The joinery was central. High Sunderland is defined by its timber framework, so every joint, edge and finish had to be crafted with accuracy. Reproducing the fine proportions of the original demanded not only technical skill but also an eye for detail that honoured the character of the house. Matching new timber to aged sections required testing, adjustment and patience. The aim was never to impose something new but to let the fabric of the house feel seamless.

The glass brought its own challenges. Womersley’s rhythm of clear and coloured panes shapes the way light moves through the interior. Sourcing and installing replacements that matched the tone and texture of the originals was painstaking work. Getting it right meant the difference between a space that felt authentic and one that felt altered.

Inside, the same care guided every decision. Each surface, each transition between rooms, every moment where light met material had to remain true to Womersley’s intent. The goal was not a replica, but a revival, a building that appeared uninterrupted yet was ready to stand strong for decades to come. Working on High Sunderland reminded us why restoration matters. It is not only about repairing damage; it is about safeguarding ideas. Womersley believed that architecture could be art, that a home could be both functional and inspiring. To lose that would have been to lose more than a structure.

By restoring it, through the combined effort of Loader Monteith, Harley Haddow, Narro Associates, and our team, we carried forward his belief in the power of design.

High Sunderland shows that these places can be saved. It demonstrates what is possible when architects, engineers and makers come together with patience and respect. It proves that heritage is not static, but something we can choose to protect and keep alive.