Signature at Surbiton – Design Inspiration
Naturally, each great house had an impressive garden or estate and many of these remain to this day, either intact or as shadows of past grandeur. Relics and signs of the original hunting lodges and pathways of the Chase can still be discovered and have influenced the shape of the land. Visitors can enjoy the avenue of limes and the Japanese Water Garden in Trent Country Park, the lakes and grounds of Elsyng Palace at Forty Hall and the eclectic and highly individual Myddleton House garden, the creation of one imaginative and energetic man.
Signature at Surbiton
About the area
Affectionately referred to as “Suburbiton”, this affluent neighbourhood is located South-west of London, within the royal borough of Kingston-Upon-Thames. Hosting a blend of grand 19th-Century townhouses, Art Deco courts, alongside the more recent additions of residential housing estates, Surbiton is made even more desirable by its large open green spaces and proximity to the River Thames.
Surbiton boasts a varied history including the Pre-Raphaelite painters John Everett Millais and William Holman Hunt coming to Surbiton in 1851, where Millais used the Hogsmill River in Tolworth as the backdrop for his painting ‘Ophelia’ and Holman Hunt used the fields just south of this spot as the background to ‘The Hireling Shepherd’.
An area steeped in history
Based in a garage on Holyfield Road from 1946 wasThe Cooper Car Company, made famous for developing the iconic Mini Cooper in 1961, and celebrated wins in the Formula 1 Constructors Championships in 1959 and 1960. Alfred Bestall, the artist who brought Rupert Bear to life, sketched out his cartoons from his home in Cranes Park, Surbiton Hill, and Eric Clapton bought one of his first guitars from a shop in Surbiton named ‘Bells’, sadly no longer there. The site of Signature’s new home is located on Ewell Road, a main route into Surbiton’s thriving Town Centre. The road is decorated with many local businesses, including cafes, restaurants, bars and shops. It is clear to see that Surbiton is a place which has everything one could ever need!
interior design
The interior personality of this home has taken its inspiration from perhaps the most famous fictional residents from Surbiton, Tom and Barbara Good and their neighbours Jerry and Margo Leadbetter, and their differing interpretation of what constitutes a good life.
This theme has weaved its way through the home, starting at the luxurious Grand Lobby, where residents can watch the world go by with a cup of tea and a slice of cake from the Cafe, through to the tranquil and relaxing lounge, reminiscent of the calming nature of Millais’ painting ‘Ophelia’. Journeying down the Plaza, residents will find themselves in the midst of the communal space. The Restaurant indulges in the high class and sophistication of Jerry and Margo, whilst merging with the country lifestyle of Tom and Barbara through the use of colours, textures and materials.
After dinner in the restaurant, residents may enjoy a tipple or two at the bar, where they will be greeted by Rupert Bear and his signature yellow tartan trousers. The Activity Room, plain and simple in design but adaptable to many uses, signifies the self-sufficient lifestyle of Tom and Barbara. Residents can take part in baking, arts and crafts and many other activities.
EMERSON PARK, HORNCHURCH
The Plaza is also home to the Cinema, where films are shown daily. Enjoyed equally by The Goods and Leadbetters alike, this will be the place for all residents to sit back and relax, surrounded by a nostalgic interior inspired by The Ritz Cinema, where endless entertainment was provided for Surbiton residents in the 1960’s. The Emporium is Margo’s favourite place to be. Residents can enjoy a relaxing pampering experience, encompassed by the glitz and glamour for which Margo became so well recognised.
Travelling to the first and second floors, those living within the dementia communities will be surrounded with familiarity and clearly laid out spaces that are safe and easy to navigate. The residents will also benefit from access to outdoor terraces, where they can enjoy views across Surbiton, participate in garden activities and outdoor games and relax in the sun.
Through the design of this home, the facilities will enable residents to feel fulfilled in their daily activities. The shape of these spaces will encourage residents to feel part of a real community. The presentation and design details will reflect the interior personality of the home, with subtle nods to the history of Surbiton. Through this design. Signature at Surbiton will be a home to provide the residents with the surroundings to enjoy a good life.
It is the design and beauty of these man-made celebrations of nature that has inspired our proposal for the interior presentation of Signature at Enfield. The Art of the Garden will be expressed in colours, finishes and motifs around the home, with references to the estates and gardens of the area and to the Chase itself. The Royal connection will be recognised as is appropriate in relation to the King’s coronation year.
