Jacobean Farmhouse

About this project

In the picturesque North Yorkshire village of Constable Burton, homeowner Maggie Wyvill wanted to convert and extend the original property, adding a new wing on each side.

However, as the property is Grade II listed, the homeowners were not allowed to build the extension directly onto the original property. Instead a new entrance hall was created, with a grand, floating timber staircase linking the original part of the house with the new.

Use of timber

Manufactured by TwoTwenty, the beautiful new staircase is a stunning combination of oak and pine, with oak handrails finished with a stylish double volute. The fully carpeted stairs are finished with a white painted pine balustrade.

The staircase is a very complicated design. Firstly, it does not have any structural newel posts. Instead it is supported on crank steels so it looks like a floating timber staircase. As it was designed to fit around the steelwork, it therefore had to be millimetre perfect.

In addition, the staircase rises to three different floor levels; first to a central landing, then one side leads to the original building and the other to the new extension, all at different heights.

Creating impact and space

Chris Hodges was architectural technician and project manager for the whole build, working closely with Maggie and coordinating a large team of subcontractors throughout the year-long project.

The original plans included a standard straight set of stairs. However, Chris wanted to create a greater sense of space and impact and therefore amended the layout of the extension and designed a substantial central staircase leading from the grand entrance hall.

“I designed the staircase so it appeared to float,” explained Chris. “I didn’t want any newel posts going to the ground floor. Also, as the levels on the two sides of the house are not the same, by having a split staircase, we were able to join the two parts of the house.”

Complex design delivers stunning result

TwoTwenty was involved very early on in the project and needed around six to eight weeks to manufacture the staircase due to its complexity. Working very closely with the client throughout, TwoTwenty carried out four or five site visits to make sure everything was right.

 “I am very happy with the end result,” said homeowner Maggie. “Everybody who comes into the house admires the staircase.