York House, Penzance

Project Overview
As part of a full-scale restoration of York House; a Grade II Listed Georgian Property, we were commissioned by Vistry to install a bespoke stair runner on the original timber staircase. This project required not only high-level craftsmanship but also sensitivity to heritage preservation and compliance with listed building regulations.

Scope of Work

• Measure, cut, and install a custom stair runner on a flights of stairs
• Hand-whip all runner edges on-site to ensure a tailored, seamless finish
• Work in coordination with conservation specialists to avoid any permanent alterations to the original staircase structure
• Ensure all materials and methods met historical building standards

Technical Challenges & Solutions

• Uneven Tread Depths & Settled Risers: Due to the building’s age, stair dimensions varied significantly. Each runner section was templated and cut manually, ensuring a snug, symmetrical fit on every step without the use of tack strips that could damage the wood.
• Hand-Whipped Edging: Traditional whipping was completed by hand using durable, color-matched yarn. This provided a refined finish while preserving the period-appropriate aesthetic. Each edge was double-stitched for durability, accommodating the high foot traffic expected in the property.
• Non-Invasive Fixing Methods: We used discreet stair rods and non-permanent adhesives to fix the runner in place, allowing full reversibility in line with heritage protection guidelines.

Materials Used

‍Outcome
The final result was a flawless, heritage-sensitive installation that preserved the staircase’s character while adding a luxurious, safe, and durable floor covering.

‍Client Comments

"Whilst York House has been challenging for all of us, the end result is looking incredible. Well done Corfloors for putting in the finishing touches." Pete Saddler - Managing Director Vistry South West