A historic country residence in the UK has undergone a sensitive renovation to balance modern family needs with its period character. The Georgian home, originally the village vicarage and a school in the 1850s, now serves as a family home for entrepreneur Claire Vero and her husband Alex. The couple moved into the property in May 2018 after leaving a terrace house in Fulham, seeking more space and a greater degree of freedom for their growing family.
Updating the historic structure
The project required a careful balance between preserving the home’s original features and introducing modern functionality. Claire Vero worked with interior design studio Salvesen Graham to curate a look that is cohesive and visually appealing. They kept all original fireplaces and coving, and specialists replicated damaged cornicing and architraves rather than replacing them. Structural changes included enlarging the kitchen and reconfiguring spaces to separate family areas from more formal rooms.
The renovation team, The Bespoke Building Company, overhauled the plumbing, wiring, and roof, while architects Smallwood proposed combining the old billiard room with the main bedroom to create a suite with separate dressing rooms. These modifications aimed to keep the original structure of the house intact while making it practical for daily life.
The interiors are defined by rich hues and tactile layers. Claire Vero selected Edward Bulmer Natural Paint for its deep pigmentation and breathability. The color palettes were built around fabrics and wallpapers, with the dining room featuring a richer scheme and the sitting room adopting a warmer tone. Furniture layouts were carefully arranged to make large rooms feel intimate, particularly in the drawing room, which has a real sense of occasion and is a space where the family can come together.
Living in harmony with the surroundings
While the interiors are a focal point, the couple also engaged Mazzullo + Russell to transform the exterior. The grounds feature formal, planted areas alongside a meadow with mown paths and ponies grazing. This blend of formal garden and wilder field space allows the family to enjoy the outdoors in different ways and makes the most of the natural surroundings.
Following its renovation, the house has become a popular location for commercial shoots. The family is selective about bookings, considering the upheaval required when hosting productions. Recent campaigns have included shoots for Varley and Jo Malone London, and the property appeared in the BBC drama Wild Cherry.
Managing the outdoor areas
Ms. Vero collaborated with Mazzullo + Russell to manage the outdoor areas. The design team created a mix of formal planting and wilder spaces. The family uses these areas for different activities throughout the year and enjoys the variety of outdoor spaces.
Campaigns hosted at the house have featured well-known brands. The BBC drama Wild Cherry also used the location this year.
