Jacobean Manor House

This Grade 2-listed 17th century country house was in sound condition but had been stripped of its soul a few decades ago. Our task was to infuse the nine-bedroom house with atmosphere and radically reimagine the layout to give every corner a purpose for the owners. Along with this, we created a self-contained flat for their grown-up daughter. The old drawing room made way for a spacious new kitchen, with an adjoining double-height larder leading onto a butler’s scullery and wine cellar. This enabled the couple to entertain in a way that didn’t feel formal or stiff but also have discreet help as required. The old kitchen became the library. Painted in rich tones of aubergine and bruised mulberry with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, this dark and unloved space was transformed into a dramatic but cosy room that feels as if it has always been there. Guest bedrooms each have their own distinct personality and atmosphere, and a boot room was fashioned from an unused rabbit warren of small, dark rooms at the back of the house. A rich, dynamic collection of pieces reflect the owners’ passions, creating a sense of belonging and making it hard to distinguish between what is new and old.