are designed to meet current UK building regulations, meaning they benefit from the same energy performance criteria as any modern new-build home.
“Connection to an existing power supply is essential, allowing you to create the ideal atmosphere with a sound and lighting system. With the right set-up, a garden room can be self-contained; you can install a wine cooler or even a fully fledged bar.” Edward Medd, co-founder An intimate escape from the family hubbub
Keeping the peace
“Extravagant celebrations with friends that go on into the early hours are likely to fracture relations with the neighbours,” warned Medd. “It is wise to consider additional sound-proofing features, keeping the noise outside of your garden room to a minimum. And for optimal temperature control in the colder months, I would suggest considering electric underfloor heating solutions before your installation gets underway.”
Extending your home
“What people don’t always realise is that Modular doesn’t have to mean a stand-alone garden room,” he added. “At Vita Modular, our offering also includes unique, modular home extensions which can be manufactured to almost any shape and configuration and connect with buildings of any type or age – ideal for those wishing to keep the party even closer to home.
“There is a growing understanding of the many advantages of modular buildings, which in my view provide the perfect bespoke solution for homeowners seeking additional living and leisure space.” For further information, visit www.vita-modular.co.uk
Local hub for eco homes
While the government strives to reduce carbon emissions, home eco e ciency has been under scrutiny – revealing one local city that is leading the way
It comes as no surprise that property energy ratings across British homes are being heavily scrutinised – ‘sustainability’ and ‘emissions’ are two words that are never far from the conversation within the wider media in the UK. Despite recent price hikes for consumers, home energy is still one area where we are being asked to improve our efforts, and the government has committed to a net-zero target domestically and signed into a number of global-warming prevention acts on a worldwide scale.
Whether they are going to meet these ambitious goals remains to be seen; however, they are certainly introducing measures at a rate that suggests intent. Two areas that have been placed under the microscope are housing and communities, and energy.
Great rates
Based on new data, home services provider Rightio analysed 4,200 different addresses across the country in a bid to find out which areas can claim the most energy-efficient
homes. Where is best equipped for our sustainable future? England’s thirdsmallest town, Ripon, ranks as the most energy efficient, but hot on its heels is the Shire superhero of eco-friendly homes, the Welsh “A simple city of St Asaph. It came in a clear second, boiler scoring 97 percent. At the very bottom of the pile, with fewest repair can environmentally friendly homes, is Wolverhampton. make a difference” If you’re looking to make your house more eco-friendly, you may not need to look far. A simple boiler repair, if your boiler is less efficient than it once was, can really make the difference – not only keeping you safe but reducing your environmental impact.
St Asaph, we’re proud of you
BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE
A new construction and education alliance in North Wales aims to improve quality and help meet demand for skilled workers in the housebuilding sector
Coleg Cambria has entered into a training partnership with the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), the world’s largest and most influential body for management and leadership in the construction arena. The CIOB has been working with Cambria to raise the profile of the institute among students and employers, and will be holding CPD (Continuing Professional Development) events at its Bersham Road site in the future.
The college has also applied to become a CIOB Accredited Centre for its Level 6 degree programme – the BSc (Hons) Construction Management in Housebuilding – with the first cohort set to graduate next summer. Gemma Booth, a member of the CIOB, recently moved into education at Cambria. She will
be integrating the importance of the organisation and the “We will be well placed value of a career in the sector into course modules, with a focus on continuing academic learning and work experience. to help “As a training partner of the meet the CIOB, Coleg Cambria plans to demand” develop the qualifications and skills of the existing workforce through the appropriate routes Karl Jackson of the Institute of Technology, and Gemma Booth to Chartered Membership, to promote a qualifications culture throughout the construction and built environment sectors and encourage lifelong learning,” said Gemma. Karl Jackson, assistant principal of the Institute of Technology and site lead at Bersham Road, added: “More and more skilled and trained construction workers are going to be needed across the country in the years ahead and we will be well-placed to help meet that demand.” For more college news, visit www.cambria.ac.uk
Lighter and brighter
We spoke to Mr and Mrs Cox in Dorrington about their recent kitchen makeover, carried out by Kitchen and Bedroom Revivals in Shrewsbury
The makeover completed four weeks ago now,” said Mr Cox. “The original kitchen badly needed updating – the layout was fine, but the decor looked tired and dated. It must have been about 30 years old, from a time when everything was dark brown. The units had dark wooden doors that were recessed and awkward to clean.
“Kitchen and Bedroom Revivals in Shrewsbury were recommended by a friend, and they have done a particularly fine job. It looks like a brand-new kitchen. This was a refubishment – we retained the old cabinets and just replaced the doors, and we also chose a new quartz overlay for the worktops and replaced the sink, the cooker and the extractor fan.
“The cupboards have remained in their original positions, including the standalone cupboard at the end, which is what we wanted.
“We visited the Revivals showroom in Battlefield Enterprise Park and we were impressed by the friendly reception we received. We were interested in the concept of refurbishing as we realised it would involve less disruption, and the cost benefits appealed too. Sharon and Darren were very helpful with advice and we found ourselves spoilt for choice.
