A Spectacular Georgian Country House Guest Room Renovation with Graphenstone Paints

Set on the outskirts of Bideford, close to the dramatic coastline of North Devon, Moreton House stands as one of the region’s most impressive Georgian country houses. Rich in architectural heritage and historical significance, the property has undergone centuries of thoughtful transformation, evolving from an elegant 18th-century residence into the beautifully restored venue it is today.

Originally constructed in the 1760s, Moreton House was later updated during the 1820s, further modified in the mid-19th century, and significantly redesigned internally in 1913 in preparation for a Stucley family wedding. Once the stately home of the Stucley family, now associated with nearby Hartland Abbey, the house has long played an important role in North Devon’s social and political history.

Today, following years of careful restoration, Moreton House has once again been brought to life. Its magnificent formal rooms have been sensitively revived and are now available for private hire, weddings, corporate events, and location shoots, while further restoration projects continue behind the scenes to preserve and enhance this extraordinary historic property for future generations.

Having spoken with Helen at Moreton House over the past two years, it has been inspiring to follow the progress of the house’s ongoing transformation. Each completed room reveals another chapter of Moreton’s fascinating story, and nowhere is this more evident than in the remarkable restoration of The Disraeli Room.

Disraeli room painting process involves applying Grafclean Eggshell on the bath and Grafclean Emulsion on the walls in the extended colour: Indigo. 

The History Behind The Disraeli Room

The Disraeli Room forms part of what was once an exclusive guest suite within the house, believed to have originally comprised two bedrooms, two dressing rooms, and an adjoining sitting room connecting the spaces.

This suite is particularly significant due to its connection with Benjamin Disraeli, the future British Prime Minister and one of the most influential political figures of the Victorian era. Before his rise to national prominence, Disraeli was a frequent guest and close friend of Lord Stucley, who, like many major landowners of the period, served as a Member of Parliament.

Historical references found within Disraeli’s memoirs include letters addressed from “The Ship Room, Moreton House”—the sitting room believed to have adjoined this suite. It is thought that this beautifully restored blue bedroom, the grander of the two guest chambers, was where Disraeli himself stayed during his visits.

In recognition of this fascinating connection, the room has been aptly named The Disraeli Room, honouring both its distinguished guest and the property’s rich political and social heritage.

Why Graphenstone Paints Were the Ideal Choice

Restoring a historic room such as The Disraeli Room requires materials that respect the building’s age and traditional construction while delivering the durability expected in modern hospitality settings.

For this project, Graphenstone GrafClean proved to be the ideal solution.

Renowned for its innovative mineral-based formula, Graphenstone merges traditional lime techniques with cutting-edge graphene technology, making it ideal for heritage buildings. Its exceptional quality has received support from the English Heritage Charity. Through this partnership, they have curated a collection of 24 historic English Heritage colours within the Graphenstone range, inspired by some of the charity's most renowned properties. 

This made it particularly appropriate for Moreton House, where authenticity and long-term preservation are central to every restoration decision.

Key Benefits of Graphenstone GrafClean for Heritage Interiors:

• Exceptional breathability – Ideal for traditional lime-plastered walls, allowing moisture to pass naturally and helping to maintain the health of historic fabric.
• Highly durable and washable – Perfect for guest accommodation where walls need to withstand regular use while remaining pristine.
• Excellent adhesion – Suitable for old painted surfaces and virtually all plaster types, often requiring no primer, even when applied over conventional paints.
• Environmentally responsible – Low VOC and mineral-based, supporting healthier indoor air quality.
• Long-lasting colour stability – Delivers depth of colour with a refined mineral finish that enhances period interiors beautifully.

The Power of Blue in Interior Design

The chosen blue tones within The Disraeli Room perfectly complement the room’s historic character.

Blue has long been associated with tranquillity, sophistication, and depth, making it an ideal choice for elegant guest accommodation. Softer shades create an atmosphere of calm and relaxation, while deeper, richer blues evoke refinement and grandeur.

In The Disraeli Room, the carefully selected shade creates a timeless sense of balance—celebrating the room’s Georgian architectural detailing while introducing a fresh, welcoming energy for modern guests.

A Restoration to Be Proud Of

The restoration of The Disraeli Room exemplifies how careful design and sympathetic materials can revitalise historic spaces. At Moreton House, each project helps preserve Devon’s architectural heritage. Using high-performance, heritage-sensitive products like Graphenstone ensures these spaces are beautiful now and protected for future generations. As restoration progresses, Moreton shows how historic properties can balance preservation, functionality, and modern luxury. Inviting new visitors while honouring past stories.

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If this story has inspired you and you'd like to learn more about the renovation or even book a stay, visit: https://www.moretonhousedevon.com/

Indigo is no longer listed on Graphenstone's current colour card. Samples and swatches are unavailable for purchase. However, good news! We can still create this colour in Grafclean and Eggshell. Just call us before buying. 

Order a new Graphenstone Colour Card today to see the English Heritage colours: https://www.celticsustainables.co.uk/colour-card-graphenstone-english-heritage-colours/