Rush Manor

Located in an idyllic setting with grounds extending to the edge of the River Thames itself, the Manor is an outstanding grade II listed property. The estate comprises a main house dating back to the late eighteenth century with adjacent poolhouse, a new library built on the footprint of the original bakehouse, a guest cottage converted from an old grain mill and
a workshop, wine store and car port converted from outbuildings.

The property had suffered a number of unsympathetic alterations and additions in the 1970s. Project Orange were appointed as both architects and interior designers to undo the mistakes of the past, refurbish, remodel and extend the property and to create a highly contemporary home within the historic structures. Alterations included two dramatic new staircases which form key focal points within the interior and the extensive use of new oak joinery including suites of French doors which unify the different and disparate buildings and balance sensitivity to the historic fabric with a contemporary sensibility.

Existing 1960s windows to the roof have been replaced with large dormer windows using traditional details such as vertical tile hanging and traditional lead sheet with wood cored rolls. These now house built in baths or seating areas and open up views across the grounds whilst allowing light to flood into the upstairs accommodation. The works also involved dramatic structural intervention to allow the main reception room, carved out of a number of smaller spaces, to be opened up and connect with the gardens beyond. The adjacent 1970s poolhouse has been remodelled to harmonise with the design of the main house.

The new stand alone library building was constructed on the footprint and to match the silhouette of the old bakehouse building, more recently used as a boiler house and guest room. Glazed on three sides the library is both contemporary and vernacular and makes extensive use of oak, bronze, limestone and painted brick.

The historic grain mill has been converted into a self-contained guest cottage and skillfully contrasts contemporary oak joinery with the restored original oak frame.

Furnishings throughout have been sourced from a number of top European manufacturers and are unified in the extensive use of high quality textiles in natural shades.

The refurbishment was completed in August 2010, was shortlisted for the WAF awards and was awarded a British Homes Award.