Do you design and install in Northamptonshire and Leicestershire?

Yes, we design and build bespoke home cinema rooms across Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, and nearby counties.

Can you help with room acoustics and calibration?

Yes. Our designs include acoustic treatment plans, and we calibrate audio and video for reference-grade performance.

Do you offer a demo room?

Yes, you can experience our dedicated demo room to see screen size, sound, seating, and lighting before we design yours.

How much does a custom home cinema room cost?

The cost of a bespoke home cinema room varies depending on room size, equipment, and design preferences. Most projects range from £10,000 to £50,000.

How long does a home cinema installation take?

Installation time typically ranges from 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the room's complexity and required construction.

Do you handle both design and installation?

Yes, we manage the entire process—from 3D acoustic design and product selection to full installation and calibration—for a seamless experience.

Can you build a cinema room in a garage or basement?

Absolutely. We frequently convert basements, garages, and spare rooms into dedicated cinema spaces, optimizing for acoustics, lighting, and comfort.

What kind of audio and visual equipment do you use?

We partner with top-tier brands to deliver 4K projectors, Dolby Atmos surround sound, acoustic treatment, and custom seating for an immersive experience.

Do I need planning permission for a home cinema room?

In most cases, no planning permission is needed for indoor conversions. If structural changes are required, we’ll help guide you through local requirements.

Can I try a demo before deciding?

Yes! We have a dedicated demonstration room where you can experience our cinema setups firsthand. Book an appointment to feel the difference.

Can you integrate smart home controls into the cinema setup?

Yes, we can seamlessly integrate lighting, blinds, and AV controls into your home automation system, so you can control everything with a touch or voice command.

What room size is best for a home cinema?

While we can design systems for nearly any space, an ideal home cinema typically starts at around 3m x 4m. We’ll help you optimise the acoustics and viewing experience, regardless of size.

Torbay Picture House given £200,000 grant

17 Jan

Written By Ben Hobbs

Old heritage cinema with red seats and art deco ceilings

rows of red seats for historic heritage cinema paignton picture house in torbay

the old film projector in teh projection room at the oldest surviving purpose built cinema in Europe

Torbay’s Historic Paignton Picture House Awarded £200,000 Grant for Restoration

One of Britain’s most treasured heritage cinemas, Paignton Picture House in Torbay, has just been awarded a £200,000 grant from Historic England. The funding will help restore its stunning stained glass windows and intricate stonework, breathing new life into this extraordinary piece of cinema history.

A Cinema Steeped in History

Opened on 16 March 1914, Paignton Picture House is widely believed to be the oldest surviving purpose-built cinema in Europe. Designed in the theatrical free Baroque style with Art Nouveau flourishes, the building features a grand entrance, elegant stained glass, and ornate decoration that reflects the glamour of early 20th-century film-going.

When it first opened, the Picture House was more than just a cinema — it was an experience. Audiences enjoyed the accompaniment of a 21-piece orchestra, each musician paid a guinea per performance, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.

Inside the Paignton Picture House

The cinema was designed with comfort and innovation in mind. It could seat 375 guests — 271 in the stalls, 104 in the circle, plus three private boxes at the rear for an additional eight people.

It was also ahead of its time in technology, fitted with a pioneering ventilation system that kept audiences warm in winter and cool in summer — a true luxury for 1914. How to build modern home cinemas.

Famous Faces and Local Legends

Perhaps the most famous patron was Agatha Christie, who lived nearby and had her own reserved balcony. She often watched films there with her butler, who would serve her drinks while she enjoyed the silver screen. Christie even referenced the cinema under a fictional name, The Gaiety, in her writing.

Surviving Original Features

Despite the years, many original features remain intact. Visitors can still admire the:

Original tip-up seats
Art deco wall lights, handcrafted by a local smith
Pastel-coloured décor
Stunning ceiling details, including sculpted heads of silent film stars Douglas Fairbanks Jr as Moses and Mary Pickford

Preserving Britain’s Cinema Heritage

This latest grant is part of a wider regeneration project to ensure the Paignton Picture House continues to inspire future generations. With its rich heritage, unique architecture, and ties to cultural icons, the building stands as a living reminder of the golden age of cinema.

The restoration will help Torbay strengthen its cultural offering, attract visitors, and celebrate the timeless magic of film in one of the UK’s most historically significant cinemas.

Ben Hobbs

Ben is the MD of Thailand's first Smart Home company - H3 Digital. He uses his Home Technology experience to bring homes to life, featuring the latest in Home Cinema, Multi Room Audio and Lighting Control Systems.

https://www.cinema-at-home.co.uk/