Janet and Andrew Lewis, Oak frame extension, Llanfairwaterdine
We stumbled across Rob at Castle Ring Oak Frame by chance while looking for another oak framer. He immediately gained brownie points by being a lot more local to us than the other two much bigger companies we were looking at. But initially we were a bit doubful as to whether he could do what we wanted, being a much smaller operation. This turned out to be a totally unfounded concern as from the very beginning it was clear that he was an excellent choice….he invited us to see what he had done on his own house where his skill and flair are obvious.
He was very helpful with practical suggestions to tweak our own ideas, was very clear about prices, time frame, and what could and could not be done. No teeth sucking just a very cheerful and professional approach. When it came to the erection of the frame it was poetry in motion! Very fast, smooth and such a joy to see such an ancient craft still being relevant in the 21st century. We can’t recommend him highly enough and will definitely use him again.
Jamie And Kate RITCHIE, Oak Frame Extension, Upper Treluggas
I am glad we used Castle Ring for our oak frame extension:
- They are reasonably priced, particularly considering the quality of the materials and the high skills involved.
- They stuck to their timetable, so we were able to plan the next stage. Building work is stressful, but this part was a pleasure.
- Rob had plenty of ideas and helpful suggestions, and consulted us about every detail, including ways of saving money. It was particularly good to be invited to his workshop to see him cut the frame and all its joints.
- Our frame is complicated – it rests on different levels and abuts an existing house. Rob made several site visits and liaised with our builder to ensure there were no problems.
- On the day the frame was erected, Rob had everything organised. He arrived with two trailerfuls of assorted oak beams and a friendly competent team who worked tirelessly. The frame was up in a day. So many things could have gone wrong, but Rob seemed to have every eventuality under control and it went up without a hitch. It was a wonderful and memorable day.
- Most importantly, we now have a lovely, unique and beautifully crafted oak frame. The experience of having it made and erected was most enjoyable and adds to my love of it.
Thank you Rob!
Nigel Allam, Listed Granary Restoration , LEDBURY
From the moment Rob came to spec the job, which was unusual in itself due to the complexity of it being a partial rebuild , his enthusiasm, optimism and professionalism shone through and proved to be infectious.
The time spent measuring and checking and discussing ideas proved to be time well spent, as when he returned with the work force for the assembly and construction, the entire project came together before my eyes exactly as he had described it to me a month or two earlier.
I would recommend Rob to anyone for this type of work, as he delivers what he says he will with skill, reliability and punctuality.”
Charlotte hOLLINS, Fordhall Organic Farm, MARKET DRAYTON
“We are extremely pleased with the oak frame installed at Fordhall Organic Farm by Castle Ring Oak Frame. The craftmanship is staggering, not a nail or screw used. The oak canopy really sets our building apart from the rest - truly beautiful. Thank you
Dr and Mrs Martin Toms, Lofted Two Bay Garage, BROMYARD
After getting a lot of quotes for building a new two bay garage (with loft space), we were lucky enough to meet Rob after a neighbour had used him for a timber framed building project. We were impressed with what he had done there, and having visited his own amazing home near Presteigne, we engaged Rob’s services and were lucky enough to be able to see the whole project come together. Rob’s planning and attention to detail were excellent – a true craftsman down to the nuances of each joist and piece of oak. The whole build was great, traditional pegging and jointing, wood lapping and door were expertly put together on an individual basis.
Rob and a builder friend did everything, so it really was planned, drawn up, measured, cut and built by the same hand…….even the external staircase was meticulously thought through. A great personalised piece of work.
Needless to say we are very happy with it and would endorse Rob’s work to anyone interested in a timber framed building. Just see his own award winning home to see the quality of work you’ll receive.
Donald And Sarah McIntyre, Oak Framed Extension, STANSBATCH
When we walked into Rob’s workshop and first laid eyes on our oak frame we were very excited, and then to have it put up in one day – we couldn’t have been more impressed! The oak members were precision made and the pegs, joints, curved bracing and carpenter’s marks give the frame a really warm traditional feel.
We collaborated with Rob throughout the design and fabrication process and his skill and experience
ensured we got exactly the traditional oak frame we wanted. The overall effect is a distinctive and
superbly crafted oak frame sitting harmoniously in its surroundings.Thank you Castle Ring!
Cezz and Richard Williams,Half timbered extension, Bromyard
Visiting Rob at his home was the selling point for us. The fact that he had built his own oak frame house from start to finish gave us a great deal of confidence. Although we only wanted Rob to do the frame he understood all aspects of the build, and how getting the frame right at the start was a key factor to the finished look of the house.
A week into the build we went to have a look. What we saw was for us, one of the best parts of the build. We walked into Rob’s workshop to see the complete gable end of our house laid out in front of us. This just confirmed we had selected the right man for the job. The quality of the workmanship was very impressive and it made the project feel very real.
Six weeks later the frame was on site ready for erection. This could not have gone better. By 5 o’clock we were standing back looking at our finished frame enjoying a cold beer.
Working with Rob was a real pleasure, he understood that we didn’t have an endless budget but still wanted a first class job. He also appreciated we wanted to be as ‘hands on’ as possible and accommodated to suit. Nothing was ever a problem only a challenge. Rob’s enthusiasm is extremely infectious. We love our new home not just because of what we have but also for the way we have got here and the new friends we have made on the way.
Thank you