Complete Cottage Transformation, Co Down

Nestled in the picturesque heart of Co. Down with views of the majestic Mourne Mountains, George Heaney embarked on an extensive renovation of his charming cottage. With a refreshed exterior in place, George sought a hard landscaping solution that would not only complement the cottage’s modernised look but also provide a durable, non-slip surface. His goal was to marry beauty with practicality – something that would enhance the outdoor space and stand the test of time. 

As luck would have it, George’s neighbour, Jonathan Barber, a paving contractor, and a proud member of the Tobermore Registered Paving Contractor scheme, offered his expertise.

“When I described what I was looking for, Jonathan was quick to offer advice on various materials but recommended Tobermore’s Stanza paving range for its quality and modern appearance. He even provided a brochure and arranged for samples, so I could see the options first hand,” George recalls. 

Stanza paving is a sleek, modern paving slab with a smooth surface and linear style, perfect for creating a sense of space. Available in slate, a blend of grey and black tones, it was exactly what George was after.

“When I saw the Stanza paving slab samples, I knew the colour and texture would match well with the light, solid colour of the cottage walls. The slate grey tones of the Stanza slabs also reminded me of the rugged mountain scape nearby, creating a natural connection between the paving and the surrounding environment. We also have a small metal gate in a bright red, which adds a lovely contrast against the grey paving and brings a pop of colour to the space, enhancing the overall aesthetic and making the garden even more inviting. 

Beyond aesthetics, Stanza paving offered practical advantages. Its smaller size made each slab easier to handle, and the linear style eliminated the need for complex laying patterns, making installation more straightforward. This not only sped up the process but also minimised disruption to my home, which was a huge benefit.” 

With Jonathan’s guidance, they also factored in essential drainage considerations and designed steps to seamlessly fit with the layout. “The combination of Tobermore’s product and Jonathan’s expertise brought to life the design I had been envisioning for so long,” George says. 

To ensure long-term performance, George chose a resin-bound jointing material, as recommended by Jonathan. This material forms a hardened joint between the paving slabs to keep weeds at bay and maintenance to a minimum. 

Now that the project is complete, George couldn’t be happier with the results.