“We saw the black sink in a showroom display and both liked it, so we chose the cooker to match. We wanted to lighten the kitchen up but at the same time we didn’t want anything glaring white. We’re pleased with the way it has turned out.
“After the showroom, Darren visited the house, outlining all the options and getting a clear picture of our requirements. We discussed new appliances, and he suggested some minor technical changes.
“We didn’t finalise the colour scheme until we had visited the showroom again – in fact, we visited a few times to look at the kitchens on display, and to choose taps and cabinet handles. They have a good selection, plus plenty of design books to look through.
“Sharon arranged a start date for the work, and it only took about a week to finish the refurbishment. The fitters were excellent, and we think that shows in the finished result. They really took pride in their work.
“We are particularly pleased with the freestanding unit, which is very much in keeping with the rest of the kitchen.
“The work ran smoothly and we felt refurbishing was a good decision, avoiding the expense and mess of having the whole kitchen replaced.
“We are extremely pleased with the final result, and without hesitation would recommend Kitchen and Bedroom Revivals, Shrewsbury.
Above: replacement doors transformed the dark wood cabinets Left: the black cooker is a stylish contrast to the white cupboards The old kitchen before the makeover…
Kitchen and Bedroom Revivals 30c Vanguard Way, Shrewsbury SY1 3TG 01743 588087 www.kitchen-revivals.co.uk
GreenLiving
Grant for farm tech projects
Low-carbon projects at Coleg Cambria Llysfasi have been given the go-ahead after securing over £500,000 support
Three new schemes based at Coleg Cambria Llysfasi will pioneer new technology aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the agriculture sector. Funded by the Welsh Government via its Whole System Business Research Innovation for Decarbonisation Challenge (WBRID) and backed by the North Wales Economic Ambition Board, the projects are: • A collaboration between M-SParc on Anglesey, the college and businesses to explore the potential for drones to identify issues such as weed growth and communicate with a rover on the ground. • A bilingual online resource for farmers in North Wales, being developed by Promar International, to calculate carbon footprint from meat and milk production, tree planting etc, to encourage best practice and for use regionally to support the industry. • Development by BioFactory Energy of a low-cost, modular anaerobic digestion (AD) system for dairy farms to reduce emissions from slurry management.
Deputy minister for climate change Lee Waters visited Llysfasi to see the innovative solutions in development. He said: “We’ve all got to quickly adapt to the challenge of understanding what net zero emissions means for the way we go about things. The work being done at Llysfasi shows that the action we need to take to tackle carbon can also bring about much wider benefits. I’m pleased our
Smart Living initiative is trialling new ways of doing things that can be used right across Wales.” Project manager George Fisher says it marks an exciting time for agriculture in North Wales; he believes there is a real appetite for education and growth among the farming community. “We want to take farmers on this journey with us, as we look to embrace advances in technology to become more sustainable as a sector,” he said. “These ideas will play a big part in that. I’m delighted to see them receive such significant support from WBRID.” Lois Shaw, M-SParc’s business support officer, says collaboration will be a huge positive for the area, adding: “It’s great to see businesses from the region benefit from the emerging agri-tech sector.” Jon Blake, BioFactory’s chief commercial officer agreed. “Collaboration with Coleg Cambia Llysfasi has been instrumental in enabling development of our micro-AD technology, much needed in the sector.” Tom Gill, head of sustainability at Promar International, said they too are excited at the prospect of leading a revolution in the way Tom Gill of Promar International agriculture operates. “Promar is pleased to continue to support Coleg Cambria Llysfasi to devise and implement its net zero ambitions.” Visit www.cambria.ac.uk and www.northwaleseab.co.uk
Coleg Cambria Llysfasi farm manager Dewi Jones with BioFactory engineers Hamza Naeem and Liam Ridley and CEO Eoin Sharkey
Monty wins green award
As restoration work on the Montgomery Canal picks up pace, there’s welcome news for the project’s many supporters
The Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust has welcomed a Green Flag for the Montgomery Canal in Shropshire. The quality mark was first granted for the eight-mile navigable section of the waterway from Maesbury in 2018 and has now been renewed.
Michael Limbrey, chairman of the trust said: “The award again recognises the value of the Maesbury section of the canal as a green space of the highest standard, a credit to the staff and volunteers of the Canal & River Trust. “The rest of the canal brings great opportunities for recreation and well-being too. The towpath is open all the way to Newtown apart
from temporary closure at Crickheath, and canoes and kayaks can use some stretches of the water. In addition, the canal has abundant wildlife and a valuable collection of locks, bridges and aqueducts. He added: “The next few years can see more of the canal brought up to standard. The reconstruction of Schoolhouse Bridge, Crickheath, is the biggest volunteer-led project in all the years of restoration. Work parties are also continuing on the section down to Crickheath, which will open up over a mile of new canal later this year. In Wales, nearly £16 million of UK Government grant will go a long way to The towpath o ers fi ne walks opening the canal from Welshpool to Llanymynech.”
The lower lock at Belan
