Just over the county border in Tatenhill, historic Callingwood Hall has undergone a spectacular transformation.

Combining period elegance with contemporary innovations, Grade II listed Callingwood Hall is not just a beautiful family home; it is also an important piece of Midlands architecture with a fascinating history.

Set in two acres of picturesque countryside at the high point of Tatenhill near Burton-on-Trent, the Hall was once part of Lord Burton’s Rangemore Estate and its name provides an interesting insight into its past. Callingwood, or Chalengwode as it is recorded in old deeds, literally means ‘the challenged wood’. This likely refers to a local land dispute which took place in the Needwood Forest following the Norman Conquest, and various historical documents record the area’s links with royalty and nobility: Henry de Ferrers, a Norman soldier who is believed to have fought at the Battle of Hastings, and his descendants are thought to have owned the estate on which the current Hall stands.

Callingwood Hall was probably constructed in the early 18th century and the building was subsequentely extended and remodelled with Gothic and Georgian features in the 19th century, creating the unique façade we see today.

The Hall was purchased by new owners in 2005 and, with a desire to pay homage to its historic roots, they were led to Burton-based interior designer Marguerite Harrison, who was commissioned to undertake a sensitive refurbishment project that would breathe new life into the Hall.

Now offering a perfect blend of old and new, the property offers modern fittings such as an embedded Sonos sound system and 3D TV surround sound system, alongside period features such as Minton-tiled flooring, moulded ceiling cornices and oak, stone and marble fireplaces.

Tastefully updated living space includes three principle reception rooms – a dining room, sitting room and drawing room – a butler’s pantry, a guest cloakroom and an attractive bespoke kitchen.

‘It is often the case that the kitchen is the heart of the home and this is certainly true at Callingwood Hall,’ says Marguerite. ‘We designed and installed a handcrafted kitchen that was in keeping with the Hall’s character. While the owners felt it was important to have a traditional-looking kitchen, they wanted the benefits of modern equipment, so we installed a four-oven Aga, a Bosch steam oven, a coffee maker, three integrated fridge-freezers, an integrated microwave, a SinkErator and a filtration tap that can provide just under boiling water. It now has that classic, country-style appeal and is beautiful to look at.’

To the first floor is a master bedroom with a dressing room and impressive en suite bathroom, an attractive library, a second bathroom and three double bedrooms with far-reaching views.

‘We redesigned the main bathroom so it was in keeping with the rest of the house,’ says Marguerite. ‘It is now well-proportioned and beautifully-fitted with a Chadder and Co period-inspired suite. It is also discretely connected to the Sonos sound system with embedded speakers, offering a great mix of classic and contemporary elements.’

The grand entrance hallway, with its cantilevered stone staircase, is a particularly special part of the house and when refurbishing the property, Marguerite wanted to recreate how the room would have looked in the 18th century. ‘The challenge was to decorate it in a way that would enhance its beauty without losing its authenticity,’ says Marguerite. ‘The original wallpaper was handpainted and the modern equivalent would have cost over £500 per roll, so we instead used Fired Earth paint to create an authentic look which is simply stunning.’

Callingwood Hall is accessed via a sweeping driveway where a feature water fountain flanked by gardens provides a fitting entrance to this handsome and historic home.

Callingwood Hall is for sale with Fine and Country, visit www.fineandcountry.com/uk. Marguerite Harrison Interiors: Visit marguerite-interiordesigner.co.uk or call 01283 547454.