In Progress: Surrey Victorian Manor House – A Characterful Family Home

A modern interpretation of a Victorian classic, preserving its charm

Brief: To create a cohesive home in my clients’ Victorian Manor House, preserving the charm of the period while infusing it with a fresh, modern aesthetic.

Style: Traditional undertones with a modern twist.

Services: Full design concepts and moodboards; lighting and electrical plans; kitchen, bathroom and WC design; joinery design; curtain fabric selection and installation; full sourcing and supply of all furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E); design specifications for contractors.

Transforming a manor into a forever home

This family of five, alongside their cat and curious hamster, have found their forever home in a magnificent Victorian Manor House nestled in the heart of Farnham. This property immediately captured their hearts, set against a backdrop of mature trees and rolling countryside. Having lovingly renovated the barn and annexe on the estate, they knew the main house would be their most ambitious undertaking and one they didn’t want to navigate alone.

Creating a warm and inviting sanctuary

Our design journey began with a shared vision: to transform this impressive seven-bedroom home into a warm, inviting sanctuary that celebrates the building's history while feeling fresh and relevant to modern family life. Brimming with original architectural features and period character, the house provides the perfect canvas for thoughtful restoration and reinvention.

Before

From the outset, it was important to honour the home’s existing charm while introducing subtle contemporary layers. My clients’ existing furniture serves as the foundation. We are weaving these pieces into newly designed spaces, complemented by carefully selected fabrics, bespoke joinery, and a tailored lighting scheme that adds both function and ambience.

We are redesigning each room with a clear purpose, whether it’s a serene master suite, a lively family room, or a quiet reading nook tucked within the hall library. The design ethos remains constant: to create elegant and effortless spaces, steeped in character and warmth.

Working together, layering textures and history

Having captured their vision during the initial design phase, we have embarked on a collaborative journey—layering textures, restoring period features, and designing each room to reflect the family’s lifestyle, values, and aesthetic. From intricate joinery to custom curtain designs, no detail is overlooked.

As we breathe new life into this timeless home, I look forward to sharing more of the transformation, room by room, as we bring elegance, comfort, and a sense of story to every corner of this remarkable Victorian Manor House.