The Grade II* listed Whitlingham Hall offers a unique blend of historic grandeur and modern luxury and was sensitively converted into luxury apartments in 2002, preserving its remarkable architectural character.
When the owners of the former library at Whitlingham Hall approached Kestrel, they sought a bespoke solution to transform the historic space into an elegant and practical kitchen and living area. Having acquired one of the most distinctive apartments within the Hall’s conversion, our clients were keen to enhance the property’s unique architectural character while introducing contemporary functionality tailored to modern living.
The objective was to create a bespoke interior that respected the grand proportions of the original library while delivering an elegant and practical kitchen and living space. The room’s generous ceiling heights, large period windows, and impressive original architectural features required a carefully considered joinery scheme that would complement rather than compete with the historic setting.
The bespoke handmade cabinetry was designed with full-height curved units that respond directly to the architecture of the former library. Their sweeping profiles echo and complement the tall curved stone pilasters that frame the space, creating a strong visual relationship between the new intervention and the original fabric of the building. By reflecting the rhythm and form of these architectural elements, the cabinetry feels integrated into the room rather than imposed upon it.
Materials, Finishings & Key Features
Particular attention was given to the restoration and re-staining of the existing timber elements, enhancing the richness and character of the original woodwork while preserving its historic integrity. This approach allowed the natural beauty of the building’s craftsmanship to remain a defining feature of the interior.
Finished in carefully selected neutral paint tones, the tall units provide a calm and timeless backdrop that enhances natural light and balances the warmth of the restored timber. Elegant, solid brass handles by Hendel & Hendel were selected to complement both the neutral cabinetry and the building’s historic character, adding a subtle layer of craftsmanship and refinement to the design.
To complement the exceptional craftsmanship and premium finishes throughout the project, an equally considered selection of appliances was specified. A suite of Miele ovens provides outstanding performance and versatility, seamlessly integrated within the bespoke cabinetry. Refrigeration is delivered by a fully integrated Liebherr American-style fridge freezer, offering generous storage capacity while maintaining the clean architectural lines of the kitchen.
The cooking area was designed to cater for every culinary preference, combining a Novy Panorama Pro induction hob with integrated extraction alongside a dedicated Novy gas hob. This dual-fuel approach provides the precision and speed of induction cooking while retaining the control and familiarity of traditional gas, ensuring the kitchen is equipped for all styles of cooking. Completing the specification is a Quooker boiling water tap, delivering instant hot water while enhancing both convenience and efficiency within the space.
The result is a refined kitchen and living environment that combines contemporary functionality with a deep respect for the historic character and grandeur of the original library.
