Will and Kate Foster relocated from London to Leicestershire with their two young children, drawn by the space, the landscape and the ambition of a completely different way of living. Walton Lodge – a beautiful Grade II listed farmhouse on the Leicestershire/Northamptonshire border – offered exactly that potential. Recommended to Montagu by existing clients, the Fosters had a vision that was clear and uncompromising: grand country living with practical luxury.
The scope was substantial. Working within strict conservation requirements, we were commissioned to design and build a large extension to the rear of the property, and to furnish the entire new space with bespoke joinery designed and crafted entirely in our Leicester workshop. A proper family kitchen with an AGA at its heart, a bespoke pantry, a library with a wood burning stove along with a dining and living space that would open entirely to the expansive garden.
Working on a Grade II listed building alongside conservation officers requires a fundamentally different approach to design and specification. Every material, every detail and every intervention must be justified and approved. The extension had to read as a natural evolution of the original farmhouse – not an addition or contrast, but a continuation of the building’s story in materials and form that a conservation officer would accept, and that the house itself deserved.
The architectural ambition was considerable: a large, open kitchen-dining-living extension with full-height glazed oak frames, twin rooflight bays, and reclaimed brickwork that genuinely matched the 300-year-old fabric of the original building. Sourcing reclaimed materials that satisfied both conservation requirements and the clients’ exacting aesthetic was a challenge we relished.
The extension was designed in close collaboration with the project architect and conservation officer. Reclaimed brickwork was carefully sourced to match the original farmhouse walling. The roof was finished in Welsh slate. All windows and external doors were designed and handcrafted in oak by our own joinery team – a first-principles approach that gave the building exactly the material honesty conservation officers demand and that the aesthetic required.
Inside, the kitchen was designed around the clients’ brief of ‘grand country living with practical luxury.’ Our bespoke shaker cabinetry – hand-painted in a deep teal with brass cup hardware – was built entirely in-house and installed around a central AGA with a full marble splashback surround and mantel. Caesarstone suede finish worktops run the full perimeter and island. A Quooker tap, Belfast sink and fully integrated appliance suite complete the working kitchen.
Adjacent to the kitchen we designed a bespoke pantry that goes far beyond simple storage: dedicated zones for dry goods, baking appliances and equipment, and secure gun cabinets built into the joinery – all behind beautiful painted doors that read as a natural continuation of the kitchen. A bespoke library with fitted shelving and a wood burning stove provides a quieter counterpoint to the open kitchen, while all internal doors throughout the new build were designed and crafted in-house, ensuring every threshold maintains the quality of the whole. Limestone flooring throughout the extension was supplied by Quorn Stone – our trusted partners for this project – and lighting was specified throughout using Jim Lawrence fittings and their full switchgear range.
Walton Lodge is everything the Fosters envisioned when they left London: a home of genuine grandeur that functions beautifully as a family house. The extension sits entirely naturally against the original building – reclaimed brick for reclaimed brick, slate for slate. Inside, the kitchen is a proper country kitchen in the best tradition: generous, warm, centred on an AGA and crafted to last a lifetime. The pantry is the kind of considered space that only bespoke joinery makes possible. The library is a room people want to spend time in.
Currently in build, with photography and final case study to follow on completion. This project represents everything Montagu Design & Build embodies: architectural and design expertise, in-house craft and meticulous project management
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Sharvari supports the design process through detailed 3D visuals and presentations, helping clients clearly understand spaces, layouts and finishes before work begins on site. Her work plays an important role in bringing ideas to life visually, allowing projects to be carefully considered and refined before construction begins.
With both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Interior Design, Sharvari combines creative thinking with technical accuracy to produce visuals that support both the design team and the client journey. Having been part of the Montagu’s team for the past two years, she has become a key part of the studio, helping ensure every project is communicated clearly, thoughtfully and with attention to detail from the outset.
Heath is a highly experienced craftsman who plays an important role in delivering the detailed finish and quality craftsmanship seen throughout Montagu projects.
Working across bespoke interiors, joinery and wider renovation works, he brings a practical, considered approach to every stage of the build process. With strong technical knowledge and years of hands-on experience, Heath helps ensure projects are completed to a consistently high standard with careful attention to detail.
Lee leads the groundworks side of projects, overseeing the early-stage preparation and structural groundwork that forms the foundation of each build.
With practical experience and a strong understanding of site operations, he helps ensure projects begin efficiently, safely and to a high standard from the ground up.
Alfie is involved across many aspects of the build and renovation process, bringing a hands-on approach and strong attention to detail to every project.
Working across bespoke interiors, finishing details and wider renovation works, he has quickly become an important part of the team through his versatility, work ethic and passion for craftsmanship.
Jarrad oversees the workshop side of the business, helping coordinate production, craftsmanship and the day-to-day running of bespoke joinery and cabinetry projects.
Working closely with the wider team, he helps maintain the quality, consistency and attention to detail that define Montagu interiors and renovation work.
Jane supports the day-to-day coordination of projects and plays a key role in keeping communication, scheduling and administration running smoothly across the business.
Having joined the team five years ago, she brings more than 26 years of experience in graphic design and creative communications, alongside a strong eye for detail and extensive industry knowledge. Working closely with both clients and the wider team, Jane helps ensure projects remain organised, efficient and well managed from start to finish. Outside of work, Jane enjoys travelling, musical theatre and cooking, often recreating dishes inspired by her travels around the world.
Liam oversees the delivery and direction of all Montagu projects, bringing together design, construction and project management to ensure every detail is carefully considered.
With extensive experience in high-end residential renovations and bespoke interiors, he works closely with clients, consultants and trades throughout each stage of the process. Known for his practical approach and attention to detail, Liam remains closely involved throughout every stage of a project, ensuring work is delivered to the highest standard.
