Recommendations
Quality craftsmen, stunning floors
It was only when I bought a very old period listed property in rural Hampshire that I came to appreciate Alistair’s wider offering and talents. The property dates back, in parts, to the 13th Century with later Tudor and Stuart additions and then Georgian and later modifications. It can be quite a challenge in terms of design, furnishing, lighting and décor.
Alistair visited and immediately identified what would and would not work, in keeping with the property’s character and history, but acknowledging and trying to accommodate my own preferences. Alistair always explained why he felt that a particular feature, colour, lighting regime or ‘piece’ would or would not work and he invariably proved to be right. He has a great ‘eye’.
I also found Alistair to be practical and cost conscious. Old houses can eat up a budget very quickly and where appropriate Alistair worked with existing features or pieces, rather than suggesting change for change’s sake. It was not about Alistair, but about me as the client and the house. He did not try to turn the house into something it was not, seamlessly introducing contemporary touches and modern lighting into the centuries’ old character of the property, enabling modern living in a period setting. He has really good and sensibly priced contacts for the purposes of sourcing furniture, artwork, rugs and other items, old and new.
Alistair also has an eye for detail and ensures that individual tasks are completed properly using the best quality materials, that contractors and trades work in a meticulous and tidy manner, with finishes appropriate to the setting and in line with the agreed budget. As an example, I wanted to restore and retain some ancient wooden floors in several parts of the house rather than carpeting. Alistair brought in one of his personal network of quality craftsmen and the result is stunning, with the finished floors looking far better than I thought would be possible. They are now a feature of the house; I was expecting to have to carpet centuries’ old wooden floorboards!
Excelling at Property Management
Project management like this, often involving a combination of ‘wet’ and ‘dirty’ trades, such as plumbing and plastering alongside artisan craftsmen, is something which Alistair excels at, using his considerable tried and tested network, his experience and his considerable people skills to the client’s advantage.
On a personal level, it has been and will continue to be a pleasure to work with Alistair and his team, whose presence and ‘footprint’ while working in my home is never a problem. Nothing is too much trouble, always going the extra mile. I have no hesitation in recommending Alistair for individual sourcing, or projects large and small; working on very old and brand new properties, as well as undertaking advisory and design consultations and briefs.”
MD, East Hampshire
“We live in a four-bedroomed listed cottage which required a good deal of upgrading throughout.
As part of this on-going process, we have come to realise the importance of good lighting in the overall appearance of a room. It really can be make or break, especially when you are looking to combine a mixture of traditional and more contemporary settings.
So we are very fortunate to have discovered Alistair Henderson at The Lighting Agency to assist us. He is passionate about lighting but, more than that, he has an in-depth knowledge and appreciation of what works in a room. We really respect his views and guidance. If you aren’t happy with your existing lighting, he is very happy to help find a solution that works.
Whilst we have a considerable amount of what would be described as traditional lighting, Alistair has been very helpful in finding a nice touch of contemporary. He knows his way round the trade and has been able to source a number of items for us from companies such as Porta Romana and Vaughan. He is also extremely creative; as an example turning a couple of jasmine jars into a lamp. He has even converted a couple of limited edition ceramic dogs into lamps.
For inspiration, ideas and exceptional service, then Alistair is your man. I couldn’t recommend him highly enough.”
AR, Hants/Berks Border
“Alistair is a man of beautiful things, exquisite taste and spontaneity. He understands country houses. We have been working with him now for a number of years and just about every room in our house has got something of Alistair’s in it.
Our most recent addition was a fine pair of lamps which now adorn the outside of our new barn.
Amongst an array of wonderful purchases we have made, the dining room is a triumph with several exquisite candle lantern shades. In the kitchen we have a beaten copper pendant light over the kitchen table.
In the sitting room, we have a tall brass lamp with a skin neck and a silk shade, cream silk shades and also two reading lamps. The conservatory features a beautiful spice jar lamp.
And we have completely redecorated our hall, so that it matches a huge red lamp shade which we acquired from The Lighting Agency. We call it ‘The Cardinal’ because it is the colour a cardinal would dress in.”
DA, Hampshire