Bespoke Staircase Renovation, George Clarke’s Building Homes, Anglesey

Featured on Channel 4 George Clarke's Building Homes, this bespoke staircase was part of a large-scale farmhouse renovation project - its purpose led by our clients returning to the Isle of Anglesey to restore and retain the heritage of their new home. With far reaching sea views, the staircase balustrade flows effortlessly, bringing a sculptural presence and feeling like it had always belonged to the beautiful double-height, feature hallway.

Project ID: 12124

Bespoke Staircase Design, Rooted in Heritage and Homecoming

Set on the rugged coastline of Anglesey, this bespoke staircase renovation began with an emotional purpose for our clients – to return to their home roots. More than a refurbishment – the original stone farmhouse was carefully dismantled, every piece salvaged, before being rebuilt from new foundations to modern standards.

Featured on George Clarke’s Building Home, the beautiful residence was described as a “marriage” between traditional craft and modernisation. That sentiment defined the staircase design: classical at heart, timelessly reinvented and deeply personal.

From the outset, the client envisioned a stair of beauty, one which created a unique feature within the heart of the home. Positioned in a dramatic double-height hallway, its materials and design would honour the building’s farming heritage without feeling too nostalgic or heavy. Above all, the staircase would flow effortlessly, have a sculptural presence, and feel like it had always belonged.

A Balustrade Forged by Hand – Flowing by Design

The client’s design brief was clear in ambition – she had been inspired by a classic Georgian staircase seen in Bisca’s website gallery; the scale of the handrail and its purity of line drawing her to its beauty. It was important to incorporate local character where possible. The hammered texture and honest materiality of an old metal forge door – uncovered during excavation – sparked the idea for forged steel uprights, celebrating Anglesey’s industrial heritage and the hand of the maker.

The priority was to achieve something completely bespoke to the renovated property. Despite having selected local craftsmen for most aspects of the project, the homeowners decided they needed a staircase specialist, and so Bisca, with its in-house forge and skilled blacksmith, was the partner of choice.

Aesthetically, the principal focus for the design was to remove the newel posts and create a continuous, uninterrupted handrail which did not obstruct the view through the space, to the sea and beyond. Technically this presented structural challenges which had brought hesitation from several joiners in the area. Our client’s passion remained unwavering: she wanted a seamlessly flowing balustrade of elegant proportions, that would depict both tradition and craftsmanship, from the moment you stepped through the front door.

Designed with Integrity, Destined for Generations

This was not simply a staircase replacement – it would embody family history, local traditions and architectural ambition. At Bisca, our years of experience allow us to simultaneously resolve structural integrity and visual lightness, through advanced 3D modelling and technical detailing.

We re-engineered the balustrade so the continuous handrail provides the strength within the staircase structure, allowing the handrail to sweep gracefully over hammered and tapered mild steel uprights. A generous feature volute spirals beneath and rises along the oval handrail, to the landing above.

The classical cut stringer and simplified tread brackets nod to the Georgian influence, while the forged uprights introduce warmth, texture, and authenticity. The scale of the staircase was subtly adapted within the already defined space, introducing an additional tread to maximise comfort and optimise the area beneath.

Its design thoughtfully considered the placement of a quarrel chair – a cherished family heirloom which would sit in the space beneath. Throughout, we collaborated closely with the local joiner and project team to ensure landing edges and structural details were specified clearly. While Bisca retained overall design responsibility to ensure engineering precision, we embraced the opportunity to work alongside regional craftspeople.

Beautiful in Form and Balanced in Space

Every staircase we create at Bisca is completely bespoke – the result of meticulous craftsmanship and careful project management. From initial structural survey through to final installation, our end-to-end process ensures that nothing is left unresolved.

For this home, installation required exceptional sensitivity. The property was lived-in, and filming deadlines for the Channel 4 ‘reveal’ were planned just days after the install was completed. Our team worked with respect and precision, ensuring the staircase felt balanced within the space, neither overly polished nor visually dominant.

The forged balustrade, handcrafted and finished to perfection, was installed to complement an elegant timber structure. The result is a harmonious composition of materials including painted tulipwood, mild steel uprights, alongside oak handrail and landing nosings.

A Bespoke Staircase Vision, Realised Without Compromise

The straight form of the replacement staircase creates a striking presence. Viewed from below, its sculptural formation captivates; viewed from above, the handrail’s uninterrupted flow draws the eye effortlessly out toward stunning scenery. Testament to what is possible when design, engineering, and craftsmanship work in harmony – this staircase connects past and present, landscape and interior, memory and aspiration.

Clients come to Bisca when they want a bespoke staircase solution – one they know is completely original and they will not be able to create elsewhere. Often placing value on our experience of collaborating with the wider project team, as well as the deeper technical excellence a staircase specialist can provide – in this case, our client sought the confidence that every detail would be taken care of.

From structural calculations to a unique caged newel, Bisca managed the entire staircase process – leaving the client to simply enjoy the experience.

What Our Client Had To Say…

On a personal note, 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. It 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.

If you are planning a bespoke renovation, new build, or architectural transformation, and you believe your staircase should be as individual as your story, we invite you to begin the conversation with our team or click below for more staircase inspiration.

Partners for this Project

Construction Company – Sayle Construction Ltd
Joinery Company – Wheldon Joinery

Project ID: 12124