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Why Traditional Stonemasonry Methods Continue to Work Traditional building methods have endured for centuries not because of sentiment or tradition alone, but because they work. Long before modern products and accelerated construction schedules, buildings were designed to perform through balance, repairability, and an understanding of how materials behave over time. Stone, lime, timber, and lead were chosen not as rigid, permanent fixes, but as responsive materials capable of

Reflecting on the Past Year in Traditional Stonemasonry As another year comes to a close, it provides a valuable opportunity to reflect on the work completed, the relationships built, and the direction ahead. Over the past twelve months, our focus has remained firmly centred on traditional stonemasonry, thoughtful repair, and the careful stewardship of historic buildings. We are sincerely grateful to the clients who have entrusted us with their properties, memorials, and long

At Salthouse Stonemasonry progress has never been about rapid growth for the sake of it. Instead, it has always been rooted in craft, care, and a long term commitment to traditional building methods. Over the past year, that steady approach has culminated in what we can confidently say has been our most successful and defining year to date. This success has not come from one single milestone, but from a series of considered progressions that have strengthened our business, ou

At Salthouse Stonemasonry we are often asked whether our work can be described as “bespoke”. The short answer is yes. We design and create individual stone features for clients, including fireplaces, architectural mouldings, hand carved plaques and one off commissions. Every piece is carefully planned, measured and shaped to suit the needs of the project. However, the true identity of our craft goes far beyond the idea of simply being “bespoke”. The heart of our work lies in

In a world moving faster every year, it is easy to forget the quiet, steady value of true craftsmanship. Machines are becoming smarter, AI is reshaping industries and mass-produced materials are more available than ever before. Yet with all this progress, something essential is at risk of being lost: the human touch that gives stonework its soul. At Salthouse Stonemasonry, we believe the future of traditional craft depends on the choices we make today. This is why we are lean

We live in a time of astonishing change. Artificial Intelligence is now writing, designing, and building at incredible speed. Every week brings new digital tools that make our lives easier but also take us further from the physical world. Yet as our surroundings become more virtual, something deeply human is stirring within us. The more we automate, the more we long for the touch of real materials and the honesty of true craftsmanship. The Irreplaceable Human Touch At Salthou

Hot lime mortar continues to emerge as a top choice for restoring, maintaining, and building period properties. As we produce this exceptional material in-house, we’re eager to share its many benefits and applications with you. This blog post highlights the advantages of hot lime mortar, its unique properties, and the reasons for its rising popularity among both DIY enthusiasts and professionals in the building field. Hot lime mortar is not just another building material; it

Introduction: The Overlooked Ingredient in Limework When we talk about making hot lime mixes , everyone focuses on the lime , quicklime quality, slaking method, curing, and storage.But few people consider one crucial detail: the water . Using the right water can dramatically change how your lime putty behaves, feels, and performs. And among all the options, rainwater stands out as the best choice , not just for traditionalists, but for anyone who wants to get the most from t

Introduction Hotlime mortar, sometimes called hot-mixed lime , is an ancient building technique that’s experiencing a major revival in...

Have you ever stood in front of your community’s war memorial and really looked at it?Not just in passing, but closely, noticing the...

At Salthouse Stonemasonry, we believe that the best way to care for a building in the present is to work with the same respect and...

Why Hot Lime Mortar is the Only Choice for Heritage Restoration At Salthouse Stonemasonry, we are fully committed to using hot lime...

The Different Types of Stonemasons: Understanding the Craft Behind the Stone Stonemasonry is one of the oldest and most respected trades...

Relief carving a bee in sandstone is a subtle art one that blends form, texture, and tooling technique. At Salthouse Stonemasonry, we...

A visit in the name of tradition, detail and doing it properly Haddon Hall is one of those places where the past speaks quietly but...

Hot-Lime vs Lime Putty: The Sticky Debate For centuries, lime has been the backbone of traditional masonry and conservation work....

When it comes to restoring traditional buildings or working with natural stone, choosing the right mortar is essential. At Salthouse...

Stonework is built to last — but only if it’s treated with care. When it comes to cleaning stone, especially on heritage or older...

At Salthouse Stonemasonry, we believe that knowledge should be shared. The world of stonemasonry and lime mortar applications is built on...

At Salthouse Stonemasonry, we’ve always believed in the timeless beauty of natural stone. Recently, we had the pleasure of installing a...