A Baroque House in Dorset
This is one the finest country houses in Dorset, Chettle, designed by the renowned Baroque architect, Thomas Archer. After two centuries in the same family, the house was sold to new owners in 2015. We were thrilled to be asked to help with the interior redecoration and remodelling. We worked alongside a huge team of craftsmen and other specialists, lead by our friend Hugh Petter, of Adam Architecture. Pip Morrison, the landscape architect with whom we collaborate on many projects, restored the gardens, park and surrounding farm and woodland.
The new owners wanted a classic country house atmosphere, but with strong flashes of colour and life, to prevent the building feeling like a historic house museum. The intention was to create a building that was a happy, friendly, family home – bringing the kitchen from the basement to the piano nobile, and breathing new life into old rooms.
The reconstruction of the house was significant, as it was in an advanced state of decay as the work began. We worked closely with Hugh’s team to develop all the interior architectural details for new rooms, kitchen, bathrooms, and the new panelled drawing room. When it came to the decoration and furnishings, we worked closely with the owners – who have a great love of old furniture – in developing and extending their existing collection, and designing new upholstery and curtains for all the rooms. The project was a huge and ambitious exercise which rightly won a Georgian Group award in 2019.
