Some residences quicken your pulse with bold styles and trendy elements, while others unfold their charm slowly, creating a warm and comforting atmosphere.
This home design, nestled within a country estate in Shropshire, England, falls into the latter group. A grand foyer, impressive architectural details, a sweeping staircase, and corridors leading to cozy corners all hint at a storied past. Under the vision of interior designer Guy Goodfellow, every aspect has been meticulously refined for contemporary living.
Library (left): Guy reconstructed and re-gilded the cornice to allow for fuller drapes. Lammertin wallpaper in Malachite, Guy Goodfellow Collection. Rug, Tim Page Carpets. Custom Alexandra sofa in Jasper Fabrics’ Grace-Willow, Michael S Smith. Custom ottoman in Fermoie’s Satchel. Mahogany side table, Sotheby’s. Kitchen (right): The island countertop features a built-in heating system to keep dishes warm. Kitchen by Cleary & Hall, equipped with a Lacanche range. Custom hand-painted Alcazar backsplash tiles designed by Douglas Watson Studio.
‘A truly successful country home must feel genuine and approachable, rather than grandiose,’ Guy remarks, reflecting on a four-year renovation process. ‘It’s about embracing the eclectic nature of traditional English decor, where “pristine” harmoniously coexists with “well-loved,” and the furnishings are intentionally mismatched.’
Kitchen: Two large tables were exchanged for banquettes to accommodate more guests. Banquettes in Twelve Bar Stripe in Sage, Sand & Wine, GP & J Baker. Dining chairs, Guy Goodfellow Collection. Pendant light from Soane Britain.
When Guy commenced work on the home, originally designed in 1814 by architect John Hiram Haycock, the interiors fell short of the building's grandeur. His client, who lives here with her adult son and frequently entertains, wished to honor the classic English country house aesthetic she admired.
‘While she has German and Danish heritage, she identifies as an Anglophile,’ he notes. ‘Our goal was to amplify that timeless essence – essentially restoring the house to a place where friends and family gather – without any hint of stuffiness or, for that matter, unreliable plumbing.’
Dining room: 'This space has hosted numerous memorable meals,' Guy shares. 'A chandelier brings elegance, balanced by the simplicity of the rug.' Design GII-03 sisal and hemp rug, Alton-Brooke. Chair seats in Rigoletto Velvet in Peat, Kerry Joyce; chair backs in Hintlesham in Tomato, Guy Goodfellow Collection. George II mirror, circa 1740, Edward Hurst. Fireplace by Jamb.
Renowned for his meticulous approach and maximalist aesthetic, Guy excels at making alterations so subtle they often go unnoticed. ‘I have an affinity for historic homes,’ he confesses, ‘but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be updated. In this instance, we relocated the kitchen to a sunny addition and designed bathrooms that resemble furnished rooms rather than just functional areas.’
Dining room: Guy finished the doors in faux bois to mimic rich mahogany. ‘I appreciate the numerous sightlines in the house,’ he says. ‘They create a cozy atmosphere.’ Curtains in Harris in Red Earth, Susanna Davis; lining in Howe’s Lattice in Old Stone. Oak painted and gilded curtain pole, David Bedale. Scagliola column, Max Rollitt. Cast bronze bust of Plato on breccia marble, Guinevere.
This philosophy permeates the home, where antique treasures coexist with original period features, and vibrant floral patterns blend with wall murals in deep ochres, chocolates, and tobacco hues. If everything appears as though it has always belonged, that's precisely the intent – although many components were recently introduced.
The dining room’s walls showcase a digitally reproduced tapestry series from Dumfries House titled Triumph of the Gods, with technology allowing the edges to be adjusted for a perfect fit on each wall. The richly textured finish adds warmth to the room's expansive proportions.
Main bedroom: A pear-shaped mirror brings a soft touch. Curtains and bed canopy in Bennison’s Palampore in Original on Oyster. Window seat (at foot of bed), Wakelin & Linfield; upholstered in Pierre Frey’s Dolino in Galet.
In the entryway, Guy refinished white columns in a deep oxide red to imitate porphyry, while doors throughout the residence feature a faux bois finish. The library bookcases were reassembled on a grander scale, and original pelmet boards were reworked, re-gilded, and reinstated to support fuller curtains. Even the stainless-steel kitchen island includes a concealed heating system for warm plates.
Bedroom (left): ‘We enjoyed styling each bedroom uniquely, from lush florals to textured solids,’ Guy explains. Headboard and valance in Temple in Lilac, Veere Grenney. George III table, Windsor House Antiques. Bedroom (right): This whimsical design features tent storage with chic ticking. Trumeau mirror, Kate Thurlow. Walls in English Toile fabric in Pale Blue on Oyster, Bennison. Tented wardrobe in Ian Mankin’s Ticking Stripe 1 in Airforce. Louis XVI fruitwood and inlaid marble top commode, Hugh Leuchars.
‘The thrill was in discovering the perfect piece,’ Guy recalls. ‘We spent joyful mornings with our client at various antique fairs. One day, we stumbled upon an oak curtain rod with gilded brackets that fit the dining room window flawlessly – that was a remarkable finding.’
This may explain why the renovation took several years, providing an impression that the home’s design evolved organically over time. For Guy, that’s the hallmark of a successful country house.
‘Picture coming home from a wet walk with the dog to a crackling fire and a hint of wood smoke,’ he suggests. ‘It’s about gathering with your nearest and dearest in lively spaces that foster conversation and joy.’ If this embodies the essence of delightful country living, this home has certainly achieved it.
