Project of the Month

Bury Court Barn is a beautiful Grade 2 listed property set in Bentley, Surrey which plays host to some of the most spectacular weddings. Purchased in 2020, Bury Court has undergone a complete renovation by the new owners.

At the beginning of 2021 Thomas Rees of The Brush Above the Rest, was contracted to give the property a complete makeover. The theme throughout is what Thomas calls, “a quirky distressed theme, with class and full of character”.

The main hall which hosts the civil ceremonies, has been painted in Chalky Down by Dulux, with the ceilings painted in Dulux brilliant white ceiling paint. This provides a light and airy feel throughout, that’s vibrant and compliments the rest of the interior décor. The original oak woodwork has been retained throughout. It was prepped using a Festool dustless sanding system and finished in Osmo clear satin Polyx oil.

The theme of the property is in keeping with a country barn venue and although some may say a dark paint would enclose a narrow corridor, it does the opposite here. The hallways are painted in Sinner by Mylands, a black paint with a slight hue of blue, which forms an extreme contrast with the brilliant white Dulux ceiling paint. This allows the hallway to be seen in full length, which makes the oak flooring pop out against the hallway woodwork which is painted in Farrow & Ball French Gray Eggshell.

The owners house is a spectacular building with the most beautiful features and is attached to the property. When he began the entrance hall, Thomas said he, “was extremely excited to start on this project, as the owner’s style is very similar to my own, so much so that that Mrs Berry said, I’m leaving this one to you”.

Thomas said, “It was funny, starting to paint everyone said to me, ‘what on earth are you doing?’  I replied, you need to trust me on this one, I have a vision!” 

Thomas proceeded with his vision! The living room walls and ceilings were painted in Dulux Brilliant white, with the woodwork in Farrow and Ball Purbeck Stone. Once the paint had dried the two just complimented one another perfectly. At some point the ceiling had previously been painted brown and was very dark and allowed no light reflections. By painting the ceiling white, it emphasised the height of the ceiling.

Needless to say, everyone approved of Thomas’ vision on completion.

Thomas said he, “dreads the day I finish Bury court barn. It’s just so beautiful to be there and I can say, it has been without doubt the most spectacular venue I’ve worked. The staff, owners and all who come are just fantastic. It’s a rare commodity you can find all that in one place this day and age!” 

Thomas Rees is a painter & decorator and artist based in the Surrey/Hampshire boarders. Thomas set up his company,

The Brush Above the Rest in 2017 but has been painting for the past 25 years.

Thomas specialises in distressed and patina finishes. His work ranges from contemporary painting to a standard refresh of a bedroom! He is completely self-taught and art has been his passion for as long as he can remember!