Old homes often hold their secrets close, revealing them only gradually to their owners. Much like nurturing a lasting friendship, the journey of discovery in a historic property can be a fulfilling experience. Matt and Holly Clements, the dedicated owners of this Georgian cottage, embarked on a six-year renovation journey that allowed them to intimately know their residence. The outcome of their efforts has resulted in a grade-II listed village home that truly stands out among the best in the world.
Constructed around 1715 in a quaint village within the UK's South Downs National Park, this four-bedroom cottage became the canvas for Matt and Holly's vision. They began by focusing on the exterior, stripping away a pebbledashed cement render and restoring the iconic Georgian sash windows, before turning their attention to the interior.
Kitchen – Charming and Unfitted
This elegant kitchen showcases unfitted elements that add character, making it a perfect fit for a historic home while also complementing contemporary designs. The previous owners installed the simple white cabinetry, but Matt and Holly plan to update them soon. In the meantime, they refreshed the walls and cabinets with a lovely paint called Quiet Grey from Atelier Ellis.
Holly, who runs a business specializing in antique and vintage furniture under Hambledon Home, frequently updates the decor as new pieces come into her collection. Central to this kitchen is a cherished farmhouse table and chairs from her grandmother, complemented by a vintage chandelier that brings a romantic touch with its original crystals.
Some existing kitchen cabinets received an upgrade with Devol handles and a brass hanging rail for kitchen utensils over the soft white Everhot range cooker.
Inviting Living Room
After removing the damaging pebbledash from the exterior, Holly and Matt tackled the living room's restoration. They were surprised to discover that the wall surrounding the bay window was also covered in cement render on the inside, which required more chiseling and lime plastering before it could become the cozy retreat it is today.
The living room is essential for family gatherings, being one of the few areas, along with the kitchen, that accommodates everyone. To achieve a calm ambiance, Holly chose simple furnishings in neutral tones, vintage treasures, and smart storage solutions. The matching leather armchairs from the 1950s were found on Vinterior, and a vintage Indian cot serves as a unique coffee table. A jute rug adds a touch of warmth.
Stylish Bedroom
The renovation journey has been both challenging and rewarding, especially in the main bedroom. Although it appeared to be in good shape initially, Holly and Matt soon discovered that the original beams were concealed beneath a false ceiling, wrapped in crumbling insulation. Tackling this messy task required patience.
As they delved deeper, they uncovered multiple layers of plasterboard added by previous owners. After removing five layers, they were pleasantly surprised to find a Georgian fireplace hidden beneath and original wide plank floorboards that needed some care after being altered for modern plumbing and electrical work. They carefully restored the old boards using wire wool and white spirit.
For those seeking inspiration for a traditional bedroom, this space offers numerous ideas while showcasing its stunning original features. The couple opted to leave the original brick on the fireplace wall exposed, allowing it to tell the cottage's history, while lime rendering the remaining walls.
Behind the bed, Holly envisioned something more decorative. Inspired by a fragment of the room's original floral hand block-printed wallpaper from the 1700s, she chose Garland by Flora Roberts from Hamilton Weston Wallpapers to serve as the room's statement piece. The other walls were painted with Earthborn's St John clay paint, resulting in a beautiful room that honors its past while feeling contemporary, truly reflecting the Clements' approach.
Charming Bathroom
This delightful bathroom blends original features, such as the prominent beam running across the space, with a modern marble-like finish and a frameless shower surround. Holly emphasizes the importance of incorporating contemporary amenities, ensuring the house isn't merely a replica of the past but rather a thoughtfully renovated space. These guiding principles are beneficial for anyone exploring bathroom ideas.
The wooden flooring, sourced from a 400-year-old barn, pairs beautifully with the exposed original beams, which were revealed after removing a plasterboard ceiling. Vintage accessories, including a Georgian tilt-top table, a French mid-century painting, and rustic decor add a touch of character.
Child's Room
The children's bedrooms are stylish and uncluttered, embodying the same curated vintage charm found throughout the home.
For those seeking inspiring kids' room ideas, this space offers adaptable solutions as children grow. Holly believes their restoration journey has positively impacted the kids, who have participated in the process by painting walls and helping to arrange their rooms.
This room features an antique chair and mirror displayed on a peg rail, creating a whimsical touch. The walls and paneling are painted in Atelier Ellis' Stony Ground.
Exterior – Front of House
The front exterior had been marred by a pebbledash cement render applied in the 1950s, which was stripped away to reveal the original beauty. A breathable limewash, color-matched to the original paint found beneath the cement, was applied by specialists. This limewash is reapplied annually to help mitigate the scars left on the brickwork.
Despite the added time and costs, Holly and Matt prioritized a proper restoration using traditional materials from the cottage's original construction, allowing it to breathe once more. They also restored the Georgian sash windows, using hand-blown glass for authenticity.
Backyard Transformation
This charming backyard seating area was created from a previously unusable section of cement and chalk. The family enjoys using this outdoor space for alfresco dining, conveniently located just outside the kitchen. The Hungarian trestle table and antique chopping boards add a rustic touch, complemented by a vintage window mirror sourced from an antiques fair.
This inviting outdoor area is the perfect finishing touch to the thoughtfully renovated Georgian cottage.
Bouquet from The Real Flower Company
