How to make a grand entrance

Approaching a grand home is an experience in itself. From long, winding drives lined with parkland to ornate front doors to spacious entrance halls replete with majestic staircases and fine art, there should be a sense of drama and anticipation for what lies within.

Luke Morgan, Director at Strutt & Parker’s National Country Department, says: “If you have the chance to build a house, make sure to make a generous entrance, even if it slightly compromises another aspect. This is where you receive your guests, where everyone arrives and how they judge your home.”

The initial approach

The first feature to consider is the driveway. Many of today’s residential developers tend to use as much of the plot as possible for the property’s floorplan, so having a long, dramatic drive is increasingly rare and can separate a luxury new build from the crowd.

Characteristics for a grand driveway include:

• Good structural repair, free from significant defects like potholes or cracks
• Well-maintained high gates or walls
• Manicured landscaping, neatly trimmed hedges, healthy trees and lush gardens

At the door

An attractive front door not only welcomes visitors in impressive style, but also conveys an overall sense of elegance and good taste that continues throughout the home. Whether it be an original listed door with ornate details signalling to its historical beginnings, or a modern door with a smart, clean finish, first impressions really do count.

When deciding on the right front door, the following considerations should be made:

• If you are building a house, be sure to take great care and attention on the type and colour of the wood and the right door handles and knobs. Often these can be reclaimed or have a traditional look to them. Keep the style in line with the era and architectural details of the home – the front door should complement, not compete.
• The size and weight of the door are important factors.
• If your door is painted, the colour is a significant consideration. Choose a tone that complements the exterior, whilst looking stylish.

Into the grand hall

A beautifully appointed entrance hall whether new or old is important. Balance if course is important; too big and it makes the other rooms appear small, and too small it can risk not making the right impression at all. Having space dedicated solely to welcoming guests is a luxurious benefit that goes beyond the average residential property.

Luke says: “To make an entrance stand out you need good light and height – they go hand in hand. I have seen houses before where they have taken a floor out to make a galleried landing and double-height entrance to make it a lot more appealing. This is more common with unlisted buildings, creating a double-height entrance with enormous light. Even if it’s a slightly smaller low beam house, it can make a big difference by opening it up.”