An exploration into the thin boundaries between art, design and cars.
As you drive along Lincoln Road (B1190) you pass a stunning Elizabethan Hall within the sleepy village of Doddington. Just past a crossroads you notice a break within the woodland on your right. Here you are greeted with business units beautifully dressed in cedar wood cladding. Welcome to the aptly named “Cedar Parc”. You’ve arrived at Richards of England.
ROE are proud of their heritage and thus they have strived to only use British businesses and products where possible to construct and fitout their showroom. This celebration of all things British is evident from the moment you open the door at No 1 Cedar Parc. A luxurious green tartan Axminster woollen carpet invites you inside. The walls are painted in “Pompeian Ash” by British paint company “Little Greene.” These are gently lit by wall lighting above framed articles and artwork. Of course, you accept their invitation to continue down the hallway towards the warming glow of the lounge area.
You are met with a stunning contemporary lounge via a glass partition bearing an etched ROE emblem. The reading area is lit by a pendant light crafted from aluminium, which pays homage to the body shells of Aston Martins. A vintage rosewood coffee table sits beneath with a stylish brown leather button back sofa with chairs on either side. All of which were again, designed and made in Britain. The walls are painted in the softer “Book Room Green” and are tastefully decorated with memorabilia and artwork. An impressive solid rosewood desk sits proudly beneath the artwork, which is again, littered with memorabilia.
Once you take a seat to embrace the lounge, you will notice the bar area on the left. A vast collection of spirits, beer, champagne and soft drinks sit proudly, and of course coffee, via a barista Sage coffee machine served in Aston Martin Heritage finery. Whether you request a Negroni or a macchiato, their attentive staff will more than happily oblige. All whilst ambient music plays, adding to the warm atmosphere.
To the right of the desk, you will notice a hand built bookcase by a local cabinet makers located within the “Cedar Parc” community. This is filled with rows of classic car reading materials and bespoke leather crafted restoration books. ROE restoration books are designed in-house and crafted from the same Connolly hide used on their custodian’s car.
Hours can be spent here in the bar and lounge area. I like to think Paul (ROE Owner) has managed to create a relaxing space that “blurs the lines” between art and cars. The perfect space for an Aston Martin enthusiast to unwind. However, this is not the main reason you visited...
As you walk towards the showroom the light begins to dance across the paintwork of an Aston Martin. Your attention is suddenly split as behind the Aston is something of a spectacle, a stand out feature. A ‘black and white’ 8 meter mural depicts an iconic racing scene involving Sir Stirling Moss at Goodwood in the DBR1. You suddenly begin to reminisce of the time when you first saw an Aston Martin. Perhaps this was Goldfinger, Thunderball or GoldenEye on the big screen? Either way, you remember the real reason why you came. The cars, and ROE already have the ones you enquired about ready for you to test drive. As you sit waiting patiently for your test drive to begin the mural begins to unfold, revealing a route to the Lincolnshire countryside.
On returning to the showroom from your drive, you are given the time to relax and discuss your potential acquisition. Finally, your visit wouldn’t be complete without Paul personally showing you around the workshops, showcasing the facilities and ongoing restorations. It’s the small details like this that make purchasing a car with ROE so memorable.
Best wishes and we hope to see you soon.
James Taylor | ROE Marketing Manager
Photos by Tim Scott.
