Wow house

THE LOWDOWN >> Richard Wingfield and Paul Marshall bought their home in the spring of 2018. The busy pair were on the hunt for a relatively ‘finished’ property, as opposed to a ‘doer-upper’ that needed some TLC, but fell at the first hurdle when they surrendered to Kenliworth House’s charms within seconds of their first viewing. Built in 1911, the Edwardian family home is situated in the small coastal town of Monkseaton, a ten-minute drive from picturesque Tynemouth. Renovations began almost immediately, helping to turn a slightly scruffy semi, which hadn’t been decorated since the 60s and 70s, into a super stylish pad. The pair and their beloved pooch, Cooper, officially moved in during the summer of 2018.

their sights on BoConcept’s unique, Danish-inspired furniture to help bring their vision to life. The pair treated the entire home to a top-to-bottom makeover, including their three bedrooms. The day-room-and-kitchen and front living room, however, take centre stage and best show off the couple’s impeccable taste - and some of BoConcept’s most iconic pieces. To retain the property’s traditional character, Richard and Paul decided to keep some original features, including stained glass doors and windows, which can be found throughout the property, and the living room’s large bay window and beautiful ornate ceiling with original cornicing. Elsewhere, it was out with the old and in with the new. Gas fires were ripped out and replaced with contemporary stoves, while the unsightly 1970s carpets and oldfashioned kitchen headed for the skip. Sadly, the pair couldn’t hold on to the kitchen’s teak wood panelled wall (which the home’s original owner polished religiously for decades), as walls were knocked down and modern, on-trend Crittall windows and

Richard (left) and Paul with their dog, Cooper

doors, which open out to a south-facing garden, were fitted. Once installed, they completely transformed the space, allowing for open-plan living and tons of natural light to flood in. Over in the living room, the statement fire surround you see now was actually sourced on eBay for just £20. Fortunately, thanks to old markings on the wall, the couple were able to find one that matched the same size as the original.

THE RESULTS >> Inspired by the intimate gentleman’s clubs of years gone by, the front living room is a purposely dark and inviting escape. Painted in a deliciously-moody shade of navy (Blue Hicks, to be exact - the same colour as the original BT Tower Restaurant in London), the walls cocoon you and the soft furnishings create a relaxed aesthetic throughout. BoConcept pulled it out of the bag in terms of Scandi-style furniture; the oversized and uber-comfy Mezzo sofa, in plush green velvet, commands attention and contrasts with the leather footstool - which also doubles up as a coffee table - really well. Complete with a zingy yellow floor lamp to add a bright splash of colour, BoConcept’s grey Imola chair, draped in teal and turquoise textiles, a vintage drinks cabinet, bold artwork and cheeky accessories, it’s a personality-packed room that demands cosy, chilled-out evenings in front of the TV with a tipple or two. The day-room-and-kitchen, on the other hand, is bright, airy and functional - somewhere for Richard and Paul to eat, work, entertain and kick-back in the warm sunlight during the summer months, when the Crittall doors are always open. The space oozes strong Scandi vibes and was modelled on Room 606 in The Radisson Hotel in Copenhagen, with a colour scheme of teak, green and blue. The white tiled fireplace-meets-feature-wall, dusty blue Reno chair by BoConcept, teak wood sideboard, which offers tons of storage space, and walnut kitchen doors to match, are all stand-out features. The kitchen/dining space, painted in dark grey, is home to a simple white dining table, which can be extended, surrounded by Adelaide chairs from BoConcept. Perfect for dinner parties, get-togethers with friends and late-night suppers. See more of Richard and Paul’s home and keep up to date with their ongoing renovations by following @kenliworth.house on Instagram.

ABOUT BOCONCEPT >> Purveyors of stylish and contemporary Danish design, the team at BoConcept has the power to transform homes into Pinterest-perfect properties. They are expert home decorators with an eye for fashionable and functional pieces that turn everyday houses into wow-homes. The company has been designing and manufacturing Danish-inspired furniture for over 60 years, helping to breathe new life into single rooms, small apartments, large houses and corporate spaces all over the globe - 60 countries to be exact. It has sleek studios dotted all over the UK - the nearest can be found under Fenwick Newcastle’s roof - and its skilled consultants are an urban-minded homeowner’s best pal, whether you’re looking to update a space corner by corner with luxury accessories, or revamp a room or two completely. boconcept.com

This spring, everyone is talking about Ramside Hall’s beautiful new woodland suites. Set back in the trees with pristine views of The Prince Bishops’ Golf Course 18th fairway, the three treehouse suites offer the perfect hideaway for those looking to rest and relax, but also for those looking for the perfect destination for a unique family get-together, team building exercise or intimate wedding. Built on stilts and hidden within a secluded woodland area, the treehouses offer a truly unique experience, inviting guests to escape from the everyday and enjoy an adventure in pure luxury. It’s an opportunity to really switch off and be at one with nature, while ensuring you’re surrounded by the first-class facilities and service that famously comes with a Ramside getaway. The spacious accommodation can sleep up to 12 adults and can be hired as a full unit

– offering one three-bedroom lodge, or can be split up into a separate one-bedroom and two-bedroom suite – both with private bathrooms with copper bath and terraces with hot tubs. Inside, each treehouse boasts state-of-theart interiors by Space ID, all the latest mod-cons and comfortable home furnishings with no compromise on class. The three treehouses are individually styled and named after birds. Peacock has been inspired by lavish French decor, Cuckoo was designed with Alpine-style in mind and Woodpecker boasts a contemporary design aesthetic. Full-height windows let plenty of natural light in and ensure unrivalled golf views at all times, while stunning soft furnishings and a fireplace in the main living area offer a cosy space for guests to gather and enjoy the scenery both inside and out. Other facilities include in-suite tea and coffee, smart TV with Sky Sports channels, luxury toiletries, American fridge freezer and high-speed WiFi. Outside, the impressive accommodation has been finished with a wraparound balcony and sunken hot tubs – perfect for whiling away the hours as the sun sets and rises above Ramside and its glorious greens. If you’re a dog-lover who would prefer not to leave your pooch at home, Ramside Hall’s stunning new treehouse suites welcome well-behaved dogs. If the look and feel of the place isn’t enough, the service is sure to blow treehouse guests away. Bespoke packages can be arranged, whether it’s a cosy couples’ retreat, a boutique bridal party or a big family celebration. ‘Glam Squad’ packages are available for guests who wish to be pampered in the comfort of their own treehouse, champagne arrival drinks can be organised for guests celebrating something special, and bowl food can be supplied to groups dining in their adopted woodland home. For an additional cost, treehouse guests will also have access to the estate’s on-site restaurants, spa facilities and golf club.

This luxurious new accommodation ticks all the boxes for a truly unique experience in the North East, and that goes for special celebrations as well as staycations. Ramside does weddings very well – made even more exciting with this beautiful new facility. There is nothing more magical than an enchanting treehouse – creating the perfect backdrop for bespoke weddings or special celebrations. With ‘Just the Two of Us’ offers and intimate wedding packages available, the living spaces can be transformed into an elegant ceremony room and reception space.

Terrace cocktails can be arranged by the wedding team, as well as spa treatments, candle-lit dinners and bowl food for larger parties. Whether it’s an indulgent woodland escape for two, a special celebration, or a peaceful place to start your journey as a happy couple, Ramside Hall’s treehouse suites offer the ultimate in luxury accommodation – with a hint of adventure.

For more information, prices and packages, visit: ramsidehallhotel.co.uk/rooms/ treehouses