_Quirky Homes of the Month: spectacular staircases
Quirky Homes of the Month: spectacular staircases
Property
Staircases. They’re an essential part of any building, ready to assist with getting from one floor to another. But though the foundations of staircases are the same, the layers beyond can be staunchly different: spiralling, curving, bending; marble, stone, wood; the list goes on.
Staircases can cleverly blend into the background – or they can form the centrepiece of a home’s interiors, guaranteed to impress all those who see it.
We explore some of the most interesting staircases within homes currently on the market.
The Grade I listed staircase
4-7 bedroom house in Fitzroy Square, London
Our first staircase takes pride of place in a Grade I listed mansion house in London’s Fitzrovia. Though undoubtedly a key part of the building’s aesthetic, the staircase certainly isn’t only there for appearances – the property is spread across five storeys.
Designed by renowned 18th century neoclassical architect Robert Adam, the stone staircase – much like the rest of the property – presents elegance and understated opulence. Painstakingly hand-painted gold centerpieces are set within intricate iron balusters adorned by a curving solid wood bannister.
Fittingly, the full grandeur of the staircase is most prevalent at its origins, where a vaulted full height ceiling towers above the first and second floors.
The contemporary staircase
2-3 bedroom penthouse in Limehouse, London
Moving from the classic to the contemporary, our next staircase is within a remodelled penthouse in Tower Hamlets, London.
Situated on the fourth and fifth floor, the penthouse has been thoughtfully refurbished with meticulous attention to detail and design. While a sturdy oak staircase leads the way to the upper floor, our focus here is on the minimalist modern staircase found in the open-plan dining and reception space.
Shielded by a shining glass balustrade, the staircase is easy to miss at first glance – but that’s entirely the point. Its initial invisibility allows visitors to appreciate the penthouse in its entirety, rather than be met with an onslaught of competing features.
Once visitors do notice subtly stylish staircase, they will undoubtedly take a closer look at the steps, which, perfectly in keeping with the property’s minimalist modern aesthetic, seemingly hover mid-air.
The spiral staircase
5 bedroom house in Broadwell, Moreton-in-Marsh
Our next property takes us out of London to the Cotswolds, where The Grange invites visitors to enter through its stone pillar gates and down the tree-lined drive to appreciate picturesque views across its 32 acres of lush green landscape.
As you’d expect, The Grange has a traditional oak staircase leading to its first floor, but it is in the kitchen that expectations are surpassed: there is an iron spiral staircase. Typically a staircase found in trendy artist loft conversions, this is an unexpected feature – yet it works very well. Leading up to the first floor from the kitchen and family room area, the staircase takes up minimal space and adds a contemporary twist to the property, while its elaborate Victorian style ensures it stays in keeping with the property.
The elegant staircase
5-6 bedroom house in Ascot, Berkshire
The theme of spiral staircases is continued with Larksmead, a brand new six-bedroom house in Sunningdale.
Situated on the exclusive Titlarks Hill road, the property offers refined luxury and elegance with the highest standard finish – and its staircase is no exception.
The property’s main entrance leads to a modern foyer area; a vision of soft neutral tones and polished marble. The staircase sits at the back of the hall in a gently elegant curve, effortlessly commanding attention without clashing with the foyer centrepiece and other interiors. Its lustrous steps are supported by rich wood balustrades in a classy combination that offsets the sparkling chandelier hanging above.
The garden staircase
5 bedroom house in Moreton Paddox, Warwickshire
Our final property takes us to Warwick, to an exceptional five-bedroom family home with a design so impressive it scooped the Excellent in Build Award in 2013.
While the property’s generous open spaces and contemporary modernist design are deeply impressive, its outsides are just as noteworthy. Extending to 1.6 acres, the grounds of the home present a lovingly cared for garden, complete with vast pond and woodland area.
But to reach all this there is only one way: take the steps.
Grand stone steps lead visitors from the main building down to the garden, curving around to shelter a patio area perfect for entertaining on warm summer nights.
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