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Ascot Lodge

Date published: February 02 2016

Berkshire

Click here to visit Maurizio Pellizzoni Website >>


Maurizio Pellizzoni transforms a Grade 2 listed building into a warm family home

Ascot Lodge is a Grade II listed building with a fascinating history; it was built in the 15th century and was used by King James 1, son of Mary Queen of Scotts as a hunting lodge in the Berkshire countryside. It was remodelled in the 18th century and then further extended and altered in 1912 by the renowned architect Sir Edwin Lutyens who created the south-east wing incorporating the famous “Lutyens Ballroom”. The extension had its own style identity with signature domes that were replicated in other areas of the house.

Maurizio Pellizzoni's brief was to create a warm, family home which would grow and develop with the owners whilst retaining the stamp of their individual taste and family history.

"Like all interior design projects, Ascot Lodge wasn't without its challenges. As a Grade-II-listed building, absolutely everything had to be submitted for council approval, including colour choices which had to be drawn from the original pallete," says Maurizio. Fireplaces, floors, windows, doors, ceilings, cornicing, coving and all other architectural detailing had to be maintained. Listed buildings consent was obtained and the project was subject to a rigorous checking process.

Maurizio Pellizzoni Ltd worked on the refurbishment of the interior of some of the key rooms in the house: the Georgian Room, Ballroom, Master Bedroom and two guest bedrooms. The brief was to draw on elements of Ralph Lauren styling but also to incorporate antiques, artworks and personal heirlooms belonging to the family. This unique property required sensitive, thoughtful treatment to bring it up to date whilst retaining the original character and charm. “Once we had the clear understanding of the client’s brief, I took the time to understand the space and fabric of the building, accompanying the client onsite.”

Each room has a signature style inspired by a piece of artwork or connected to the history of the room itself, as in the case of the Georgian Room which was transformed into a private gallery with the use of a power rail attached above the original panelling which was carefully restored. All of the artwork was framed by master framer John Jones and was a lengthy and meticulously planned element of the project. The furniture is a mix of Ralph Lauren pieces, bespoke furniture and antiques, some of which were sourced by Maurizio Pellizzoni Ltd and others belonging to the family, which they wished to incorporate into the design. Soft furnishing fabrics and curtains were sourced from De Le Cuona. “If during the design process we cannot find what we are looking for, we won’t just settle for that. We usually work with expert craftsmen to custom-build pieces to the exact specifications, and this was very much the case for the Ascot Lodge. For example, the bookcases and some of the sofas and chairs in the Ballroom were custom-made for this project,” says Maurizio.

Working alongside and collaboratively with a trusted, vetted and long-standing team of talented craftsmen, the end result is unequivocally a modern, timeless and elegant space which is ultimately sophisticated, functional and considered, and a true reflection of the clients’ needs and expectations as well as the unique character of the building.


Designer: Maurizio Pellizzoni

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