Whenever we travel, we make a point of keeping an eye out for unique environments, proportions, and masonry details, among the many other things you see us collect images of. Today, I wanted to share a few of our favourite English masonry details that we have seen through our travels through the Cotswolds over the years.

The old-world craftsmanship found in each of the above examples is what draws us in. Sometimes the patina is perfect, and sometimes the lighting looks great, but each is difficult to achieve by today’s standards, and this is why we value the level of thoughtfulness that led to the detailed execution of these elements.

While exterior detailing is a small step in Jesse’s elaborate multi-disciplinary design process, he considers it the most impactful in capturing the desired period-specific architectural character. Once this design language is established, it bleeds through to every masonry accent wall, railing, and garden layout, reinforcing that design intention exists in every corner of the grounds.

Oftentimes, simply looking up while walking down your street of choice is how the Easter egg hunt begins, though ours has spanned over 14 years and several countries. The inspiration that comes from this level of detail is what inspires our process, as it offers us a glimpse into the past and the characteristics commonly included through different historical periods.

The sheer level of creativity that is found in almost every facade of the old manors we love so much are great examples of this, with some examples even telling a story. Details that stand out in this category are the unique array of finials, curved gable end details, stone fascia details, and elaborately artistic chimneys, among others.

Gaining an understanding of the details that we consider common characteristics of different historical periods offers us a deep understanding of the design style at hand. The result is an authentic reinterpretation of different components that he uses to capture the period-specific character he sought after.