We spoke with Jonathon Minoli, Managing Director of Minoli, one of Pye Homes & Blenheim Estate’s longest-standing suppliers. Jonathon tells us about the company’s humble beginnings, their connections with Blenheim and which products they have selected for our homes at Park View.
Minoli was established in Oxford as Minoli & Co. Ltd back in 1960, having been founded in London many years before in the late 1940s. Minoli traded for many years before the move to Oxford and incorporation, always working with Terrazzo, marble and mosaic tiles, and then later with Italian ceramic tiles.
Originally located within the city , Minoli relocated to the newly developing industrial area in the east of Oxford, constructing a warehouse and terrazzo production plant. In 2013, Minoli returned London’s West End with the opening of a new office and showroom.
The Terrazzo manufacture and installation business was founded by Luigi Minoli, his son Peter moved the company more towards Italian tile from 1960 onwards and the current Managing Director is Jonathon Minoli, grandson of Luigi, so it really is a family business.
“Both Blenheim Estate and Blenheim Palace are long-standing clients of Minoli; the Palace has a very special place in the hearts and history of Minoli.” Jonathon tells us.
Although Minoli has supplied tiles for various projects and the homes in our lettings portfolio, two particularly stand out. The then-new dairy project at Park Farm, which utilised a very new tile technology, and the Palace’s new Visitor Centre in 2012. His Grace the 11th Duke of Marlborough and Lady Henrietta visited Minoli’s Oxford showrooms in person to choose tiles for the project, spending the day with Jonathon and his team.
“Minoli have worked with both Pye Homes and Blenheim Estate for many years on developments across Oxfordshire and beyond, but we were aware of how very special Park View is and its importance to the Blenheim legacy.” said Jonathon.
“Working closely with the specification team, a classic yet contemporary tile selection was put together featuring a choice of soft, neutral colours.” he added.
Highest quality Minoli ceramic and porcelain was sourced from Minoli’s Italian and Spanish production, representing the very latest designs in stone, concrete, and wood. The selection for Park View includes their Templestone, Concept and Flow ranges from the Core collection, all inspired by the latest design trends.