When Christine and her partner Kevin decided to downsize they chose to design and tailor the perfect space to meet their new requirements. Through careful planning and a knack for maximising on space, they have transformed a small courtyard cottage from cramped and compartmentalised into stylish open-plan living.

TEST Chris and Kevin’s cottage originally comprised four downstairs rooms and one upstairs room. The couple decided to knock out the interior walls that separated the kitchen, sitting room and the passage between the two, supporting the space with reclaimed oak timbers. Their new kitchen, dining and sitting area opens out into the garden in summer and its clever design gives a wonderful illusion of spaciousness

Chris and Kevin’s cottage originally comprised four downstairs rooms and one upstairs room. The couple decided to knock out the interior walls that separated the kitchen, sitting room and the passage between the two, supporting the space with reclaimed oak timbers. Their new kitchen, dining and sitting area opens out into the garden in summer and its clever design gives a wonderful illusion of spaciousness

TEST The cottage is a master class in how to take a modest space and transform it, almost magically, into an elegant, contemporary and welcoming home

The cottage is a master class in how to take a modest space and transform it, almost magically, into an elegant, contemporary and welcoming home

TEST Adhering to a clean palette of whites and shades of grey, Christine has accessoried each room with crisp linens and painted wood furnishings ensuring that each room looks effortlessly uncluttered

Adhering to a clean palette of whites and shades of grey, Christine has accessoried each room with crisp linens and painted wood furnishings ensuring that each room looks effortlessly uncluttered

TEST A door to the right of the sitting area leads to a cosy, and more private, second sitting room-cum-study where the couple can relax in the evening

A door to the right of the sitting area leads to a cosy, and more private, second sitting room-study where the couple can relax in the evening

TEST Neither Chris nor Kevin are fans of clutter or knick-knacks so the whole house has a distinctly minimalist feel

Neither Chris nor Kevin are fans of clutter or knick-knacks so the whole house has a distinctly minimalist feel

TEST Situated on the ground floor, the master bedroom is a cool white space dotted with soft furnishings courtesy of one of Chris’s favourite shops, The White Company, plus cushions that she has crafted herself

Situated on the ground floor, the master bedroom is a cool white space dotted with soft furnishings courtesy of one of Chris’s favourite shops, The White Company, plus cushions that she has crafted herself

TEST Against the master bedroom wall is propped a boot fair mirror that Chris has given the Annie Sloan treatment

Against the master bedroom wall is propped a boot fair mirror that Chris has given the Annie Sloan treatment

TEST Despite its modest size, the cottage features two bathrooms, one en suite to the master bedroom

Despite its modest size, the cottage features two bathrooms, one en suite to the master bedroom

TEST A tranquil family bathroom

A tranquil family bathroom

TEST Next to the sitting room, a discreet staircase leads up to a pretty, vaulted guest bedroom

Next to the sitting room, a discreet staircase leads up to a pretty, vaulted guest bedroom

TEST The shared courtyard is a lovely sheltered space in which to relax

The shared courtyard is a lovely sheltered space in which to relax

  • words:
  • pictures: David Merewether
  • styling: Lucy Fleming

Building Connections

After nearly a decade of planning, Dominic and Eve were finally given permission to convert a pair of derelict barns, linking them together to create one very beautiful dwelling Words: Jo Arnell Photographs: David Merewether The story arc of an...

Change it up

Neil and Sharon Maidment’s reconfigured family home is the result of a very successful partnership with OPEN architecture, who opened their eyes to a new layout they never imagined was possible Words: Fiona Patrick Photographs: David Merewether The green modular...

Cut to Fit

Deborah Harrison downsized to a three bedroom house, which she renovated and reconfigured, reinstating the original Victorian features and editing family heirlooms to suit her new home and lifestyle “As William Morris says, ‘Everything has to be beautiful or useful,’”...