A new cobblestone company is being launched on the Island to bring an old world look designed to stand up to modern wear and tear.

Just Cobble has been formed by Derek Theisen and David Ralston ? two men who hatched the idea to go into business for themselves when both reached career crossroads.

Mr. Theisen, an accountant and certified financial analyst, decided to take a year off from the corporate world.

Some travel around the world when on a work break: Mr. Theisen set about doing home improvements, and hatched the idea of the cobblestone business.

Mr. Ralston also decided to take a year off. The former golf course superintendent at Castle Harbour, then at Tucker's Point, he also was looking for something new to do.

The two met at a party, and got chatting about packing in old careers in the interest of something new. Now they are joint partners in the cobbling business, with the ability to cobble drives, patios, interiors, and in and around swimming pools.

While cobblestones may bring to mind quiet old world streets, the cobblestones that Just Cobble use are made under a technique developed in Holland ten years ago.

The product has taken off in the UK, and more recently has expanded into US markets. Just Cobble in Bermuda is supplied from Florida.

Mr. Theisen said each project the duo undertakes is in close consultation with what the client wants. The cobblestones can be laid in various patterns.

"We quote on a job-by-job basis," he said, adding that the cost of laying cobblestone is comparable to pouring concrete.

The cobblestones come in four tones: grey, terra cotta, tan and brick red. And the cobblestones can be laid on either concrete surfaces or over sand beds.

New techniques mean the cobblestones, made with man-made dyes, are resistant to significant fading. And the pair say the surfaces are also made to meet international non-slip standards. They'll withstand heavy weight too, making them ideal for driveways.