Historical Hampshire School Transformed into a Contemporary, Relaxing Residence for Habitation
In a stunning transformation, a 250-year-old brick and flint detached house in Hampshire has been metamorphosed from a disheveled, garishly painted property into a picture-perfect country home that seamlessly merges modern rustic design with classic charm. The property, once comprising two cottages and a former school hall, had succumbed to neglect until it was discovered by the current owners on Rightmove.
Louise Pope, a yoga teacher, and her architecturally-trained husband, Alex, who has overseen numerous property renovations, recognized the opportunity that the neglected home presented. Despite its initial unimpressive appearance, they envisioned creating their ideal residence within its walls.
The transformation began with the introduction of more windows to bring light into the property, followed by extensive work on the interior. The lath and plaster kitchen ceiling was removed, and old flooring and lino were scrapped. The most significant structural change was the removal of a wall that divided the cottages from the old school hall, allowing for a more fluid living space.
Alex explained that they discovered there was no concrete beneath the flooring, just earth, so they poured a new concrete slab over most of the ground floor. Wherever possible, original timbers were preserved, with any shortfalls covered by reclaimed timber. The low plasterboard ceiling on the first floor was removed to create extra height and reveal original beams.
The couple utilized raw, natural materials to maintain the property's authentic character. The kitchen-dining room features a partially obscured round window and a brick fireplace, both of which have become prominent features of this dramatic space, which boasts lime-rendered walls. The flooring is original, while the reclaimed unit, wooden worktop, and cobbles in the fireplace were sourced from a salvage yard.
The utility room showcases a fun touch with the use of terracotta tiles and a York Stone sink found in the garden. The living area features reclaimed floorboards and lighter paint colors to brighten the space, while the double-sided woodburner permits the family to enjoy the fire from both the living room and playroom.
The main bedroom benefits from private access thanks to the reopening of a sealed staircase from one of the cottages. The second bedroom features picture rails, allowing the couple to easily switch artwork for a fresh look. The bathroom retains exposed brickwork around the fireplace, creating a striking backdrop for a Picasso print and a Demijohn vase.
The renovation project aimed to blend the property's original character with modern elements, reflecting the style often seen in publications like Country Homes & Interiors. The result is a harmonious blend of old and new that creates a unique and inviting living space that combines the elegance of traditional architecture with the comfort of modern life.
The utility room, adorned with terracotta tiles and a York Stone sink, showcases a fun and stylish addition to the home's renovation, merging functional elements with a creative flair reminiscent of home-improvement projects. The couple's priorities in interior-design were evident throughout the home, as seen in the blend of reclaimed materials and raw, natural elements, reflecting the lifestyle they envisioned in their newly transformed residence, skillfully presented in a home-and-garden magazine like Country Homes & Interiors.
