Heritage Restored
Modern life within old walls
A Granary Reimagined
Part of a former mill’s granary dating back to the late 1800s, this property in Lenwade is steeped in history and surrounded by nature. With views over a quiet stretch of river, the building already carried a serene atmosphere – but the kitchen, with its cream tones, freestanding furniture and traditional shaker doors, felt disconnected from the home’s striking character.
The aim was to create a kitchen that felt contemporary, yet deeply respectful of the building’s heritage. We embraced a natural aesthetic, layering different slab door finishes – wood accents mixed with stone décor fronts – to bring warmth, texture and individuality to the scheme. The outcome is a space where the granary’s past is woven seamlessly into modern life.
Where Function Meets Celebration
A standout request from the client was to incorporate a bar area, and we knew it needed to feel more than functional – it had to make a statement. Set within a tall bank of larder units, the bar now glows with self-lit shelving and a bronze mirrored back, a focal point that invites conversation and sets the scene for entertaining.
At the centre of the room, the freestanding dining table was replaced with a generous island. This not only extended the worktop space but created a hub of connection, with a circular timber breakfast bar comfortably seating four. Positioned perfectly, it ensures no one is left out of the conversation while meals are being prepared – a thoughtful blend of practicality and sociability.
Details That Tell a Story
Every finish in this kitchen was chosen with intention. The industrial tones of the Trillium Dekton worktops nod to the building’s working past, while the client’s flooring choice echoed the same effect for cohesion. Warm metallic bronze trims pick up the glow of the bar’s mirrored back, their impact shifting with the delicately placed lighting – bright and welcoming for breakfast, ambient and intimate for evening gatherings.
Open oak-effect shelving creates cubbies for characterful objects, bringing a touch of the home’s quirkiness into play. The brushed steel tambour dresser ties seamlessly with brushed steel–effect wall units, another considered layer in the design. Together, these finishes weave past and present into a scheme that feels both authentic and contemporary.
This kitchen is more than a place to cook. It’s a retreat – to breathe in the view, to feel both held and inspired by its surroundings. A kitchen that belongs to its setting – and to its owners.
From the home owner:
“Our designer was brilliant. He listened to absolutely everything we said and delivered us the most fabulous kitchen. Every choice felt collaborative, and we were guided through all the options available. We’re so glad we went for the timber breakfast bar – it just adds something.” – Mr and Mrs C.
Kitchen choices:
StoneArt Grey Slate Reproduction and Brushed Inox Doors • Bronze Handleless Trims • Trillium Dekton Worktops • Bronze Mirror Splashbacks • Sierra Oak Reproduction Shelves
Come and step inside…
Set within a beautifully restored 19th-century granary, this riverside home blends history with modern ease. Textured stone and warm wood finishes nod to the building’s past, while subtle metallic accents bring a refined, contemporary touch.