For the latest in our Renovations We Love series, we visited a spectacular Old Rectory being lovingly brought back to life in the rural English countryside. A truly breathtaking Grade II listed property surrounded by impressive grounds, we can’t wait to show you around The Old Rectory and share some seasonal styling inspiration just in time for Christmas too.
First built in the early1800s, Jo and her family moved into The Old Rectory in February 2019 and quickly began their journey to restore the impressive property. Harnessing a polished palette of heritage tones, an abundance of timeless brass accents and balancing tradition and grandeur to shape the sophisticated aesthetic, The Old Rectory is every bit as exquisite as you might imagine.
On her interior style, Jo notes, "We have tried to keep a traditional feel to our home, whilst incorporating a mix of new furniture with old treasured items from both families. I think the injection of colour into the interiors stems from wanting to give the house a new lease of life whilst respecting its heritage."
The Kitchen
In the spacious open plan kitchen, marble worktops are married with painted cabinets in Grey Teal by Little Greene, each finished with gleaming brass hardware from our Cotswold collection. Skylights fill the room with natural light, whilst glass dome pendant lights crown a covetable contrasting island and freestanding butcher’s block.
Kitchen accessories are kept to a minimum for a clean look, ensuring the bespoke cabinetry paired with luxury brass hardware remains the focus of the room.
Features our Cotswold Cup Pull & Cotswold Bun Knob in a burnished brass finish.
The Pantry
The kitchen leads into a hidden pantry nook, beautifully framed by floor-to-ceiling cabinets, a feature with function to display Jo’s collection of glassware.
Through the doors, you’ll find a classic belfry sink with further bespoke cabinetry and open shelving to emulate the design of the shaker-style kitchen.
Features our Cotswold Cup Pull & Cotswold Bun Knob in a burnished brass finish.
The Barn Conversion
Sitting pretty alongside the main house is a beautiful rustic barn conversion. A lockdown project for Jo and her husband, Jo shares, “The barn really has had a total transformation. We repointed the brickwork inside and out, repainted, added a new floor, sandblasted the radiators and that was just the beginning.” Presenting an instantly warm and inviting feel, inside, the barn doors open to a statement curved island by Hill Farm Interiors - creating an exceptional entertaining space that in the summer months can overflow to the patio.
Features our Cotswold Drawer Pull in our burnished brass finish.
The Snug
A charming corner nestled beneath the staircase proves that just a few considered pieces can transform this often-overlooked space into a sophisticated snug. Richly toned woods and opulent upholstery add warmth and comfort, mirrored by traditional burnished brass cabinet hardware to adorn the understairs storage - a welcoming space to cosy up in by all accounts.
Features our Cotswold Bun Knob in our burnished brass finish.
Christmas Styling ala Old Rectory
The season to start dressing our homes for Christmas will soon be upon us and so we asked Jo to share her tips for flourishing your home with festive decor ala Old Rectory. Jo suggests adding lots of candles and lamps to create a cosy ambience, "Simply dimming the lights can make a huge difference to the feel of a space."
On what she loves most about the season, Jo says, "Having the space to entertain family and friends and create long-lasting memories with our boys is most important for us. We are only custodians of this house, so Christmas is about filling it with laughter, love and lots of Quality Street!"
There’s no denying the Old Rectory serves up all the inspiration needed for effortlessly sophisticated Christmas styling with an abundance of festive foliage and luxurious golden touches creating an idyllic setting for gathering over a glass of champagne with friends and family.
Christmas decor ideas to try in your home this Christmas:
- Fill a simple glass vase with twigs to bring the winter outdoors in - the taller the twigs the more dramatic the look
- Keep it natural with rustic linen napkins and a simple pine cone or sprig of spruce for an effortlessly seasonal place setting
- Opt for ornaments in a metallic tone to reflect the hardware around your home
- Tapered candles look elegant no matter the occasion, place these throughout the kitchen and dining room
- Transform shelves with lavish garlands or simply string warm white lights for an enchanting glow
Feeling Inspired?
Get the look with our Cotswold collection