Design that Respects Time, Nature & People
Charlotte Findlater discusses the design process behind a beautifully located Lake District home
There’s a story to be told in every structure. We tell that story visually. The Charlotte Findlater design aesthetic blends architectural elements, curated furniture, art, and natural materials. Each building’s shape, size, proportions, culture and context are aligned with the client’s aspirations. And the results are transformative; projects finished to immaculate standards with the finest attention to detail. As an award-winning practice, we work collaboratively with forward-thinking clients who share our ethos, care about sustainability and appreciate outstanding design.
SPACES THAT INSPIRE, AROUSING EMOTION
All designers have a signature style and design principles, which sit at the heart of their work. Our obsession is the interplay between people, built environments and nature. Our ethos centres on considered design that reconnects people with nature. Out of concern for the human experience, we transform spaces into true holistic ‘emotional universes’ for our clients.
INVENTIVE & CREATIVE
We offer a broad range of design services. They encompass architecture, interiors and landscape design. Schemes are high-end, bespoke and focused on craftsmanship. Pure and raw materials are used to create luxurious, natural, and sustainable spaces that boost wellbeing. Design is above all about human relationships and the creation of atmospheres and memories. We share our passion for design through the creation of places that convey emotions and enrich the human experience – always forging a symbiotic relationship between design and nature.
The Project: Historic House Ambleside Lake District
The brief was to fully renovate this historically important house. To include new roof, windows, heating systems, Smart Home tech, re-wire and extend in order to create a colourful dream home for our clients who were moving up from the South of England to enjoy a new life immersed in the Lake District. The property is surrounded by wonderful mature broadleaf trees and gardens. The new owners wanted to keep the period charm of the property, whilst also creating a modern home that suited their family and lifestyle.
A turn-key design and renovation of this expansive and beautifully located Lake District Home included full space planning and all interior architectural details, as well as creating improved connectivity to the gardens. We fully furnished the home with a mix of highest quality custom made furniture & lighting as well as styling and artwork selections throughout
The project includes a new garage block, renovation of an old Coach House, landscaping, a large garden room extension, locally sourced oak portico and an eco Shepherds Hut.
The house had some wonderful architectural features and it was important that a sensitive approach was taken to preserve and restore where damaged these aspects. A timeless and sustainable focus was taken, each material considered for its eco credentials which included the paint from Edward Bulmer which contains no harmful VOC’s. The project was infused with the use of as many natural and locally sourced materials as possible which really grounds the property to its local and considers the carbon footprint of the project as a whole.
Aligning with our biophilic approach, which is the theory that as humans we have an inherited an instinctive need to connect with nature. Bringing natural elements into our homes really helps to reinforce this connection, boosting our mood and helping us to feel more grounded. We do not champion new trends. Rather, we seek to meet the needs and desires of individuals. And as defenders of slow design, we create natural, sustainable and transformational spaces with calming atmospheres.
We faced a multitude of challenges along the way, including finding an ancient well hidden under two layers of flagstones, now made into a wonderful feature within the very glamorous laundry room. We also dealt with flooding of the property, a storm which brought down three trees onto part of the roof of this building and endless supply chain issues.
Client review:
“It’s a little over 14 months since we first met Charlotte and her team and in simple terms, over that time our house has been transformed with her inspiration, design knowledge and eye for detail into a home. Her ability to interpret our requirements on a physical and sensory level has been second to none and her continued determination to accept nothing less than the highest of standards has delivered a result beyond our imagination. Her passion for both design and sustainability resonated with us right from that first meeting. That passion has undoubtedly delivered a home that is full of welcoming spaces, and creates a sustainable legacy that we are very proud to be the custodians of for hopefully many years to come.” - Mr and Mrs Aitchson
Hungry for more?
Read up on the latest news, delicious eats, travel treats and seasonal style trends in FEATURES, or browse a curated selection of our FEATURED PRODUCTS, meander through our guide to the finest things to do in Cheshire and beyond in WHATS ON or partake in our COMPETITIONS.
About The CHESHIRE Magazine
We are the definitive guide to luxury lifestyle in the North West. Latest news, delicious eats, travel treats and seasonal style trends. The Cheshire Magazine is the largest luxury lifestyle title for the North West of England, dropping directly through the letterboxes of VIP subscribers from the Wirral to Greater Manchester plus all the villages and towns in between and digitally available as a subscription in print and digital on issuu.com worldwide. We specialise in connecting luxury brands to likeminded consumers.
If you are interested on how you can partner with The CHESHIRE Magazine, read more about us. Or get in touch to find out more about marketing, featuring or partnering with the Cheshire Magazine in print or online.
