Hill House, Oxfordshire

This commission involved a major external redesign.

A London client had purchased an ordinary looking farmhouse and wanted to make it distinctive – specifically more decorative. He was disappointed with his architect’s initial suggestions and asked me to propose alternative ideas.

I suggested converting the house into a cottage orné and presented a concept based upon elements of Endsleigh House and Kelmscott, with front gables, a leaded bay window on the staircase and decorative bargeboards. The client adopted my concept and I subsequently worked on finishing details such an ornamental chimney, Gothic windows (inspired by local Oxford colleges) and pargetting. I also worked on sourcing for the interiors, putting together a colour scheme and buying furniture from local auction houses; I was very happy to find several original Robert Adam doors and frames from Compton Verney.