On an estuary in Devon, this 18th-century house had all the ingredients of a spectacular country home but when we first saw it, it felt a little sad. It had been in the same hands for around 30 years and, while the proportions were good and much of the character remained, the property needed to be brought back to life.
There was relatively little structural work to do, so our focus was on refreshing the house sensitively. Everything from the roof to the wiring was carefully updated, while retaining the original charm. Outside, the gardens were restored, with local stonemasons brought in to rebuild the walled garden so the landscape felt just as considered as the interiors. The house is now a relaxed weekend retreat for the couple and their young children.
The aim was to create a classic English country house that was designed for everyday life. We wanted to respect the heritage and character of the house, drawing on the traditional country-house style we love, but rework it to feel younger and more relaxed. Nothing was intended to feel formal or fussy. We wanted the house to feel full of personality and properly lived in – nothing was to be shut away or saved for best. Above all, we wanted people to relax here rather than worry about muddy boots or spilled drinks.
That meant choosing materials that could take some wear and tear, including from children and dogs. In the snug, for example, we used Unnatural Flooring, which is hardwearing enough to withstand dirty paws without compromising on comfort. The finished house combines traditional country-house colours with natural materials, antique furniture, decorative fabrics and pieces from Studio HÁM.