Henley Period Town House Renovation

Complete renovation of an exquisite family home

Located on a prime corner site in Henley-on-Thames, this beautiful period home needed a complete renovation to meet modern standards. The house had previously served as a nunnery and was later converted into flats before being sold as a family home. Despite requiring significant attentiveness, it retained many period characteristics to build from.

A six-bedroom period home set over three floors, offering great views over Henley-on-Thames.

After 11 years of living in the property and starting a family, the clients were ready to refurbish their period home. The project involved minimal building works but required reconfigurations to improve flow. The renovation project involved installing a new heating system, kitchen, utility room, cabinetry, improved storage, new bathrooms, lighting design, redecoration, and furnishings throughout. The goal was to create a mature, elegant home that reflected the clients' tastes and personalities. However, the project presented several challenges, including areas of dampness, poor flooring construction, and a strict four-month timeline.

The new layout created an open kitchen and inviting snug area for family movie nights, with bespoke cabinetry for the TV and travel mementos. The orangery was transformed into a light, airy room for entertaining, featuring a large dining table with mixed seating. The formal sitting room, previously lacking natural light, was opened up with a large Crittall-style screen to the orangery, allowing light to filter through. Jewel-toned Howard-style sofas and cabinetry created a relaxing retreat.

The family study was enhanced with bespoke cabinetry and bookshelves, providing ample storage and a sophisticated atmosphere. The original wood floors in the entrance hall, study, and orangery were refinished with a lighter stain, bringing them back to life. In the porch, decorative floor tiles replaced the wood, and bespoke bench seats with storage were added. Panelling was introduced to the entrance hall walls and continued along the staircases and landings, adding to the home's period charm.

On the first floor, an elegant Master Bedroom and en-suite were created using striking Lewis and Wood wallpaper. The Master Dressing Room included a sofa bed and glass-fronted wardrobes, providing ample storage. The second floor was dedicated to the children, featuring two double bedrooms, a dressing room, a bathroom, and a snug area with a reupholstered sofa and TV. This space was designed to be fun and vibrant, giving the children a comfortable and stylish area to relax and play.

The colour scheme throughout the home was a mix of rich colours such as emerald blue, ochre, terracotta, salmon, aubergine, charcoal, and nutmeg. Flooring included renovated existing wood, new carpets, decorative tiles, and stone. Lighting was carefully selected to include architectural lighting, decorative fixtures, and cabinetry lighting, ensuring each space was both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Our goal was to create a family home that highlighted the beautiful period features while representing the family living there. By designing around the family's ornaments and artwork, we believe we achieved a space they are proud to call home, securing the house's future for years to come.