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HANDMADE

Frettons, a Grade II Listed Property

Frettons is a Grade II listed property located on Church Green in Danbury, Essex

Project Summary

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Name of Development:

Frettons

Supplier:

Kent Blaxhill Kent

Developer:

Dynamic Ground Solutions

Number of bricks used

30,000

Scope of Works

Project Description

Nestled in the picturesque village of Danbury, Essex, Frettons, a Grade II Listed Property, stands as a beautiful demonstration of 18th-century architecture. This historic property recently underwent a transformation that has enhanced its outdoor space to match the elegance of its storied past. The project, focused on refurbishing their boundary wall and creating a pool area that perfectly fits the house’s character, highlights the intricacies and care that go into working with listed properties.

Classic Brick’s handmade Rural Multi bricks, supplied through Kent Blaxhill’s Builders Merchants, achieved something that exceeded expectations. Over 30,000 of these unique bricks were used to create a poolside area that looks like it’s been part of the property for centuries. The warm tones and textured surfaces of the bricks bring a sense of depth and character to the space, making it both inviting and timeless.

 
Frettons is steeped in history, with its origins tracing back to the late medieval period. The name “Frettons” is thought to derive from Thomas Freton, who lived in Danbury around 1453. His family may have links to John de Fretoun, a landowner in nearby Little Baddow during the 1370s. Over the centuries, the property has seen significant architectural developments, particularly in the 16th and 17th centuries, which shaped the elegant 18th-century house we see today.

This historical context made it essential to ensure that any changes to the property honoured its heritage. 
 
Restoring a listed property like Frettons is no small task. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about respecting the history of the building while enhancing its usability for modern life. That delicate balance is what makes projects like this so rewarding but also so challenging. Every element must be considered carefully, from the choice of materials to the build that brings it all together.

Why Classic Brick?

Brick matching played a vital role in this project, so Classic Bricks’ Expertise in getting the closest possible brick match made us the perfect choice for this project. The project began with a brick match for the boundary wall. This involved creating a special mix of colours to blend with the existing structure. This attention to detail laid the groundwork for the transformation that followed and ensured the new additions respected the property’s history. Next, the Rural Multi bricks were chosen for the pool area for their beauty and ability to blend consistently with the existing structure. Handmade using traditional methods, these bricks offer subtle variations in colour and texture that mimic the weathered appearance of older materials. This ensures that the new pool area feels like a natural extension of the house, rather than a stark addition.
Classic Brick worked closely with the homeowners to select bricks that would complement the property’s existing features. Samples were carefully tested on-site and were agreed upon with all involved in the restoration before any orders were placed.

Unique Benefits Provided

Planning a project like this requires more than just technical expertise; it demands a deep understanding of the property’s history and the regulations that come with listed status. From securing permissions to ensuring the materials meet conservation standards, every step of the process needs careful attention. Classic Brick’s team provided invaluable support, guiding the project from initial concept to completion. Their expertise in working with heritage properties made all the difference, offering not just high-quality materials but also practical advice and solutions along the way.
 
The result of everyone working together has ensured the outdoor area at Frettons honours the property’s past. The poolside feels like it has always been part of the house’s story, blending old and new. For anyone considering a similar project, Frettons is a wonderful example of what can be achieved with the right team and materials. Classic Brick’s handmade products and expert guidance prove that it’s possible to enhance a historic property while staying true to its roots.

Gallery

Client Testimonial

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“Classic Brick are my go-to for bricks now. We initially used one of their standard blends and the feedback we have had from our clients has always been great. We always strive to be different and the fact that we can now produce our own blends on a project-by-project basis has been a game changer for us. From my point of view, being involved with the design process was great, and any options I thought about I got to see on a larger scale. The results have spoken for themselves!”

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“I’ve dealt with Steve on various projects throughout the years, and when Classic Brick launched around the time we started planning work on this project, we contacted them straight away. After struggling to find a match that ticked all the boxes and the planners would accept, we were pleased to see so many colours in their range. Once we had chosen the Rural Multi and the bricks started arriving on site, we got compliments from visitors immediately. We built during a major shortage of bricks in general, and they kept us fully up to date with deliveries and were very accommodating if we needed to delay any loads. Now the project is finished, we couldn’t be happier.”