There’s an elegant shopfront on a quiet lane in the heart of Sidmouth that glints with precious metals and jewellery. The black-and-gold frontage hints at times past, yet there’s a definite sense of renewal. This is the new home of Banwells Jewellers, where I’m visiting owners Sally and Simon Vickers to find out how they set about restoring the building.
County House in New Street has a long history in the town. The original building burned down in 1902 and reopened as a jeweller in 1929. Over the years it passed through various hands before eventually becoming vacant and at risk of irreversible damage. Step forward Sally and Simon.
Both grew up in Devon and pursued different careers before meeting. Sally worked in documentary production then moved into roles working with children, while Simon’s career took him around the world. He later returned to Sidmouth to work with his parents, who owned the original Banwells in Old Fore Street. Although the family business was successful, it had become a little stuck in the past. There was no online presence, and sales relied largely on loyal customers or visitors to the town. Seeing an opportunity to modernise, Sally joined the business, taking on creative direction, photography and the development of a sparkling new website. But, she says, she firmly believes in the importance of a physical shop.
‘Jewellery speaks to you. You have to see it, touch it, think about it before you invest in it. The piece that you purchase is likely to be part of your jewellery box for the rest of your life. Antique jewellery in particular has a history that, in a sense, you become part of.’
The Old Fore Street premises were rented, and Simon and Sally were keen to make a long-term investment in bricks and mortar, so they started looking for somewhere to buy.
Simon had long been aware of County House, but the timing had never been quite right. But then the building became vacant and for some time nothing appeared to be happening, so he made enquiries. The purchase process took two years, requiring patience and nerve until the day they finally took possession.
In April 2025, restoration began in earnest. Eight months followed that the pair describe as involving blood, sweat and tears. Working with an architect, Simon oversaw the design himself, guided by a strong sense of responsibility. Throughout the project, he and Sally saw themselves as custodians of the building. ‘Structurally and space-wise we’ve not made a lot of change; instead, we worked sympathetically with what was already here. We wanted to do what felt right, and we felt that the building deserved it. Lots of people in Sidmouth know County House and there’s a sense of pride in it.’
One priority was making the shop more accessible and welcoming. Window bars, while secure, had made the frontage feel forbidding and obscured many of the building’s details. Their removal revealed beautiful original features, including hand-carved detailing on the doors. Indeed, from the herringbone struts supporting the beams to the scrolling on the shopfront and even the drainpipes, many original features have been carefully restored. Inside, the space is classy and calm. The layout has been subtly updated to offer a clear, modern flow for customers, while retaining an authentic feel.
Lighting was a crucial consideration. ‘It’s such an important part of the design process. For jewellery, good lighting is a necessity, but that doesn’t mean it needs to be modern.’
Simon found exactly what he was looking for at Exeter Antique Lighting Company. The chandeliers are impressive without being overpowering, enhancing the jewellery rather than competing with it.
Simon’s striking flooring design incorporates two octagonal patterns in porcelain onyx tiles, a contemporary choice that still feels rooted in tradition. Simon feels it captures the idea of architectural heritage meeting independent retail.
‘To me, the design represents gemstones set into the wooden floor; the association between old and new.’
The shop also features original cabinets from 1929, tracked down and repurchased from reclamation specialists Retrouvius.
A skilled team of craftspeople brought the vision to life, with Simon describing the tightly coordinated work as the ‘Tetris’ effect.
‘Gentlemen Builders worked so hard, they went above and beyond.’ The statement curved glass was expertly handled by Chris Kay of Ocean Glazing. Removing the original glass was no small feat. ‘I think he might be the only guy in the country who could get that glass out without smashing it to pieces.’ Sally praises James Wriggle Joinery for their bespoke windows and notes, with pleasure, that half the team were female carpenters. The restoration has attracted warm praise from the local community, some of whom had been nervous about the building’s future.
‘On opening day, we had a steady stream of people coming through the doors, and plenty of very special interactions with customers who had bought a piece of jewellery here at some point in the building’s history.’
There were long-term Sidmouth residents keen to see what had been done, alongside new customers discovering both Banwells and the heritage of County House for the first time.
Sally believes Sidmouth is a town with a heart, where businesses encourage each other rather than compete.
‘We have been thrilled with the support from the local business community. Florist Whoops a Daisy even provided an “emergency” gold bow for the ribbon cutting!’
The ribbon was cut by Eddie Collard, who ran Mountstephens Jewellers at County House between 1969 and 2010. He presented the couple with the first coins used to pay for goods when the building opened in 1929. Now framed, they are the start of what Sally hopes will become a display of historical photographs and artefacts.
Drawn to the displays, I take a closer look at the jewellery. The majority is antique and vintage, together with antique silverware collected over many years. Sally describes this side of the business as a form of upcycling, giving exquisite pieces a new lease of life.
‘It’s a sustainable and ethical contribution to a circular economy.’ She asks about my favourite stone and points out a delicate amethyst brooch. We’re joined by Kate from the sales team, who tells me, laughing, that she talks to the rings in the morning. ‘They all have individual personalities!’
Beside these older pieces sits a collection of contemporary jewellery designed by Simon. Modern in design yet classic in feel, they are made to last a lifetime, and beyond. And for those who have inherited jewellery, Banwells also offers redesign services, transforming treasured items into something entirely wearable today.
Out back, I meet jeweller Dan in the dedicated workshop where this work takes place. Spotting a coffee machine, I comment on the welcome sight, only to learn that it’s not for drinks at all but is used instead as a steam cleaner.
While Banwells is a polished operation, forgive the pun, the welcome is warm and friendly. It’s well worth pausing to admire the beautiful window displays, then stepping inside to browse the antique and contemporary jewellery while appreciating the care and thought that has gone into breathing new life into County House.
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