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When you own a period property, it’s not just the house that needs careful consideration of the materials you use. But the garden, too. Whilst some people like to bring modern materials and finishes to a an older house and like the mix of old and new, it’s always worth choosing quality products. Particularly those that are sympathetic to the fabric of the building and garden and enhance the overall look rather than clashing with it.
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Choosing the Perfect Garden Paving
When we came to lay a small DIY paver patio area in our garden, we looked at so many traditional garden paving options.
We already have limestone flooring in the house. And have bought matching exterior paving to lay on the area outside the Crittall doors.
However, the area in question is at the other side of the garden. It was flanked by 9-foot-high Victorian red brick walls, so we really wanted something that would work harmoniously.
We looked at so many options, including salvage and reclamation yards. But finding a decent amount of the same garden paving that didn’t cost a small fortune and was in good condition was impossible.
We didn’t want anything too modern but we did want to buy new, rather than reclaimed, and we kept coming back to traditional paver slabs from Westminster Stone.
Introducing Westminster Stone
Westminster Stone was established in 1985. They’ve had almost 40 years in the industry, they’re an expert in their field. As a third-generation, family-run business, there’s not a lot they don’t know about paving and flooring.
They’re known for their unrivalled collection of natural stone flooring. Plus, a Porcelain flooring collection that will work in both traditional and contemporary settings.
However, as well as natural stone paving, Westminster Stone also specialises in Stonecast flagstones and tiles. These are created by replicating sourced originals.
Their Stonecast ranges include products that are particularly good for period properties, restorations and projects that look for a traditional ‘aged’ effect.
In 2011, Westminster Stone won a coveted licence to produce paving and garden accessories for the National Trust.
Their National Trust Paving Collection products are based on the houses and gardens within the Trust’s care. This includes their best-selling Hidcote Flagtones that Dick and Angel Strawbridge used on Escape to the Chateau.
When we were looking for traditional paver slabs and stones for our cottage garden, it was this collection, in particular, that we kept coming back to.
Traditional Garden Paving from Westminster Stone
Westminster Stone’s National Trust Paving Collection features six distinct ranges. They are inspired by traditional National Trust properties and gardens across the UK.
The collection comprises paving, flagstones and landscaping products of unrivalled quality and character. All that give homeowners access to heritage-inspired ranges to complement their own period properties.
These include:
Lamb House Limestone Cobbles
Inspired by the National Trust’s Georgian Lamb House. These honey-hued cobbles work in contemporary and traditional gardens alike.
Tintagel Aged Slate Paving
Tintagel Aged Slate is from Westminster Stone’s Coastal Cottage Paving Range. They were inspired by the Trust’s stunning medieval Tintagel Old Post Office and beautiful cottage gardens.
Chedworth Tiles
The rusty hues and subtle textures of the Chedworth Tiles will complement both traditional and contemporary settings alike. They are carefully crafted to replicate antique terracotta tiles in the most authentic way possible.
But what did we choose for our own garden — and why?
As I already mentioned, the high red brick Victorian walls bordering our garden were the main consideration when we were looking for garden paving.
We wanted something that would complement these but also looked well worn and lived in and didn’t look too ‘new’.
Why Traditional Paver Slabs Are The Perfect Choice for Our Garden
In the end, we chose Westminster Stone’s Brick Pavers from the National Trust Collection.
They’re characterful, elegant and look like they’ve been in our garden for as long as the walls have!
Their weathered and worn simplicity works really well in our garden. And even though the brick pavers look antique, they’ve been produced using modern methods. Which hopefully means they should stand the test of time!
As our traditional paver slabs have been created using the Stonecast method, they are frost-resistant and impervious to cracking and staining. This means that they should look good for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Westminster Stone based?
The Westminster Stone head office is in Shropshire, where they also have a showroom. And they have a further 6 display centres throughout England: Nantwich, Chester, Burford, Knutsford, Sunningdale. Plus, there is another in Wales, based in Welshpool.
Are your pavers made of real brick?
No — the brick pavers we chose are made from Stonecast.
What is Stonecast?
Stonecast is an award-winning, highly refined, and exceptionally high-quality concrete paving product devised by Westminster Stone.
The team source original products from around the country and use these to create moulds in-house. Each mould is handmade with a different patina, shape and size.
The moulds are used to create paving that is completely authentic in appearance. And as close a replica to the original natural stone as it’s possible to create.
The intricate skill and craftsmanship of these unique moulds has been recognised and awarded within the industry for decades.
Did you lay your brick pavers yourselves?
YES! It probably took longer than if we’d employed a tradesman, as the process spanned weeks, rather than days. But Mr D prepared the area and laid the pavers himself.
Would you recommend Westminster Stone? Why didn’t you go with another supplier?
Yes — I would highly recommend them. They have a fantastic range of products! The National Trust collection, in particular, is perfect for owners of listed buildings and period properties. No other company has such a wealth of products.
Delivery was on time — and straightforward. And our beautiful brick pavers have transformed a tired area of the garden.
Caro Davies is a former art-director turned writer and content-creator, and editor behind UK lifestyle blog The Listed Home. She writes about home-related topics, from interiors and DIY to food and craft. The Listed Home has been featured in various publications, including Ideal Home, Grazia, and Homes & Antiques magazines.
