Barrettine’s Armourflex Hardwax Oil and the main wedding hall restoration at Hartham Park in Wiltshire proved to be the perfect marriage
Originally part of the royal forest of Chippenham, Hartham Park has undergone various transformations over the years. Its earliest recorded history dates back to the 11th century when it was mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, a survey of England and Wales ordered by William the Conqueror. At that time, it was held by Edward of Salisbury, a prominent Norman nobleman.
Throughout the medieval period, Hartham Park remained a valuable estate, passing through the hands of different noble families. By the 17th century, it came under the ownership of the Methuen family, who were influential in the local wool trade. During this time, the estate saw significant development, including the construction of a grand manor house.
In the 18th century, Hartham Park experienced further expansion and enhancement, with the construction of additional buildings and landscaping of the surrounding grounds. The estate became renowned for its beauty and grandeur, attracting visitors from far and wide.
During the 19th century, Hartham Park continued to evolve, reflecting the changing architectural styles and tastes of the time. The manor house underwent renovations, and the gardens were redesigned in the fashionable landscape style popular during the Victorian era.
In the 20th century, Hartham Park faced challenges as the traditional landed estates began to decline in significance. However, efforts were made to preserve its heritage, and the estate found new purposes, including agricultural and residential uses.
Renovation requirements
Today, Hartham Park stands as a testament to centuries of history and heritage. The estate retains much of its original charm, with its historic buildings, landscaped gardens, and scenic surroundings. It serves as a reminder of Wiltshire’s rich cultural and architectural legacy, and is has now been recently purchased by a private investor and is being renovated into a prestigious wedding venue.
Hartham park’s construction used all natural materials for the exterior and interior of its grounds. Floors in the main are all wooden and clearly show their character in design and general wear with each room being laid with different patterns and craft.
The entrance holds a beautifully grand staircase with carved, ornate wooden spindles that carry the main access up from the ground level to the floors above. The Interior Designer, Sarah was set with the task of maintaining these period features but was now able to utilise modern techniques and finishes to achieve the lavish but period character required for the grand property.
The wooden flooring had undergone testing for suitable finishes that kept in line with the historical aesthetic of the building, and a hard wax oil was considered most appropriate. A market leading finish was compared to the new Armourflex Hardwax Oil in both satin and matt. Armourflex was chose as the professionals choice, for its outstanding natural matt finish, combined with its exceptional wear and stain resistance characteristics, that would make this easy to maintain. Armourflex® Hardwax Oil is also suitable for protecting and enhancing all interior wood surfaces including hardwood, softwood, parquet, and veneer.
Preparation is key
Preparation to the floor began with heavy sanding due to the age of the timber. The floor design meant that each section of timber had the grain running at 45 degree angles and subsequent hand sanding was required to ensure all previous coatings and dirt had been removed. The designer, Sarah was also conscious of its wear, and character that it inadvertently created and choose to leave any gaps within the boards without filler for that period style.
Application began and the contractors found the product very easy to use and said it: “went on with ease”. They also mentioned they found Armourflex Hardwax Oil slightly thicker than other brands which made it easier to achieve the high-end final finish required.
The room was coated like a conveyor belt with the team spreading across its width and systematically sections of the floor were dissected with the brush and quickly applied, covering one side to the next. They quoted: “the coverage was outstanding” and the second coat was a lot quicker to apply. In total three coats were applied to ensure maximum protection, they also mentioned that with other brands they had to use four coats in similar circumstances which saved them both time and money.
Dying times are also very important in the trade, as this can prolong downtime. Even with the large open space and below average temperature conditions the contractors remarked that this was still good in their opinion, stating: “drying times were good considering the vast open space, we’ve found other brands to still be wet in the morning which delays our progress!”
The contractors were very impressed with the application, and drying time and the interior designer, Sarah, with the final finish. They were that impressed with the results they are now using the product in more areas around the estate. The wedding room is currently waiting for the wallpaper to be added so the grand room can be finally dressed ready for its ceremonial hosts. The contractors have now moved on to the Sticke Court to the rear of the estate. If you didn’t know what this was (like most) it’s a combination of both squash and tennis, built in 1904 and this building is one of only three left in existence.
Armourflex Hardwax was created as a specialist coating for professionals where performance and final finish matter. Through extensive testing, Barrettine have created a versatile coating that’s hard wearing due to its Abrasion & Liquid resistance credentials but also perfect for kitchen worktops due to its Food & Toy Safe accreditation.
For further information on Barrettine Armourflex Hardwax Oil click here
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