We are so pleased to announce our latest award for Best Paving from Ideal Homes in their 2024 Ideal Home Garden Awards! The Ideal Home magazine is a household name in the UK and has been a leading authority on interior design, architecture, and home improvement for over 100 years. Recognised for its trendsetting influence and commitment to showcasing innovative products, the magazine's annual Ideal Home Awards program is a coveted recognition for brands across various design categories. Winning an Ideal Home Award signifies a product's exceptional quality, design innovation and leading the way in elevating home and garden spaces.

The Importance of the Best Paving Award

Within the prestigious Ideal Home Awards program, the Best Paving Award stands as a testament to the company's commitment to excellence in the realm of outdoor design. This specific category recognizes paving solutions that not only enhance the aesthetics of a garden but also prioritise functionality, durability, and suitability for various garden styles. Winning this competitive award indicates that our paving has impressed a panel of design experts and is considered to be at the forefront of the outdoor design industry. Here's what some of the panellists had to say...

'With strong roots to the area on which it's produced, eco-friendly Westminster Stone's vast selection of colours and textures ensures there's a style for any outdoor paving project,'

Jenny McFarlane.

'The fact Westminster Stone's reproduction paving has been approved for listed building projects and is endorsed by the National Trust speaks volumes about its authentic appearance. Plus, the brand's commitment to environmental sustainability is fantastic to see,'

Amy Lockwood

The Rigorous Competition Process

The judging criteria for the Best Paving Award are comprehensive and designed to evaluate every aspect of a nominated product. The judges typically consider factors like:

  • Aesthetics: Does the paving offer a visually appealing design that complements various garden styles?
  • Innovation: Does the product utilise innovative materials or production methods to enhance functionality or performance?
  • Durability: Is the paving crafted to withstand the rigours of weather and regular use?
  • Functionality: Does the paving provide a safe, comfortable, and low-maintenance surface for outdoor spaces?
  • Suitability: Can the paving be seamlessly integrated into different garden landscapes and designs?

By excelling in these key areas, a company demonstrates a deep understanding of the needs and aspirations of homeowners seeking to create beautiful and functional outdoor spaces. We explore the benefits and beauty of stonecast paving below...

Yorkstone Paving Slabs

The star of the show was our Yorkstone Paving slabs. These exquisite slabs are handcrafted using original Yorkstone masters, authentically replicating the charm of this prized material. Their characteristic riven texture and warm, varied hues create a sense of welcoming elegance, perfect for patios, pathways and any outdoor area where you desire a touch of classic style. Showcased on the popular show Escape to the Château (alongside the unique Old Provence Terracotta Lozenge and Charcoal Tiles), Yorkstone paving can transform your outdoor space with its character and appeal.

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Why choose Stonecast Paving for your Garden?

Britain's landscapes are enriched with the history of Yorkstone paving, gracing everything from ancient castles to charming cottages. We understand the beauty of this heritage material. However, genuine Yorkstone can be expensive and challenging to source in large quantities. So we created a design-savvy solution: Stonecast, an innovative take on meticulously hand-crafted reproduction Yorkstone paving Slabs. Stonecast captures the essence of natural Yorkstone, making it ideal for homeowners seeking to elevate their outdoor spaces with a touch of tradition. Unlike mass-produced imitations, Stonecast prioritises quality and authenticity.

The secret lies in our unique approach. John Clifford, Westminster Stones Managing Director, personally develops moulds using sourced originals from around the country. These meticulously hand-crafted moulds capture the natural riven texture and subtle variations of timeworn stone, ensuring exceptional authenticity. This dedication to detail results in paving that seamlessly blends the charm of antiquity with modern practicality and has previously been approved for listed building projects and endorsed by the National Trust for preserving historical accuracy.

Stonecast isn't just about aesthetics; it is built for the discerning designer. Crafted with a proprietary recipe using only the highest quality raw materials, Stonecast offers exceptional durability, natural slip resistance, and resistance to frost. This weather-resistant material is specifically designed for the British climate, ensuring your garden endures for generations.

Westminster Stone's commitment to sustainability complements any design-focused project. Where possible, we prioritise locally sourced materials near our Shropshire base, minimising transportation needs and reducing their carbon footprint. By offering a readily available, long-lasting product in Stonecast, We reduce the demand for quarrying natural stone, further contributing to environmental sustainability.

Every piece of Stonecast paving is a testament to our dedication to craftsmanship and sustainability. It offers timeless beauty, exceptional practicality, and a Made in Britain option for your design project. With Westminster Stone, you're not just acquiring paving; you're investing in a tradition of design legacy that graces your garden for years to come.

Winning the Ideal Homes Award for Best Paving is a true honour, and it reinforces our commitment to providing exceptional flagstone solutions for your outdoor space. Westminster Stone's Stonecast paving offers the perfect blend of aesthetics, functionality, and durability, all while being kind to the environment.

Ready to transform your garden with award-winning paving? Browse our extensive collection of Stonecast online or visit one of our showrooms to experience the quality and beauty firsthand. Let Westminster Stone help you create a garden that reflects your unique style and stands the test of time.

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Westminster Stone has been manufacturing and retailing its Stonecast flagstones and flooring products for over 35 years. Stonecast is an award-winning highly refined, and exceptionally high-quality concrete product - the best on the market!

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About the Author

Sian McHugh

'Sian has been working with us at Westminster Stone for over 5 years and has developed expertise in garden design and landscaping. Her passion for nature extends to tending her own garden, teaching yoga and hiking during her free time.'