Hermitage Edwalton
Hermitage is possibly one of the most impressive homes ever built in the United Kingdom. Located in central England within the desirable village of Edwalton Nottinghamshire. Edwalton was recently voted in the top ten places to live in England and Wales and continues to ascend in the list.
The affluent habitat is close to the vibrant town of West Bridgford and boasts some of the most sought-after schooling and property in the county. Easy access to the M1, Derbyshire and Leicestershire also, this location has proved ideal for those commuting to larger cities as well as working locally. Newark station just down the A46 enables easy access into central London in just over an hour on the newly improved fast line train service.
After two and a half years on-site, the “Hermitage” is ready to be launched to the market. This 7-bedroom state of the art new build simply must be viewed to appreciate the quality of its construction. Seldom before have we seen the attention to detail applied to a residential home. The over-engineered structure and insulation values attracting interest from professionals in the energy field. Why … and how does the company do it? We’ll ask Guy later, but I do know that it isn’t that Guy doesn’t trust those engineers involved, quite the contrary but he asks that they cooperate and understand his willingness to oversize all those components necessary in house building.
Guy is keen to be able to alter internal layouts should he wish at any stage of the process and subsequently supporting walls within the structure so there is an emphasis on freedom of internal design during the early stages.
“Whereas I appreciate engineers, building control officers, warranty providers all have a job to do in policing the project, I must retain the capability to change the layout should I want, and I always do.” Ultimately this is how Guy and his team are able to deliver such an outstanding design that fits so well into the surroundings.
Of course, with modern technology and CGI, architects and alike can now effectively design and build your home virtually in advance and this is something they are looking at closely for future developments.
On entering the property, you are immediately confronted by a vaulted space with the helical staircase winding up through the floors of the property. A chandelier that appears to rain light hangs through the centre with each strand staggered randomly creating the effect. The floor is neutral polished tile reflecting the lighting, the finishes and completing the medium of the room. A walk over circular glass floor showcasing the rippling deep blue water of the swimming pool beneath. Within the entrance hall a cloak toilet that any house owner would be proud to present as their master en-suite.
Guy explains that with the assistance of Giorgio Armani partnering with Rocca together Armani Rocca and Guy Phoenix have collaborated to create beautiful simple bathrooms. They have supported him in supplying the sanitary ware and tiles in every bathroom in the main house. “Never have I been so satisfied with the finish, the colour and the design of bathroom fittings “. He continues to explain the new process of the finish to the metal, PVD
(Physical Vapour Disposition) and how pleased he appears to be with the smooth finish end result.
Turn left into the kitchen and witness what you would expect to see in a palace or castle. With Gaggenau also joining the parade this kitchen is neutral but framed in gold and black. The handles, the hinges, the beading all based on this champagne PVD encompassing the gold, bronze theme running throughout the house. A breakfast area is attached to the kitchen through double doors should you want additional seating other than the bar area, fixed table seating and lounge area it already offers. More comfortable seating for those who wish to relax whilst dinner is being prepared, presumably by someone else.
Continue through to the utility room housing no less than 3 washers and dryers as well as enough room to play billiards. The garage is off this room with underfloor heating so those expensive tyres of the sports cars don’t get chilly. Up the stairs to the self-contained annex that could serve as teenager Accommodation, somewhere to store the Mother in Law or even servants’ quarters depending on how lucky your money has made you.
With gilded wallpaper, walk-in wardrobe and Gaggenau appliances in the large living kitchen I’m wondering how I apply for a job as a servant to experience this lifestyle. Back down onto the ground floor and following previous footsteps you arrive at the dining room. Just like every other room on this level, the ceilings are almost four meters high, the diner fixed with yacht panelling cleverly lit around and from the edges. A large round table easily accommodating 12 for Sunday lunch. To the side, a small curved room dedicated to Dom Perignon champagne storage. The colour of the shield replicated in the handles and trims in every aspect of the house.
Guy explains that the shield on the bottle was his inspiration to the colouring of the property. Whether it be the strips under the doors the hinges, handles or light fittings this gold/bronze colour works so well and almost authenticates his own trademark, “True Luxury “
Back through the hallway and through the lit stone resin framed doorway, office one is on your left, completed in the light patterned concrete board Guy has come so fond of. With ample storage and a stunning view out over the garden this office is private yet somehow doesn’t feel detached from the rest of the house. The glass doors allow you to work in peace but keep an eye on those children that might be dashing around.
The lounge is next and certainly spacious yet extremely homely. An open fire with odourless/ smokeless flames flicker in the room. The bespoke lighting mesmerising. To the right, a bar and cinema with acoustic screening and sound technology any commercial theatre would be proud of.
The soft step shallow tread staircase allows you easy access the first floor. First on your right a large bedroom with walk-in wardrobe and en-suite. Colouring the same theme, luscious headboard, designer light fittings and wallpaper. Across the hall, a protected room doubling up as a second office if needed but also the security hub. From here the house is controlled and monitored. Every elevation closely watched by a high definition camera just considering those in frame. The fully automated home can control its own heating, lighting, sound, TVs, even lock certain doors, open gates, put the fountains, even flush the toilet if you so wish. With future-proofing considered the specialist electrician like Guy is a perfectionist.
Suite one is probably the most luxurious master bedroom I’ve ever seen. With its own sleeping area, large sitting room, fridge, coffee machine (Gaggenau of course), 2 walk-in wardrobes no less and standard Armani en-suite bathroom. Just one issue …. it’s not the master bedroom. What? How can this be?
Opposite you walk back across the landing slowly nodding your head in approval at the boutique 5-star hotel feel the home gives you.
Then the master bedroom. Without a doubt, this bedroom is up there with the most extravagant bedrooms on the planet. Supporting a dressing room Giorgio himself would endorse in a Paris retail outlet. A private office and lounge, an Armani bathroom of course with his and her showers and vanity units… two balconies. I’m wasting my time trying to describe with words this room. Stand in it, fold your arms and absorb the luxury that Guy Phoenix has obviously put so much effort into this single masterpiece. Or even better wake up in the morning in the 12ft bed and remind yourself that you too must be the best at what you to experience what this house offers.
Up again the spiral stairs to three more bedroom suites all capable of carrying the mantle of ‘master’… ample storage, enormous beds, captivating lighting and luxury through and through.
The home has been targeted by no less than a dozen companies wanting to showcase and enter into different awards for an exceptional single unit. For now, Guy wants to hold off and just deliberate that what he and his team have created may well be one of the finest homes ever built.
To start your journey to a Guy Phoenix home call 0115 860 0036
If you would like to advertise your development or company with Hank Zarihs Associates please call us on 020 3889 4403 or email connor@hankzarihs.com.