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An 18,000 square feet country retreat with astounding proportions and unique detailing, sitting within 260 acres of architectural land. Taylor Howes was tasked to create the interior of this unique family home, nestled in the Oxfordshire countryside which has received classification as a ‘Building of Unique Architectural Merit’ and has one of the largest domestic thatched roofs in Europe, measuring approximately 1,400m². The building, designed by architect Richard Parr Associates features two connected wings and a top-lit glazed gallery.

Our role was to shape the interiors without competing with the building itself. We let the structure and its detailing lead, then layered in texture and materiality to deepen what was already there, straw marquetry alongside fossilised stone, surfaces that feel raw yet refined, tactile yet quietly exacting. The family of five envisioned a rustic yet considered and comfortable design, inspired by African lodges to house their collection of African art. In line with the retreat feeling, the clients also requested that the home included a gym, cinema and a wine store for their collection.

As ever, the most meaningful moments came through collaboration, where the clients were keen to commission artisans to using locally sourced materials. Working closely with our clients and highly skilled craftspeople, we developed one-off pieces that carry a sense of story, made to suit the family’s life now and the history they’ll continue to build within it.

Photography: Luke White