Rosewood Manor: The Design Journey
Rosewood Manor, nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds, is a testament to the harmonious fusion of historic charm and contemporary design. Set within 2.3 acres of rolling countryside, this traditional Cotswold stone manor has been meticulously renovated to cater to the needs of a growing family relocating from London. We’re sharing the design journey behind the project – from concept to installation.
Understanding the Client’s Vision
The clients envisioned Rosewood Manor as their forever home—a sanctuary that balances the historic character of the property with the demands of modern family life. Key priorities included creating adaptable spaces for family living, integrating areas for entertaining, and ensuring the design supported their home-based business. The brief for the interior design was to create a relaxed, country style, celebrating the property’s history while incorporating contemporary elements. A timeless aesthetic was a priority, with a focus on natural materials, soft textures, and an inviting atmosphere that balanced elegance with everyday practicality.
A significant aspect of the renovation was the introduction of a dedicated Pilates Studio — a newly constructed building thoughtfully designed to complement the historic character of Rosewood Manor. This serene and functional space is seamlessly integrated into the estate, offering a refined environment for wellness while honouring the architectural legacy of the property.
Conceptualising the Design
The design process for Rosewood Manor began with the creation of simple line sketches, serving as a foundation to explore and refine initial concepts. These sketches allowed the design team to experiment with spatial arrangements and architectural elements, facilitating a deeper understanding of the property’s potential. Building upon these preliminary drawings, the team developed a detailed 3D model of the existing structure, providing a comprehensive understanding of the space and enabling informed decision-making. This model became instrumental in visualising various design interventions, allowing for the exploration of different layouts and configurations. The 3D model also played a crucial role in the planning process, aiding in the acquisition of necessary permissions and ensuring that the envisioned changes would enhance the property’s functionality without compromising its historic essence. By starting with basic sketches and progressing to advanced design tools, the team ensured a thoughtful and iterative approach that fully realised the clients’ vision. The result is a renovation that not only meets but exceeds expectations, delivering a harmonious blend of historic charm and contemporary living.
Integrating Modern Living with Historic Architecture
A significant transformation involved merging two separate reception rooms to create a spacious open-plan kitchen-living area—the heart of the home. This central hub is designed to foster family interaction and accommodate gatherings, featuring wide glazing that connects the interior with the landscaped gardens. The formal living room, with its triple aspect and traditional fireplace, offers an elegant yet inviting atmosphere, enhanced by Crittall-style doors that provide a seamless transition to the outdoors.
Additional spaces, such as a bespoke boot room and a reconfigured first floor, were thoughtfully designed to meet the practical needs of the family while maintaining aesthetic harmony with the historic architecture.
Visualisation and Client Involvement
Throughout the design process, visualisation tools played a crucial role in communicating concepts and refining the design. The creation of a 360-degree virtual reality tour allowed the clients to experience key spaces first-hand, providing clarity on spatial flow and atmosphere as if they were in the room itself. This immersive approach enabled the clients to make informed decisions and offer feedback, ensuring the final design aligned with their vision.
Addressing Design Challenges
One of the challenges encountered was the integration of a structural steel beam to support the upper floor when combining the kitchen and dining rooms. This intervention resulted in a slight reduction in ceiling height and the presence of structural nibs. Rather than viewing these as limitations, they were embraced as design opportunities, incorporating elements like a window seat to soften transitions and enhance the space’s character.
The Interior Finishes
The interior design of Rosewood Manor thoughtfully combines timeless elegance with modern functionality. Natural materials are at the heart of the design, with reclaimed oak flooring adding warmth and character to the space. Warm neutral tones are used throughout the property, creating a cohesive and calming palette that enhances the sense of serenity. The kitchen features a large sociable island and a bespoke dining table that extends to seat 14, forming the perfect hub for gatherings. The boot room pairs rustic terracotta floors with bespoke joinery, offering tailored storage solutions that are both practical and beautifully crafted. On the first floor, the layout was reconfigured to enhance luxury living—transforming a smaller bedroom into an en-suite for the primary bedroom, accessed through a bespoke walk-in closet. These design choices not only elevate the home’s functionality but also create an inviting atmosphere that balances refined elegance with everyday practicality.
The Finished Home
The clients were delighted with the outcome, describing the home as a place where they feel a deep sense of peace and belonging. Reflecting on the process, the homeowner Lucy shared, “I created a vision board of my style. Then six weeks later the Interior Design team presented to me what they envisioned for each room — I was just blown away by everything they showed me. HollandGreen have created my dream home.” Associate Director of Interior Design, Charmaine White, adds “We’re really delighted with the results of this renovation – we’ve created a design that stands up to the needs of modern family life, but we also feel that we’ve truly captured Lucy’s vision and created a space that she will love for years to come.” This project beautifully illustrates what’s possible through a sensitive, collaborative approach to design, resulting in a home that truly feels like a sanctuary.
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