The Dower House
by Rachel Cropper Studio

Rachel Cropper Studio has masterfully transformed Dower House, integrating a glass box extension, garage, and coach house to create functional office and gym spaces. This renovation caters to a young family and their beloved dogs, ensuring every corner exudes comfort and accessibility without compromising on aesthetic appeal.

The project’s organic and informal brief emphasised creating a home where no rooms felt off-limits. Inspired by the beautiful grounds and expansive views, the design seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor elements. Rachel Cropper Studio retained a limited amount of the client’s existing furniture, focusing on restoring heirloom pieces and sourcing new items with sustainability in mind. Naturalmat beds and mattresses, along with handcrafted items from independent artisans, underscore the studio’s commitment to craftsmanship and longevity.

A focal point of the project is the master bedroom suite, which includes a dressing room and en-suite bathroom. This area serves as a sanctuary, featuring unexpected textures and muted high drama elements that reveal themselves over time. Highlights include wool-clad doors with a studded hummingbird motif in the dressing room, a book-matched Liberty marble wall in the double shower, and Rose Uniacke wool curtains set against Stereo linen walls in the master bedroom. Hand-crocheted Naomi Paul wall and pendant lights add a unique touch of elegance.

No detail was overlooked in creating a warm, inviting environment for rest and relaxation. The use of deep cushioning wool carpets from Crucial Trading, known as ‘Snug,’ provides a plush underfoot experience. Wool blinds and curtains, linen walls, and studded wool joinery enhance the textural richness of the space. The bathroom, adorned with heavily veined marble, and the limed oak bed draped in heavy linen, contribute to the overall sense of luxury.

The material palette’s softness ensures that the architectural features and stunning views across the hills take center stage. Each window frames a picturesque scene, highlighted by the natural materials used throughout the design.

Rachel Cropper Studio has created a timeless ‘forever home’ that harmonizes with the period nature of the building and its surroundings. This restoration not only respects the heritage of the Dower House but also introduces a modern elegance that will stand the test of time, making it an ideal sanctuary for the family to enjoy for years to come.