South Wraxall, Wiltshire
South Wraxall Manor, is a venerable house in Wiltshire, with the earliest parts of the house dated to the 15th century and nothing later than 1650. The ensuing two-year restoration, decoration and furnishing project stands today as a strong testament to the relationship between designer, client, architect and restorer.
The Long family, London cloth merchants, began building in the 15th century, with successive generations adding to it. South Wraxall Manor's random rubble stone edifice's facade is punctuated by stone-mullioned windows, but the Wiltshire manor house had been badly neglected when Robert and his team began their work in 2007.
Robert describes Wraxall Manor now as a house that “passes peace back to anyone who comes here” but initially the team solved problems that had to come before decoration - discovering the layers and unpicking the complex interlocking plan in order to make the house habitable. The Great Hall ceiling, with its complex of queen posts and collar beams on arched braces is typical of the pre-Reformation period; the drawing room's 17th century Flemish tapestry balances the fireplace and a set of gilded armchairs, covered in velvet, are part of a suite commissioned for the Duke of Leeds in the 17th century. Robert's passion for carpets is evident in nearly every room at Wraxall Manor.
Robert's "point about Wraxall is that you have to mix it up, it had to have some ordinary things in it - and some wonderful things too." A detailed process to understand how the clients want to live was critical to the success of this project, like all Kime projects. The study is furnished with an important French ebony and Boulle desk of 1800 and a sparkling rococo gilt mirror, while the family sitting room is anchored by a pastel Smyrna rug. Pelmets, bed hangings, curtains and upholstery in document textiles and embroidered suzanis mix easily. The bathrooms are a mix of marble, crystal chandeliers and mirrors, grounded by rugs and drapes. 18th century French twin beds retain their original Toile de Jouy fabrics, while spreads are made from Robert's Ghost fabric. The Chinoiserie room's hand-painted DeGournay paper and the Raleigh room’s Spanish painted leather walls provide magical backdrops. The loggia, opened once again to the fresh air, is restored to its original splendour, with Roberts’ addition of an outdoor fireplace and sociable wine tasting table.
Robert's "point about Wraxall is that you have to mix it up, it had to have some ordinary things in it - and some wonderful things too." A detailed process to understand how the clients want to live was critical to the success of this project, like all Kime projects. The study is furnished with an important French ebony and Boulle desk of 1800 and a sparkling rococo gilt mirror, while the family sitting room is anchored by a pastel Smyrna rug. Pelmets, bed hangings, curtains and upholstery in document textiles and embroidered suzanis mix easily. The bathrooms are a mix of marble, crystal chandeliers and mirrors, grounded by rugs and drapes. 18th century French twin beds retain their original Toile de Jouy fabrics, while spreads are made from Robert's Ghost fabric. The Chinoiserie room's hand-painted DeGournay paper and the Raleigh room’s Spanish painted leather walls provide magical backdrops. The loggia, opened once again to the fresh air, is restored to its original splendour, with Roberts’ addition of an outdoor fireplace and sociable wine tasting table.
