Our Story

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.
Milestones

Our Journey

1987

Founded

James Hartwell establishes the company with two employees and a single van, working from a rented lock-up in Chelmsford.

1994

First Major Contract

Awarded our first project exceeding £500,000 — a six-bedroom new build in Ingatestone. Team grows to 12.

2003

Heritage Division

Launch of dedicated heritage and conservation team, beginning with the restoration of a Grade II* farmhouse in Writtle.

2008

Commercial Growth

Victoria Ashworth joins as Commercial Director, professionalising estimating and contract management. Team exceeds 30.

2015

Conversions Specialism

Establish barn and heritage conversion division, completing our first chapel-to-home project in Rayleigh.

2019

LABC Recognition

Shortlisted for LABC Building Excellence Awards for the first time — for a Georgian restoration in Chelmsford.

2024

Award-Winning

Win LABC Building Excellence Award for Best Residential Renovation. Team now exceeds 45 directly employed staff.

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Our People

Meet the Leadership Team

Portrait of James Hartwell, Managing Director & Founder at Hartwell & Stone

James Hartwell

Managing Director & Founder

James 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.

MCIOBSMSTSFirst Aid at Work
Portrait of Victoria Ashworth, Commercial Director at Hartwell & Stone

Victoria Ashworth

Commercial Director

Victoria 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.

MRICSBSc Quantity Surveying
Portrait of Tom Aldridge, Senior Site Manager at Hartwell & Stone

Tom Aldridge

Senior Site Manager

Tom 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.

SMSTSCSCS Black CardNVQ Level 6 Construction Management
Portrait of Eleanor Graves, Heritage & Conservation Lead at Hartwell & Stone

Eleanor Graves

Heritage & Conservation Lead

Eleanor 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.

MSc Building Conservation (Bath)IHBC AffiliateSPAB Fellow
Portrait of Daniel Okafor, Architectural Liaison & Design Manager at Hartwell & Stone

Daniel Okafor

Architectural Liaison & Design Manager

Daniel 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.

ARB Part IIBIM Level 2 CertifiedRIBA Associate
Recognition

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.

Let's Discuss Your Vision

Every exceptional home begins with a conversation. Book a complimentary consultation — we'll visit your site, listen to your aspirations and provide honest, expert guidance with no obligation.

Call 01245 267 891 Start a Conversation