The Old Post Office, Scalby

Our brief was to refurbish The Old Post Office to the highest specification we could achieve for the given budget. Our Approach was 100% on aesthetics, and we focused on where we could make a difference. < Back to Projects
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old post office scalby refurbishment by rachel mclane ltd
old post office scalby refurbishment by rachel mclane ltd
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The Old Post Office Scalby became an official member of the HQ collection family in October this year, following a refurbishment by Rachel McLane Ltd

The HQ Collection is part of the Yorkshire-based Qdos Entertainment, owned by husband and wife entrepreneurs, Nick and Sandra Thomas.

As with thousands of other businesses up and down the country, the HQ collection has faced unprecedented adversity caused by the Covid pandemic; this, of course, played a part in budgeting decisions on this particular refurbishment.

The Old Post Office was previously a private residence, followed by a short period as a holiday let. Our brief was to refurbish the property to the highest specification we could achieve for the given budget. Based on this, we knew where spending money mattered most and where it would have the highest impact. Our Approach was 100% on aesthetics, and we focused on where we could make a difference.

Rather than produce sketches and sample boards, we arrived at the property to meet with Nick Thomas MBE, Chairman of Qdos Entertainment, armed with several boxes of fabric, paint and tile samples. Walking around the property with Nick, trying samples out in the physical environment, making it easier to visualise the proposed outcome.

The Kitchen

Although spotlessly clean and fully functional, felt dated. It was just the combination of marmalade coloured pine, 80’s tiles, laminate worktops and a stainless steel sink that made it feel old-fashioned.

Dramatic, statement blue cabinets, solid wood worktops, teamed with a bold tiled splashback and ceramic sink, changed the feel completely. We repainted the existing dining table and chairs and reupholstered the seat pads. Selecting a lovely ottoman for the dining area, having it stylishly reupholstered, gave an old piece of furniture a new lease of life.

The Lounge

The old white leather furniture simply had to go. In its place, we chose a replacement sofa and chairs from the HQ store, which worked perfectly with the room without requiring attention. Upcycling a coffee table and dresser which was repainted dark grey, draws in the furniture tones, resulting in a more eclectic, layered look providing the right amount of texture and depth.

The Lounge in The Old Post office is unique. Not being a conventional shape, it is a designer’s most enjoyable challenge. We used library-style wallpaper and put in a desk and chair that had once belonged to Nick’s family to create a separate study area. Framed artwork on the walls depicts local photographs of Scalby; however, choosing to print these on a Foamex board gives a photo finish for a fraction of the cost.

Bathrooms

Work in the Bathroom was minimal. A new floor and painted walls turned bland into stylish. Of course, no bathroom refurbishment is complete without a new loo seat.

Bedrooms

Three Bedrooms followed a set format. We removed a series of built-in wardrobes and replaced them with free-standing rails which opened up space, giving a very modern but classic feel. Each room was then given its own personality with paint, wallpaper, headboards

Stretching the budget to carpet the property throughout wasn’t necessary, and a deep clean of the quality carpets made them good as new. Curtains were a different story, and after much deliberation on the contribution that old vs new curtains made, Nick decided to procure fresh, yet simple, replacements.

The Old Post Office now looks and feels like it belongs under the umbrella of the HQ collection

All images of The Old Post Office Scalby are Copyright and kindly supplied by the client.