The renovation has reimagined a classic Cotswolds country aesthetic

Most homeowners might approach renovations with some trepidation, but for Alice and Richard Horton, since Richard’s sister-in-law, Laura Horner, runs her own interior design practice, the prospect was tinged with excitement. ‘It meant she was in our corner when it came to working with architects, quantity surveyors and builders,’ says Richard. ‘Also, she and Alice share a similar sensibility, which resulted in many fruitful hours visiting antique shops and artisans.’

The couple, who had a home in London, began looking for another property to be closer to their parents and spend more time in the countryside. The Cotswold stone house they found in a village near Burford was built more than a century ago, initially with a modest footprint. Over the years, it was added in the form of a double-height extension, plus a garage outbuilding.

‘The extension resulted in two staircases, which helped with circulation in some respects, but we always felt you could see the connection between old and new,’ says Richard. ‘Plus, the outbuilding was ready for renovation.’

(Image credit: Andrew Tort)

With Laura, the couple made plans for one Orange To add to the side of the house, plus a compact living quarter above the garage. The Snug, which was once a dining-TV-room hybrid, will be transformed into a more comfortable space for family movie nights. Minor changes include moving the entrance and hallway for a more ergonomic approach and removing doors from the former dining room.

‘We wanted to move the wall, but we found we couldn’t,’ says Richard. So we call space a Boot room. It was an off-the-cuff decision, but being in the middle of the house, it worked out better than we could have imagined.’

(Image credit: Andrew Tutt)

The couple were also keen to turn one of the bedrooms into a playful bunk-bed space. ‘I remember sharing a room with my brother and really enjoying it,’ says Richard. ‘We wanted to create a sense of childhood nostalgia for our own children too – it’s a place for them to make memories.’

Laura created an elegant design for the bedFive who sleep, find a local joiner to make them. ‘He had a passion for detail,’ says Laura, ‘down to the tiny diamond carvings in the panels.’

Much of the joy of this project came from working with local artisans and sourcing British fabrics. ‘There are so many amazing craftsmen,’ reflects Laura. ‘We found handpainted tiles at Tiles of Stow, painted lampshades from Sarah Blomfield and antiques from Tetbury to complement the tones of the family room.’

Inspired by the colors of the landscape and the mellow tones of Cotswold stone, Laura created plans that pay homage to classic English country style, underpinned by fresh, light touches referencing the couple’s travels in Morocco and southern France. ‘Alice’s brief was for it to feel like a living country house, so we knew color and pattern were key,’ says Laura. ‘It helps that she’s got high praise for fabric brands including Sone, Rose Yunyake and Nina Campbell.’

Bhabhi also had some unexpected finds, including a vintage rush mat from France at the Sunbury Antique Market. ‘Many people tried to buy it from us as we carried it back to the car,’ smiles Laura. ‘It was so big that we were able to use it in the kitchen and dining room, cutting it down ourselves, leaving some to spare for the entrance hall. Such pieces always make a home more interesting.’

(Image credit: Andrew Tutt)

With its textural finishes, fine fabrics and soft terracotta, ocher and olive tones, the house ultimately ‘feels comfortable, harmonious and pulled together,’ concludes Richard. ‘There’s room for all of us, and we love that our loved one had a hand in the interior.’ The result, perhaps, is a very real family home.

Family room

‘These green tones are warm in winter and cool in summer,’ says designer Laura Horner.

Dining area

(Image credit: Andrew Tutt)

Oranges were started so that the family could eat while overlooking the garden.

kitchen

The existing kitchen cabinetry was painted, complemented by new stone tops and handles.

(Image credit: Andrew Tutt)

Walls and cabinets finished in brown-toned pink lend both warmth and gentle modernity.

Living room

(Image credit: Andrew Tutt)

‘We wanted this to be an adult zone, with a cosy, autumnal feel,’ says Laura.

Twin bedroom

‘This room is light neutral, but retains plenty of textural interest,’ says Laura.

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(Image credit: Andrew Tutt)

The family often dines under the shade of an olive tree.

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