Balancing the conservation of history with bringing a property into the 21^st century is never an easy task; in the first episode of George Clarke’s Remarkable Renovations, Richard and Sarah transform a grand Victorian bank into the ideal family home.

George Clarke’s Remarkable Renovations

The show centres around George Clarke meeting people who are choosing to breathe life into old, unused, or unloved properties, often once loved local landmarks, and turn them into the perfect home. In the first episode of the six-part series, George meets the couple who are transforming a grade II listed, Victorian bank into a unique home.

The Project: “The Cornish Bank”

The original building is 130 years old and was known as “The Cornish Bank”. This stood at the heart of the Cornwall town of St Columb Major until it closed in 2017. The couple wanted to retain the history and opulence found in the original property, whilst adding in elements of modernity that bring the project into the 21^st Century. They included a brass countertop in their walk-in pantry, which resembles bars of gold and links to the history of the building. This is where Fisher & Paykel’s appliances come into their own, as they blend seamlessly with the design of the space, whilst giving the owners a truly 21^st century kitchen experience. George Clarke comments ‘Now the main banking hall is an incredible kitchen and reception room which, while making the most of its grand Victorian architecture, is complimented with fittings and furniture salvaged from the bank to create a warm, elegant space.’

With their experience in interior design, the couple spent three years transforming the building from an abandoned bank into a welcoming home for themselves and their two daughters. The project focussed on honouring the building’s Victorian heritage, whilst modernising the interior and bringing in chic appliances to meet the family’s needs. On the couple’s website they state that, ‘The design was inspired by “allowing nature to live with us”. We wanted to imagine that if left alone, nature would eventually overcome and take residence in the house, so instead, we invited it to. This theme was implemented into all aspects of the project, through to the small details such as all the ceiling roses made in the shape of lilies.’

Jo Jackson, Market Product Manager, Fisher & Paykel comments, ‘This project truly displays the versatility that Fisher & Paykel products can offer. Whether homeowners want to emulate a sleek and modern design or create a classic Victorian style kitchen, homeowners can always find the right fit amongst our range of appliances. At Fisher & Paykel we see the kitchen as the hub of the home; Sarah and Richard’s design balances heritage with modernity in a way that is enhanced by their choice in appliances.’

Fisher & Paykel appliances featured in this episode:

• Freestanding Range Cooker, Dual Fuel, 120cm, 6 Burners OR120DDWGX2
• Induction Hob, 60cm, 4 Zones with SmartZone CI604DTB3
• Double Oven, 60cm, 7 Function OB60B77CEX3
• Freestanding Refrigerator Freezer, 79cm, 445L, Ice & Water RF522WDRUX4
• Freestanding French Door Refrigerator Freezer, 90cm, 541L RF610ADX4
• Front Loader Washer Dryer Combo, 7kg + 4kg WD8060P1
• Double DishDrawer™ Dishwasher, Sanitise DD60DDFHX9    

Photography Credit: Roy Riley.