The long room at the front of the house seduced Laurence instantly. Four deep panelled windows with stone transoms and mullions and a lose yourself inside fireplace makes for an architecturally very sophisticated space. To create a real sense of rhythm and to make a home for Laurence's huge library, MDF shelves (yes, there will always be a home for MDF at Poshington Manor) were built the length of the room. So that symmetry could be achieved, Laurence got Baz the carpenter to create an entirely concealed door to get over the fact the downstairs loo was right in the middle of the bookshelves. Covered in resin cast book spines, no-one knows it's there. For the room, Laurence drew a special new design for wallpaper in rich chocolate and coral which was also used over the bookcases including the cornice Laurence designed with this in mind. On the floor, his Rococo pattern carpet was bordered in a plain colour woven to match the wallpaper.

Sofas made to Laurence's drawings by Andrew Reeves and curtains by Fabric Mills create an immediate sense of cosy welcome that stops the Great Room feeling too clubby or masculine. 17th century doors found on site were converted (without harming them) into tables and the old bronze finish of the modern radiators contrasts with the brighter copper of the specially commissioned lampshades created to stand on some shelves. Hand made coral tiebacks made for Laurence by The Original Book Works in Cirencester create an amusing focus that continues the coral theme started by the brown silk cushions from Dubai and continues in the coral style accessories from Barbados. Just visible on the staircase are wall lights created from stag antlers that are designed as a bit of an in-joke about grand country houses. When the fire is lit and the ice is melting in the gin and tonic, the Great Room is a perfect place to chat with visitors, read the Sunday papers or nod off with a spaniel on your chest.