Specialising in period, listed and historic homes, Kensington-based Huntsmore takes projects from the initial design and planning stage through to the delivery of the build. The company, which was founded by director Eamonn Agha, concentrates on properties predominantly in Kensington, Holland Park and Notting Hill. The in-house design and management team comprises RIBA architects, interior designers and chartered construction managers, who all adopt a personal approach, working collaboratively with clients and taking time to understand how they use their space. Blending traditional and contemporary British design with detailed construction knowledge, the result is truly exquisite homes.
The latest of these includes the complete end-to-end design and project management of a supersized rear extension and refurbishment in Queen’s Park. The semi-detached property had an existing extension, but the layout was far from practical. Huntsmore sought all the planning permissions needed to build an entirely new rear extension, as well as reconfiguring the upper parts of the house and commissioning bespoke joinery for nearly every room. After overseeing the tender process to select a suitable contractor, the company was appointed project manager. The result was a contemporary extension with floor-to-ceiling windows of more than four metres that cleverly and beautifully juxtaposes with the original Victorian property.
The company has recently achieved listed building consent on a complex reconfiguration and refurbishment of a Grade II-listed apartment in Holland Park. It formed part of the raised ground and lower ground level of an impressive Italianate villa. However, it was terribly arranged, with a long, narrow kitchen squeezed into what once would have been a hallway corridor leading onto the back garden. ‘Our architect redesigned the entire space, reinstating many of the building’s original features and openings which had been closed off by the previous owners,’ recalls Eamonn. ‘We designed bespoke joinery throughout, including the kitchen, bedroom wardrobes and fireplace alcoves. It was truly stunning.’
Huntsmore has also been expanding and building its bespoke joinery and kitchen offering. This is an in-house design and build service that spans the concept, manufacture and installation of beautiful handmade cabinetry. ‘Increased client demand for sustainable luxury and quality British design and manufacturing has seen this arm of the business grow,’ says Eamonn. ‘Our woodwork and joinery design are classically British and everything is manufactured in our workshop in west London. All our clients so far have been delighted.’
One of the key considerations for the team is always how it can improve clients’ lives – and a way of doing this is by maximising the space, flow and natural light in a period property. At a Kensington townhouse, a state-of-the-art audiovisual and lighting system is currently being installed to futureproof the building as much as possible. ‘For another project, we have called upon our team to help redesign how the building is powered, removing all gas and converting to electricity,’ continues Eamonn. ‘Emphasis on the environment, not just in how the buildings are run, but also how they are built and the construction processes used are very important.’
With the end result loved by clients, Huntsmore’s considered approach has won fans across London.
