Cuerden Hall, a magnificent manor house dating back to the 18th century in the picturesque landscape of Cuerden Valley Park at Bamber Bridge, near Preston, is now under the stewardship of Gareth and Colin Shenton, who bought it in 2021.
Gareth and Colin have been together for 20 years and are two of the kindest, warmest, most hard-working gentlemen you could meet. One day soon they will be the lords of their own manor, but their down-to-earth personalities are as refreshing as their energy and enthusiasm for the Cuerden Hall project. They’ve invited me to become a part of this historic restoration scheme and to leave my design mark on a few rooms.
The original house was built by Banastre Parker in 1717, undergoing a neoclassical renovation by Lewis Wyatt in the early 19th century. Over the years, it’s served many purposes, from family residence to a military hospital during the Great War. During the Second World War, the estate was requisitioned by the Ministry of Defence and converted into an army education centre, later becoming the British Army Divisional Headquarters of the Anti-Aircraft Command. From 1985 it was the Sue Ryder Neurological Care Centre.
I have been fortunate to design some of the world’s most amazing residences, but the grandeur of Cuerden Hall is truly mesmerising. The tree-lined entrance suggests something special awaits, and as the driveway widens, the imposing residence is revealed. It takes a moment to fully appreciate the vastness of Cuerden Hall, a 75,000-square-foot estate including stables and cottages, set in 17 acres of formal gardens and grounds. The wider historic park spanning 650 acres is managed by the Cuerden Valley Park Trust.
‘The Wyatt Wing, which was added in 1818, was used formally by the Townley Parker family and will be our entertainment spaces, while the 1717 Central Wing was more informal and will become the main kitchen and our place for day-to-day living,’ says Gareth. There will be two entrances – one for guests of the black-tie events Gareth and Colin plan to hold, and one for everyday use.
Work is in full swing, both internally and externally on the renovation, with a focus on preserving the hall’s heritage. Aged panelling has been carefully removed and sent away for restoration, along with other features that can’t be restored on-site.
The library, with its five-metre-high ceiling, intricate mouldings and full-height windows, is especially impressive. The dual-aspect space is bathed in natural light, and I know this will be a truly special place. I love designing formal rooms, so I’m eager to hear Gareth’s plans as we take a seat on an antique chaise longue, the only piece of furniture currently in the room.
Gareth tells me the drawing room, leading to this library through the grand double doors, connects to the formal dining room, which will be returned to its original condition. The uses won’t change and the ceilings, panelling, flooring and bookcases will all be retained.
The proportions of the library and the views over the lawns and parkland make this Gareth’s favourite room. The cellar paintings, octagonal dairy, belvedere tower, water system, and museum room are also spaces that fascinate him. The main house will have 12 bedrooms, with 48 in total across 14 staff and guest cottages. The most challenging part of the project to date was dealing with planning consents during Covid, which delayed the project by 18 months. ‘Chorley Council was supportive during a difficult time,’ says Gareth.
I rarely meet clients who agree on design choices, so I ask if Gareth and Colin align on such a large project. ‘Colin and I always agree on design choices. We both have very traditional tastes, making this the perfect project to explore that passion, while meeting modern living standards,’ says Gareth.
At the heart of this home is a sweeping staircase with an intricate balustrade that has withstood the test of time. Arched windows nestle at the pinnacle. But the pièce de résistance lies in the ceiling with its exquisite Lancastrian rose motifs picked out in pistachio green. I’m relieved to hear my friend agree with my suggestion that once the finishing touches are made here, light, neutral shades will be ideal to allow the ceiling details and staircase to truly shine and to complement the green of the decorative features.
Gareth is also keen to hear my views on the décor for the principal suite on the first floor, which will feature his-and-his bathrooms and dressing rooms. Gareth’s dressing room is spacious, and like every other part of this residence, it needs to be perfect. I aim to ensure it’s not only aesthetically balanced but also practically designed and installed to make his daily life and travels as seamless as possible. Every item will have its place, and the closet will be like no other – a dream for any fashion enthusiast.
Architecture with individuality and unique shapes always appeals to me, so when we step into the octagon room, my heart melts as Gareth shares his vision of it becoming a nursery. Family is at the core of their lives, and expanding theirs has always been part of the plan, and I could not think of a more perfect space for a mini-Shenton.
Gareth says: ‘This once-in-a-hundred-year restoration allows us to harmonise the moulding design, which would have been consistent originally. Georgians liked balance. We shortlisted two designs already in the house and had examples of each made and installed so we could choose one. The finer, more delicate and elegant of the two designs was the perfect choice as it allowed the uninterrupted views around the house to be enjoyed without obstruction, effectively bringing the outside in.
’ This estate is all about the views and from the rear I can truly appreciate the size of the property and can’t wait for the fabulous soirees that will be held here. The restored bell tower will soon have its re-casted bell returned to its rightful place.
The work on Cuerden Hall is a three-phase programme: phase one will cover family and formal spaces and the gardens, phase two, leisure areas, and the third stage on the stable block, including guest and staff cottages.
‘There’s been a house on this site since 1199. You can see evidence of the older property in the basement, where there are bricked-up windows,’ says Gareth. ‘We are privileged to be the custodians of this wonderful place and to have the honour of creating a new phase of its history.’.
Kunal Trehan is the founder and design director of luxury furniture and design company Touched Interiors. touchedinteriors.co.uk
