Marchand Petit Profile on Simon Stone
Marchand Petit Profile on Simon Stone – A developer with a rewarded following
It is easy to understand why Poppy Developments have such a good reputation in the industry and a following of happy purchasers, enjoying their beautiful lifestyle homes.
Just step inside one of their exceptional conversions across the West Country and you will see for yourself. Moving to Devon, 13 years ago, they have been converting exemplary buildings ever since. Poppy Developments specialise in adding value to redundant agricultural barns, greenfield plots and brown field sites. These are often buildings with historical provenances and often in areas of outstanding natural beauty. Grade II Listed barn conversions, townhouses, former mills and unique Devon Longhouses are the projects that Simon Stone, founder and hands on Managing Director at Poppy Developments, is made of.
They breathe life back into old buildings and when I caught up with him at The Mill in Harbertonford, just outside Totnes, it was completely apparent why purchasers have written such glowing testimonials about him and his skilled team of craftsmen. Simon, who named the company after his daughter, was relaxed and between appointments when I was given the guided tour. Even before approaching the front door it was obvious what thought and detail had gone into the specification and convenience of day to day living there. This former woollen mill certainly has kerb appeal. However, it’s the individual treatments and tweaking of the interiors that impress the most. “We try to keep as much historical fabric and character of the buildings as we can, turning them into the talking point of the home” Simon commented. Exposed original beams and stonework, cast iron stanchions, vaulted ceilings, the vision to improve as you build are all part of the Poppy Development remit.
A bold and innovative idea, that benefited and delighted early buyers at The Mill was the chance to bespoke their own interiors. In fact, such is the mastery and encompassing ability of Poppy’s conversion expertise, if a buyer wanted a bespoke library or minstrel’s gallery, Simon can incorporate additional requirements during or after the build programme, space and permission allowing.
His attention to design and detail was recognised by the Local Authority Building Control, when The Mill was Highly Commended for the ‘Best Change of Use of an Existing Building or Conversion’ at their awards ceremony pictured above.
