The clients had lived in this remarkable 300-year-old barn conversion in South Nottinghamshire for some years and were ready to bring it fully to life. They wanted a home that honoured the character and age of the building while being genuinely comfortable and functional to live in day to day. The scope was ambitious: a cloakroom, a dedicated wine room, a full kitchen and adjoining sun room – all to be project managed under one roof.
A property of this age rarely gives up its secrets quietly. As we moved through the project we encountered complex structural issues that required careful management before the design work could proceed. The building also demanded that every material and finish choice felt entirely at home within a 300-year-old structure – nothing could feel new for its own sake. The wine room in particular needed to feel as if it had always been there; a space of genuine substance, not a novelty addition.
We began with the cloakroom – a relatively small space that we opened up and made feel bright and airy, establishing trust before the bigger rooms. The walk-in wine room came next: solid oak throughout, meticulously detailed, with some beautiful bottles and the clients’ ancient stone statue ‘Fred’ setting off the interior perfectly.
For the kitchen and sun room we took on full structural project management, coordinating all trades and resolving the building’s issues without disrupting the clients’ lives any more than necessary. The kitchen was designed to flow naturally into the sun room, with a bespoke AGA surround, a generous window seat breakfast bar, and cabinetry crafted entirely in our Leicester workshop.
A home transformed. The wine room has become one of our most admired spaces – warm, rich and entirely fitting for a building of this heritage. The kitchen and sun room is an extremely pleasant place to spend all day of any season: south-facing light in winter, open and breezy in summer. The clients now have a home that truly lives up to the bones it was built on.
All photographs copyright Steve Pears.
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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.
