The Finishing Touch

Lifts add luxury to two Cornwall properties.

submitted by Access BDD

Access BDD recently supported its partner Morgan Ellis with the installation of two luxury Altura Platinum home lifts. The installations were part of the development of two stunning properties in St. Ives, Cornwall.

The properties were developed by St. Ives-based Parc Owles Design & Development, which specialises in high-end development projects in the Cornwall area. This was the first time the company had installed a home lift, as Director Anthony Curtis explained:

“As both properties are split over four floors, we wanted to ensure they were easily accessible and future proofed. After speaking to several companies, we took the decision to go with Morgan Ellis and install the Altura home lift by Access BDD. From the first point of contact, we were very impressed with Jeff [Shepherd] and the rest of the team, as we felt they offered a superb level of service combined with a high-quality product. Throughout the process, Jeff and his colleagues were always available to answer any queries, and that level of personal service is invaluable to us as a developer. Both properties have a very high-end finish throughout, and we felt the Altura Platinum home lifts from Access BDD and Morgan Ellis would be a superb finishing touch.”

With both properties being purchased off-plan, Anthony and his team were able to work with the owners and various suppliers and contractors to tailor each home to the owner’s exact needs and tastes, and this included the home lifts.

Anthony opted for the Altura as Parc Owles wanted the lift to have more of a “hotel feel,” as Jeff Shepherd, managing director, Morgan Ellis, explained: 

“When we were initially speaking to Anthony, he explained that, as part of the plans, they had incorporated a block lift shaft in both properties, which meant the Altura could be installed relatively easily. We presented the range of lifts available, but soon all agreed that the Altura would be the perfect solution to help Anthony achieve the finish he and his clients were looking for. 

“From an aesthetic viewpoint, both lifts blend effortlessly into the contemporary design of the properties and feature a deluxe cabin with doors finished in stainless steel. Operating the lift is also very simple, as the Altura has a user-friendly ‘push-to-run’ one-touch system so you do not have to keep the button pressed for the duration of the journey up or down. We are certainly seeing an increase in the number of developers of similar high-end properties that are looking to install home lifts from a convenience and future-proofing perspective. The portfolio of lifts from Access BDD, which incorporates the latest cutting-edge technology, without doubt, helps us when we are talking to potential clients.” 

Ultimately, Access BDD and Morgan Ellis are always looking to install a home lift which meets the requirements and aspirations of the end-user, and this has certainly been achieved in this project. Phil Humphreys owns one of the properties in St. Ives and said that he and his wife were not looking for a property with a home lift, but they are delighted with the end result. Phil said: 

“When we spoke to Anthony about the property and he explained about the lift, the specification and how it would blend in with the rest of the property, we thought it was a great idea. Since we moved in 18 months ago, we have used it a lot more than we thought we would. For example, when my mother comes to stay or other guests who may not be as mobile, it is fantastic, as they can easily access all four floors without having to worry about navigating the flights of stairs. It is also extremely practical with the kitchen being on the top floor: When we have been shopping, we simply unload the shopping into the lift, and it is on the top floor in a matter of seconds. Access to the garden is also from the top floor, so there is no need to carry plants etc. through the house — we just use the lift. Delivery men love it!”

Morgan Ellis is also responsible for servicing both lifts through its service division: Morgan Ellis Home Lift Aftercare.

As with all its partners, Access BDD was on hand to support Morgan Ellis on this installation as Alex Austin, Access BDD’s Business Development manager, explains: 

“My role is to liaise between the partner (in this instance Morgan Ellis) and our factory to ensure the order and delivery process is seamless. The beauty of working with partners such as Morgan Ellis is they are a very experienced dealer with fully trained engineers who always do a fantastic job and ensure the installation is carried out to the highest level. It is great to hear such positive feedback from Anthony and Phil regarding the standard of service from Morgan Ellis and the quality of the home lift.”

The Altura Platinum lift from Access BDD incorporates modern design and proven reliable hydraulic technology to provide a lift which can be used indoors and out and in a wide range of private and public environments. Two models are available, the Simplicity and the Deluxe, both of which can be installed in a standalone metallic shaft or within a masonry shaft and are available in a wide range of sizes, with a choice of configurations, cabin options and finishes. In addition to the eight standard plan sizes, the Platinum can also be custom-made to meet the client’s requirements should this be necessary. The Altura Platinum is powered off a standard mains electricity supply and is fitted with an emergency battery backup unit.