The award-winning York Handmade Brick Company
has played a crucial role in the construction of one of the most striking and
elegant new-build houses in Yorkshire.
York Handmade, based at Alne, near
Easingwold, supplied 55,000 bricks and specials to build Mowbray Hall, near
Thirsk, a luxurious and sophisticated family home, with panoramic views across
the county.
The contract was worth £48,000.
David Armitage, chairman of York
Handmade, one of the leading brick-makers in the UK, explained: “This was an
absolutely fascinating commission, not least because of the scale of the house,
its fascinating design and its stunning location.
“This commission has given us the
chance to showcase our enduringly popular Old Clamp blend bricks, which –
although they are brand new – effortlessly give the impression of age. They are
therefore suitable for extensions to heritage houses and for brand-new homes
constructed in the Regency style like Mowbray Hall.”
Mowbray Hall was built on the site
of an old farmhouse which has been demolished.
Mark Blundell, the owner of Mowbray
Hall, explained this his architect, the Malton-based Mark Bramhall of Bramhall
Blenkharn, recommended York Handmade.
He said: “York Handmade’s bricks came
highly recommended by Mark and they have not disappointed. Their stylish look,
their authenticity and their roughish texture were ideal for our house, built
in the Regency style. We are absolutely delighted with the result, we couldn’t
be happier.
“Mowbray Hall is a real labour of
love for us and, as a forever home, we wanted everything to be perfect. York
Handmade’s bricks have played a significant part in realising that dream,
helping to create a beautiful house in a stunning setting.
Mark added: “We were especially
pleased that York Handmade is a local North Yorkshire company, both for
economic and sustainable reasons. We are proud to support the local economy by
employing local firms. Apart from York Handmade, the superb interior decoration
of Mowbray Hall was undertaken by Averil Interiors of Kirk Hammerton, near York,
and the building contractors, sub-contractors and horticulturists were from the
area, too.”
Mark Bramhall commented: “Mowbray
Hall is a magnificent building, of which we are very proud. There’s no doubt
that it will stand the test of time and that in 50 to 100 years’ time, people
will still be impressed by its quality and elegance. The whole construction
team, including York Handmade, has done a wonderful job.
“We have worked with York Handmade
before on some important projects, not least the award-winning walled garden at
Scampston Hall, near Malton. We knew their Old Clamp blend, with
its aged appearance,
would be perfect for both the building and its location. And so it has proved.
“York Handmade also provided the
subtle and detailed brickwork at the corners of the building, which vindicated
our decision not to use stone there. In a nutshell, the appearance and quality
of York Handmade’s bricks have played a significant part in the success of
Mowbray Hall.”
This has been a significant year
for York Handmade in the new-build residential sector, especially in large
detached, new-build heritage-style homes. The company has been shortlisted in
the Individual Housing category of the 2022 Brick Awards for Green Acres, a
stunning new detached house in Effingham in Surrey.
The Brick Awards will be presented
at a glittering ceremony at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in the heart of London’s
West End on Thursday November 10. Run by the Brick Development Association in
conjunction with Building magazine, they are the Oscars of the brick industry.