December 12, 2022
Last Updated on December 12, 2022
It is always a challenge to incorporate modern solutions into historic properties. Not only must planning permissions be adhered to, but the solution and its placement must be sensitive to the design of the property.
During our work on the extension and conversion of a Grade II Listed farmhouse in Essex, an elegant wine cellar was installed in the kitchen area by Spiral Cellars, a Wimbledon-based wine cellar supplier.
Our project involved extending the property and converting a kitchen and various utility and storage rooms into a modern family ‘hub’. This was to replace the narrow kitchen and series of utility spaces existing in a wing that extended out from the main house.
The wine cellar itself is positioned in a naturally ventilated area underneath the kitchen floor, with an automated glass door providing access to a spiral staircase. The wine bottles are stored in the walls of the cellar, which descends approximately 2.4m vertically into the ground.
The installation provides a modern, almost James Bond-esque approach to wine storage inside a listed property.
Ed Thuell, Architect and Partner at Whitworth, says, “This is a fun, contemporary, high end product for wine connoisseurs. On this project, the cellar is positioned in an open kitchen-dining space in a circulation area. It’s prominent without intruding on the style of the room, which is of course necessary for such a statement feature. To add to the attraction, the cellar is illuminated by lights installed in its walls; this creates a beautiful effect come nightfall.”
Spiral Cellars’ wine storage solutions can house up to 1,900 bottles full cellaring conditions. Collaborating with developers, contractors, architects and designers, the company’s portfolio also includes wine rooms, walls and cabinets for all budgets.