The Country Cottage
A thoughtful renovation of a historic country cottage, blending original character with light, warmth and modern family living.
Location: Countryside setting
Property: Historic country cottage
Scope: Full renovation project
Service: Full interior design and renovation consultation
Focus: Preserving original character while introducing light, functionality and modern comfort
Formerly a priest’s house believed to date back over 300 years, The Country Cottage is a charming two-up, two-down period property rich in character and architectural detail.
The renovation centred on preserving and celebrating the home’s original features while carefully introducing a lighter, more contemporary feel throughout. Existing beams, fireplaces, panelling and woodwork were thoughtfully restored and enhanced, allowing the cottage’s history and personality to remain at the heart of the design.
One of the home’s most striking spaces features original dark timber beams and a traditional fireplace, softened through layered patterns, natural textures and carefully considered interior details inspired by the surrounding gardens. The interiors were designed to retain the charm and character of a quintessential country cottage while introducing a lighter, brighter feel through refined modern finishes and thoughtful interior touches.
Particular attention was given to the staircase and upper landing, where previously exposed cabling beneath an open staircase presented both visual and practical challenges. Bespoke cabinetry was seamlessly integrated beneath the stairs, with detailing carefully etched into the panelling to mirror the home’s original door frame carpentry. The result is substantial hidden storage that feels entirely sympathetic to the age and character of the property.
Throughout the cottage, colour and material choices were approached with great care. A custom green paint was developed by selecting a pigment directly from the mural-style wallpaper, creating continuity between the staircase, woodwork and surrounding interiors. As the staircase ascends, the scheme subtly transitions into a lighter palette, bringing contrast while maintaining cohesion.
Lighting and fittings were fully updated throughout, with bronze finishes selected to complement the warmth of the restored timber and period detailing. Pooky lighting introduced softness and character, while bronze Victorian-style radiators added a refined yet traditional feel to the spaces.
The bathroom combined classic and contemporary influences, pairing French toile wallpaper with modern fittings and practical family-friendly flooring solutions to create a space that feels timeless yet functional.
In the bedroom, a calm neutral palette and open wardrobes were used to maximise the sense of light and space, while subtle blue accents carried through from the bathroom create warmth and continuity without overwhelming the room.
The result is a home that feels layered, characterful and deeply inviting - a thoughtful restoration that honours the cottage’s history while embracing the beauty of its surrounding gardens, subtly bringing the outside in through colour, texture and interior inspiration.
