Bisca Staircase Unveiled on Channel4 Renovation Programme by Architect George Clarke
At the heart of this beautiful renovation project was a staircase which became a sculptural statement, shaping the home’s new identity to match the ambitions of home-comers Tina and Steven. At first glance, the site looked like a ruined 18th-century farmhouse with diminishing prospects, placed on a windswept hillside overlooking one of the most dramatic coastlines in North Wales.
What its new investors saw was not what stood before them; but what could be. Returning decades later to their home roots on the Isle of Anglesey, our clients embarked on a bold, deeply personal renovation project which would give a sensitive rebirth to the entire property – including a full staircase replacement which would be core to its flow of movement, and the overall architectural experience.
Over two and a half years, the dilapidated smallholding has been transformed into a breathtaking home – blending traditional stonework with dramatic glass formations, and handcrafted design with artisan craftmanship.
As showcased on Channel4’s George Clarke Building Home’s – one feature would be central to the entire renovation. Bringing together the sea views, triple-height entrance hall and the exquisite glass extension, was the staircase. Designed as a sculptural centrepiece and the first thing you see on entering the home, the feature stair was designed, crafted and installed by Bisca’s team of specialists – creating the thread that would bind the entire project together. Bisca’s founder and design director, Richard McLane recounts:
“This wasn’t simply about moving between floors. It was about creating a sense of arrival – a sculptural centrepiece that reflected the ambition of the overall renovation,”
As George Clarke finally stepped through the door during the Channel 4 reveal, it was this staircase that immediately captured his attention, setting the tone for everything that followed. What began as a daring renovation, quickly became something far more powerful: a story of craftsmanship, trust and the transformational impact that a truly bespoke staircase can have on an entire home. Tina and Steven’s passion for creating a new way of life was apparent in every decision they made.
After successful careers in London and Manchester, returning to Anglesey represented something deeper than a change of location. It was about reconnecting with landscape, heritage and a slower, more meaningful pace of life. Their new home would reflect this philosophy – generous, light-filled spaces, natural materials, and thoughtful craftsmanship at every level. As Tina reflected during filming:
“It’s almost a connection with the land I feel… quite visceral… but also the sea. I think I always knew I would come back – it was just a question of when.”
This emotional connection shaped the entire project. The couple prioritised working with skilled craftspeople. At every stage, natural materials were selected; spaces were designed not just for living – but for enjoying life.
From the restored stone walls to the dramatic glass extension framing coastal views, the home was designed to celebrate both landscape and lifestyle. Despite the scale of the architecture, Tina knew that the staircase would be instrumental to fulfilling their purpose. It would be more than just a staircase, she explains:
“The staircase is a piece of art in its own right – Bisca has created something that is so much more than the sum of its parts. Your whole team have each played a part in making this a very special experience, which I link with both joy and happiness.”
After discovering Bisca’s staircase gallery while searching for inspiration online, Tina realised that a standard solution would never be enough. The staircase had to be designed specifically for the space – crafted with the same care and attention that defined the rest of the home. Local joiners, although highly skilled, were unable to deliver the level of sculptural design and specialist craftsmanship Tina envisioned. Choosing a dedicated staircase specialist became essential.
Tina travelled to Bisca’s North Yorkshire workshop to begin the bespoke staircase design process – an experience that would become one of the most memorable parts of the entire project. Working alongside Richard McLane and Bisca’s skilled team, she explored materials, proportions and craftsmanship.
As Richard explained during the design presentation:
“This is the view through the front door – the money shot you wanted. The simplicity of it is in its beauty.”
The concept focused on sculptural elegance. Hand-forged steel uprights would create rhythm and movement, while a seamlessly flowing handrail guides the eye upward without interruption, through the triple-height space.
The same day, Tina visited Bisca’s forge, first watching, and then taking one of her own steel uprights and shaping this under the hammer with the guidance of the blacksmith. It was an experience that connected her directly to the creation of the staircase. Reflecting on the process as Tina examined a finished upright, she remarked:
“Definitely this one – the more hammer marks; the more I can see the toil of the craftsperson; the better.”
These hand-forged details became central to the final design, celebrating the human touch behind the staircase and reinforcing the authenticity of the home. The result – a staircase which created a statement; balancing strength with elegance, handcrafted steel, flowing timber, and refined detailing. The staircase brings something both dramatic and understated to the heart of their home.
After more than two years of ongoing challenges, weather delays and construction complexity, the finished home was finally revealed by esteemed architect, George Clarke himself. As he stepped through the front door, his attention was immediately drawn to the staircase.
“My word, what a beautiful detail this is… its newel literally just spiralling, moving up to the most gorgeous handrail. The detailing is fantastic… the uprights have a real lightness and are beautiful.”
His reaction captured exactly what Tina and Steven had envisioned. The staircase didn’t just complement the architecture – it elevated the space. The handcrafted balustrade, flowing lines and sculptural form created an emotional presence. The staircase connected old and new; the finished home now a striking blend of heritage and contemporary architecture. At its centre, Bisca’s staircase creates a sculptural feature that reflects the couple’s lifestyle and vision.
“I want you to know you’ve made this last piece of the jigsaw a pleasure. The staircase was the only aspect that slowed this project down, because although it is a functional structure – I knew it had to be beautiful and worthy of the space.”
If you’re planning a renovation, self-build or architectural transformation, a bespoke staircase offers far more than a practical feature – with the potential of shaping the identity of your entire home.
