Touchwood Bespoke
Our Story
Thirty years of craft, rooted in Woodbridge, Suffolk.
"Customer service is at the very heart of everything we do. We are always proud of our completed projects and pleased to be trusted time and time again by repeat customers."
Steve Harding — Founder
The Journey
Three Decades of Making
The Early Years
Born from a Love of British Craftsmanship
Touchwood began with a simple passion: the art of the English cabinet maker. From our workshop on Sandy Lane in Woodbridge — where we have been based for over 30 years — we crafted handmade reproduction British antique furniture of exceptional quality. Each piece was built entirely by hand, faithful to the proportions, joinery techniques and character of the Georgian and Victorian originals.
Export Era
Crossing the Atlantic
Our reputation for authentic reproduction furniture soon reached beyond Suffolk's borders. Throughout the late 1990s and into the 2000s we were exporting our handmade pieces to the United States, where demand for genuine British craftsmanship was strong. American clients valued the quality and provenance of furniture built the old way — with solid timber, traditional joinery and no shortcuts.
A Turning Point
Recession, Reinvention & Natural Evolution
The global financial crisis of 2008 fundamentally changed the luxury furniture export market overnight. Rather than simply weather the storm, we saw an opportunity. The skills we had spent decades refining — precision joinery, hand-finishing, a relentless attention to detail — translated perfectly into bespoke kitchen manufacture. We made the transition and never looked back. Our first kitchens were built with the same ethos as our antique reproductions: entirely handmade, built to last a lifetime.
Growing Roots
A Reputation Built Project by Project
Word spread across Suffolk and beyond. Homeowners, architects and interior designers discovered that Touchwood kitchens offered something rare: true bespoke craftsmanship without a factory behind it. Every kitchen is designed and made specifically for its owner — no catalogues, no standard modules, no compromises. Repeat clients and referrals became the backbone of our business.
Today
Sandy Lane Workshop & Quayside Showroom
In November 2024 we opened our showroom on the Quayside in Woodbridge — a beautiful space where clients can experience our work in person, discuss ideas and begin their journey. Our Sandy Lane workshop, where the same craftsmen have been building furniture for over three decades, remains the beating heart of everything we do. Two spaces, one philosophy: make it properly.
Where to Find Us
Two Spaces, One Standard
Workshop
Sandy Lane, Woodbridge
Our home for over 30 years. This is where every piece is designed, built and finished by hand — the same craftsmen, the same standards.
Showroom
Quayside, Woodbridge
Opened November 2024. A curated space on the Woodbridge Quayside where you can see our work in person, explore materials and begin your project.
Our People
The Showroom Team
Dedication. Expertise & Passion.
Vanessa Vance
Director & Head of Sales
Vanessa began her career in the kitchen department of a national retailer, where she progressed from selling kitchens to designing and then on product procurement and pricing. After moving into the property industry for an 8 year stint, Vanessa joined Touchwood as company director in 2023.
vanessa@touchwoodbespoke.com
Martin Kemp
Lead Designer
Martin joined Touchwood in 2012 as a trainee designer. Fast forward over 10 years and his superb designs have been at the heart of so many successful projects. Fully trained on the latest software releases, Martin produces hugely impressive photo-realistic CGI imagery, giving clients great confidence when making important design decisions and final product choices.
martin@touchwoodbespoke.com
Sophie Douglas
New Homes Department
With a BA in Architecture and over 20 years' experience in creating residential schemes and bespoke interiors for the London property market, Sophie recently returned to live in Suffolk and joined Touchwood in 2023. She has a keen eye for detail and a practical approach, working closely with clients to reflect their project style and meet their budget requirements.
sophie@touchwoodbespoke.com