CHARACTER DRIVEN

A sympathetic conversion uses every inch of space in this charming Victorian cottage in Derbyshire

decorating tip ‘Grey is the perfect colour to use when you want to create a modern country feel’

Amanda Hamilton and her husband John Thornhill were determined to stay true to the heritage of their traditional stonemason’s cottage when they embarked on its creative remodelling. ‘Although we yearned for more space, John and I were mindful of enhancing the character of what was already a much-loved home,’ says Amanda.

Back in 2007, Amanda, who runs Amanda Hamilton Interior Design, had viewed the cottage, located next to the River Ecclesbourne, and seen the potential others had not. ‘I could see why viewers had been put off as it didn’t have a proper kitchen,’ she says. ‘However, it was structurally sound and had a wealth of period features. Plus, I loved the fact that attached to the property was a stone lock-up, where in the past village drunks would have been kept overnight.’

Having moved in with daughters Charlotte, Emily and Olivia, who are now 25, 22 and 18, the interior designer began brightening their dreary surroundings by making curtains and blinds for every room. ‘Since very little of our furniture would fit up the spiral wooden staircase, I had to bide my time and get bedroom furniture made,’ says Amanda. With Shaker-style kitchen units installed, the cottage finally began to feel more homely. However, as the girls got older and Amanda met and – in 2010 – married

John, their characterful abode began to feel cramped. Reluctant to move, the couple drew up plans to convert the cottage. ‘We could see that turning a temporary garage into a garden room that we could use as a dining space would work well,’ says Amanda. ‘Having earmarked the lock-up as a family room, we reconfigured the rest of the downstairs layout to gain a sizeable laundry room and a cloakroom.’

In June 2014, when building work began, stones from the lock-up were taken down and numbered before being transported by John to a local stonemason to be cut. They were then reused as two sides of the new family room’s exterior. Having always admired New England-style properties, the pair agreed that weatherboarding the other two walls of the lock-up and echoing this on the garden room wall would be in keeping with their riverside setting.

Meanwhile, Amanda turned her attention to the interior design. ‘I chose a neutral palette as a backdrop to create a cohesive feel between the existing and converted areas,’ she explains. Despite the upheaval of living in the cottage while the six-month project progressed, the couple are delighted they took the plunge. ‘The cottage now feels as though it has real soul,’ says Amanda. ‘If the original stonemason who used to live here walked in today, I hope he’d be pleased. We certainly are.’

VERANDA ‘We store the vacuum cleaner and mops in the cupboard outside the laundry room, while the settle is where we sit and take our wellies off after we’ve walked our dog, Pepper,’ says Amanda. Star doormat, £25; wall lights, £50 each, Amanda Hamilton Interior Design

GARDEN ROOM The former garage is now a spacious dining space complete with tongueand-groove panelling that echoes the exterior weatherboarding. Panelling in Pointing estate eggshell, £64 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Grand Paris pendant lights, £85 each, Garden Trading. Pembroke dining chairs, £149 for two, Dunelm, have a similar look

FAMILY ROOM Stripes, stars and pom-poms add plenty of personality, but the pared-back palette ensures the look remains sophisticated. Ektorp corner sofa, £850, Ikea. Roman blinds and curtains, made up in fabric similar to Ian Mankin’s Ticking Fabric O1 in Smoke, £29.50m

DINING AREA Amanda painted the old pine table and chairs to give them a brand new lease of life. Large glass cake stand and dome, £46.99, Solavia Glassware, is similar

LAUNDRY ROOM ‘This enlarged space is a real bonus for our active family,’ says Amanda. Byholma storage basket, £6, from Ikea would work here. Medicine/first Aid metal box, £19.99, Wayfair, is a good alternative KITCHEN A carpenter was commissioned to make up Amanda’s design. Bespoke units in All White estate eggshell, £64 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Try reclaimed quarry tiles, £2.52 each, Wilsons Yard

GUEST ROOM Pom-pom fringing on the blind brings pretty pops of colour to the smart navy and white space. Anglepoise Type 75 Mini Metallic desk lamp, £165, Inspyer Lighting

GIRLS’ BATHROOM Spotty floor tiles and a stripy blind inject a fun touch. Cath Kidston Spot floor tiles in Dove Grey, £46.79sq m, Harvey Maria

MASTER BEDROOM The serene all-white scheme is lifted with touches of pale blue toile. Chantilly White bed, £499, The Cotswold Company, would suit. Dar Vyana tiered pendant light, £336, Ocean Lighting, is similar

OLIVIA’S BEDROOM The striking bed canopy gives this room a fresh, feminine feel. ‘Spraying an old brown rattan chair white has worked a treat here,’ says Amanda. Rainbow fairy lights, £29.95 for 20, Cable & Cotton, are comparable