Almost 30 years ago to the day, I drove down the gravel drive of the Old Rectory in Newark, a Grade II listed Georgian house with a coach house and staff quarters. It was almost derelict and simply desperate. Fresh out of my design diploma from the Academy of Fine Arts, I was truly aghast at what lay ahead. Little did I know, this meeting would change my life. It’s really as simple as that.
The lady of the house, Elizabeth, was a delight. She had an air of grace and warmth and fortunately, she found my polite and down to earth demeanour a good fit. And so, my first project was born. The Old Rectory was a grand yet faded masterpiece, with an astounding 33 rooms in the main house in addition to the outbuildings. It was, indeed, a designer’s dream… and a challenge of equal measure.
The project was both exhilarating and daunting. Each room told a story of a bygone era, with whispers of history etched into the very walls. But it was also a blank canvas, a chance to breathe new life into a space that had so much potential. I threw myself into the work, pouring over fabric swatches, sketching layouts late into the night and meticulously researching period appropriate details. Every choice I made was carefully considered, not just for aesthetics, but for the soul of the house…and for Elizabeth, who trusted me implicitly.
The transformation of the Old Rectory wasn’t just a project; it was a labour of love. Room by room, we brought the house back to life. The drawing room, with its soaring ceilings and intricate mouldings, became a space of quiet elegance. The kitchen, once dark and outdated, was reimagined as the heart of the home, blending modern functionality with timeless charm. The bedrooms, each with their own unique character, were given new personalities while honouring the history of the house.
By the time we finished, the Old Rectory was unrecognisable. It was no longer a shadow of its former self but a vibrant, living space that celebrated its Georgian heritage while feeling warm and welcoming for a modern family. The pride and joy on Elizabeth’s face as she walked through the completed rooms was unforgettable. That moment cemented my belief in the power of design to transform not just spaces, but lives.
That first project was the spark that ignited my career. Over the years, I had the privilege of working on many more incredible properties, each with its own story and challenges. Every project taught me something new and deepened my passion for design. But no matter how much experience I gained, I never forgot the lessons of the Old Rectory: the importance of listening, of understanding the client’s vision and of staying true to the soul of a space.
Fast forward to today and I am incredibly humbled to share that my journey has led me to an extraordinary milestone. I have been invited to join the panel of judges for the International Property Awards. It’s hard to put into words what this honour means to me. To be recognised by my peers and to have the opportunity to celebrate and guide the next generation of design talent is both humbling and exhilarating. My first judging session is set for February 13th, luckily not a Friday, and I cannot wait to immerse myself in the creativity and innovation of other designers’ works.
This invitation is more than just an accolade; it’s a testament to the journey I’ve been on and the trust so many clients have placed in me over the years. It’s a reflection of the countless hours spent refining my craft, the relationships built and the unwavering commitment to excellence that has defined my career. To see my name included in the publication of the International Property Awards is a moment of immense pride, not just for me, but for the company I founded, April Hamilton.
April Hamilton began as a dream, born from that first project at the Old Rectory. It has since grown into a design studio that I am deeply proud of, a place where creativity and collaboration thrive. Our philosophy has always been simple: to create spaces that are not only beautiful but deeply personal, spaces that reflect the lives and stories of the people who inhabit them. That’s what drives me every day and what continues to inspire my work.
As I prepare for this next chapter, I can’t help but reflect on the journey that brought me here. From the nervous excitement of that first drive down the gravel path to the Old Rectory to the honour of judging the International Property Awards, it’s been an incredible ride. And through it all, the trust of my clients has been the foundation of everything I’ve achieved. Without their faith in my vision and my ability, none of this would have been possible.
If you’re reading this and considering taking that leap of trust with me, know this: I approach every project with the same passion and dedication that I brought to the Old Rectory all those years ago. Whether it’s a single room or an entire estate, I see each space as an opportunity to create something truly special. I listen, I learn and I design with you in mind. Together, we can create magic…not just a space, but a reflection of everything you are.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story. If you’d like to learn more about April Hamilton or explore the work we’ve done over the years, I’d be delighted to share our journey with you. Here’s to the next 30 years of design, discovery and dreams brought to life.
We’ve used some “source unknown” inspiration images found on Pinterest in this blog
Take a look at our portfolio – which showcases a handful of our projects
