BEHIND CLOSED DOORS LAPICIDA

The stone and tile specialist is increasingly in demand for restoration projects.

- Catherine Coyle

Grantley Hall in Yorkshire was built as a grand family home in the 17th century. For 200 years it welcomed politicians, royalty and celebrities. In the 20th century it sheltered injured soldiers, welcomed Vera Lynn to entertain the troops and, more recently, operated as an adult learning centre. Today, following an extensive programme of restoration, the grade II*-listed stately home is a luxury hotel. Its lavish reception rooms are certainly not showing their age; the upgrading is so well done it’s hard to distinguish old from new.

This exemplary blend of heritage and modern craft is just one of the properties that stone specialist Lapicida has been called upon to help rejuvenate. The family business operates from a three-acre site in Harrogate that includes Europe’s largest stone and tile showroom, a manufacturing facility and a warehouse. The business began 30 years ago, when Jason Cherrington made a pilgrimage to the Far East in search of new materials to bring back to the UK. He set up Lapicida, and today it supplies new and antique natural stone and marble, as well as ceramics and new-generation porcelains.