Sonance
Control4
Sony
Dahua
Ubiquiti
Ajax
Arcam
Sanus
Chevallier Developments
S Millett Electrical
North Cornwall
Tucked away in the heart of Cornwall, this elegant stone residence is a rare blend of historical grandeur and modern refinement. Framed by expansive landscaped gardens (credit due to the vast expertise of the client), the property evokes timeless charm, while large windows and a contemporary garden room add a fresh, luxurious dimension. In summary, the home offers both grandeur and comfort—an ideal setting for discreet but powerful AV integration.
The client initially approached us for AV support on other projects. Having seen the results first-hand, they invited us to work on their own residence—a meaningful testament to the trust built through our prior collaborations. The brief was simple: deliver a high-performance, fully integrated system that respected and preserved the unique character of the home without exception.
*We have placed ‘hotspots’ throughout the limited tour to highlight key aspects of the audio visual build process, simply click on the circle icons to view more information including images and video explanations from inside the tour
Joining the project at a later stage posed several technical challenges. Much of the electrical infrastructure was already in place, requiring us to be resourceful in routing connectivity and power where needed. Rather than compromise, we devised elegant workarounds—chasing into solid stone walls to conceal cables and installing invisible speakers behind plaster finishes to preserve the clean lines of the interior.
The snug was transformed into a refined media space with a surround sound system comprising nine speakers and two subwoofers. A combination of in-ceiling and in-wall invisible speakers, plus some carefully crafted custom-painted grills over more traditional speakers delivered immersive audio while blending seamlessly with the décor.
A Control4 system now unifies control of the property’s technological systems, extending across the main residence, outbuildings, and garden spaces. Four strategically placed CCTV cameras ensure full perimeter visibility, while Wi-Fi coverage reaches across the entire estate, including the secondary property and outdoor living areas. Given the thick stone walls, careful signal mapping and wireless planning were essential to achieve uninterrupted performance throughout.
“This project is a perfect example of what can be achieved when modern technology is introduced with care and craftsmanship. Every solution was tailored to fit within the home’s existing fabric, enhancing functionality without overshadowing its historic character.
What began as a technical challenge turned into a rewarding collaboration, blending intelligent design with architectural sensitivity. By working around existing limitations and respecting the heritage of the space, we delivered a sophisticated system that enhances daily living while allowing the property’s beauty and history to shine.“
– Matthew Russell, Smarthouse AV Proprietor
