Heart and soul sit at the core of The Bays, an elegant Georgian home in Hedingham, Essex. Purchased at auction by its former resident, the restoration of this
childhood family home is a deeply personal undertaking. Essex-based En Masse Bespoke was enlisted to reimagine the interiors, with the kitchen marking the first stage of an extensive renovation.
Central to the brief was retaining the original arches framing the fireplace, a physical memento of the owner's childhood. Beyond these familiar features, En Masse was given the freedom to rethink the space, removing the original chimney breast to create a more open kitchen. The design also takes inspiration from the family's home in Italy, bringing a touch of Mediterranean passion and warmth to the Georgian architecture.
A bespoke La Cornue Château 180 range takes centre stage, set against dramatic bookmatched Calacatta Borghini marble that runs from worktop to floor. Hand-stained European oak cabinetry brings depth and texture, with Buster + Punch solid brass bar handles adding a distinctive, refined finishing touch. The combination of natural materials, traditional craftsmanship and considered detailing gives the kitchen a unique character.
An impressive demonstration of bespoke design and craftsmanship, En Masse's attention to detail extends beyond the immediately visible, with the studio noting that this project is one of its most technically ambitious to date. A bespoke brass frame supports the marble-topped island, while concealed pocket doors reveal a working larder. Elsewhere, an oak-panelled bar opens to expose an illuminated arch with marble shelving. It's a celebration of heritage and intention, creating a space where new generations can make memories of their own.
