About Hartwell & Stone
Building Britain's Finest Homes Since 1987
James Hartwell founded this company in 1987 with a simple conviction: that every project — regardless of scale — deserves the same uncompromising standard of craftsmanship. He started with two employees, a Bedford van and a reputation built on doing things properly.
Nearly four decades later, Hartwell & Stone has grown into one of the South East's most respected construction companies, with over 45 directly employed staff and a portfolio spanning bespoke new builds, heritage restorations, elegant extensions and barn conversions. We've won industry awards, earned the trust of architects across the region, and completed 487 projects — but we've never lost the personal approach that built our reputation.
What sets us apart is simple: we directly employ our tradespeople. Our carpenters, bricklayers, plasterers and heritage specialists are part of the Hartwell & Stone team — not subcontractors who move between sites. This means consistent quality, clear accountability and a genuine pride in the work that clients notice immediately.
Every project is led by a dedicated project manager. Every client has direct access to our senior team. Every build is backed by our 10-year structural guarantee. Over 60% of our work comes from referrals and returning clients — and that, more than any award, is the measure we're most proud of.
Our Values
- 01 Craftsmanship — We employ skilled tradespeople directly — not subcontractors. Every joint, every finish, every detail reflects a pride in the work that can't be outsourced.
- 02 Integrity — Fixed-price quotations, milestone-based payments, fortnightly progress reports. No surprises, no hidden costs, no excuses.
- 03 Innovation — From BIM coordination to air-source heat pumps and MVHR systems, we embrace technologies that deliver better homes without compromising character.
- 04 Sustainability — Responsibly sourced materials, waste reduction targets on every site, and a commitment to achieving the highest possible EPC ratings.
Our Journey
Founded
James Hartwell establishes the company with two employees and a single van, working from a rented lock-up in Chelmsford.
First Major Contract
Awarded our first project exceeding £500,000 — a six-bedroom new build in Ingatestone. Team grows to 12.
Heritage Division
Launch of dedicated heritage and conservation team, beginning with the restoration of a Grade II* farmhouse in Writtle.
Commercial Growth
Victoria Ashworth joins as Commercial Director, professionalising estimating and contract management. Team exceeds 30.
Conversions Specialism
Establish barn and heritage conversion division, completing our first chapel-to-home project in Rayleigh.
LABC Recognition
Shortlisted for LABC Building Excellence Awards for the first time — for a Georgian restoration in Chelmsford.
Award-Winning
Win LABC Building Excellence Award for Best Residential Renovation. Team now exceeds 45 directly employed staff.
Meet the Leadership Team
James Hartwell
Managing Director & FounderJames founded Hartwell & Stone in 1987 after fifteen years as a site manager for Willmott Dixon. His obsession with quality and straight-talking approach to client relationships has shaped the company's culture for nearly four decades. He still visits every active site weekly.
Victoria Ashworth
Commercial DirectorVictoria joined in 2008 to lead our commercial operations, bringing a decade of quantity surveying experience from Mace Group. She oversees estimating, procurement and financial management across all projects, and is the reason 94% of our builds complete within budget.
Tom Aldridge
Senior Site ManagerTom has been with us for fifteen years, rising from apprentice carpenter to lead our on-site operations. His meticulous approach to programming and quality control has earned him an LABC Site Manager of the Year nomination. He leads a team of 18 directly employed tradespeople.
Eleanor Graves
Heritage & Conservation LeadEleanor holds a master's degree in Building Conservation from the University of Bath and spent eight years with Donald Insall Associates before joining Hartwell & Stone in 2019. She leads all our listed building, barn conversion and heritage restoration projects.
Daniel Okafor
Architectural Liaison & Design ManagerDaniel bridges the gap between design intent and buildability. With a Part II architectural qualification and ten years of contracting experience, he works alongside our clients' architects to resolve technical challenges before they reach site — saving time, money and compromise.
Awards & Accreditations
LABC Building Excellence Award 2024
Best Residential Renovation — The Willows, Chelmsford
FMB Master Builder of the Year 2023
South East Region — Residential Construction
Checkatrade Rated People Award 2022
Top-rated builder in Essex — 9.8/10 average from 140+ reviews
Federation of Master Builders
FMB Member No. 48291. Independently vetted and bound by a strict code of practice, with insurance-backed warranty protection.
TrustMark
TrustMark Reg. TM39841. Government-endorsed quality scheme with financial protection for consumers.
NHBC
Registered new-build house builder. All new builds covered by NHBC Buildmark 10-year warranty.
LABC
Registered Building Control partner. All builds inspected and certified to the highest standard.