A House above The Valley
Somerset
Working alongside interior designer Rebecca Roberts, we delivered a complete programme of bespoke joinery for the extensive renovation of this handsome mid-19th century home in a picturesque Somerset village.
From a spacious family kitchen and utility room to fitted dressing rooms, bespoke furniture and engineered oak flooring, every element was thoughtfully designed and handcrafted to complement the property's historic character while supporting modern family living.
All photos by Paul Whitbread.
Services included: Internal joinery, fitted furniture, flooring, kitchens, bathrooms
Somerset
Interior designer: Rebecca Roberts
Budget: Private
A collaborative approach
Having worked with Rebecca Roberts on previous projects, we were delighted to collaborate once again. We became involved during the early stages of the renovation, contributing to the design development before construction began and working closely with the main contractor, Frayling & Sons, and the wider project team throughout.
The scale of the refurbishment required careful coordination between architect, interior designer, main contractor and specialist makers, ensuring every detail felt considered and cohesive.
A kitchen designed for family life
The centrepiece of the project is a generous kitchen and dining space, created by combining two existing rooms and introducing large new openings onto the garden terrace.
Although the room itself is expansive, the design focused on making the space work effortlessly for a busy family. A large central island provides both preparation and seating space, while extensive drawer storage, integrated appliances, twin dishwashers and a full-height fridge freezer maximise functionality without compromising the design.
A substantial dresser and separate pantry provide additional storage, allowing everyday items to be organised intuitively and kept within easy reach. Internally, every cabinet was carefully considered, with bespoke drawer dividers and tailored storage solutions ensuring the kitchen functions as beautifully as it looks.
Finished in hand-painted cabinetry with warm oak detailing, the space strikes a balance between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary family living.
Utility and boot room
Supporting the kitchen is a beautifully crafted utility and boot room, designed with the same level of care and attention to detail.
With oak cabinetry with crown-cut oak interiors, the space offers durable, practical storage while maintaining the refined character established throughout the home. Traditional butt hinges and handcrafted detailing reinforce the timeless feel, while the painted finish allows the cabinetry to be easily refreshed for years to come.
Bespoke furniture throughout
Beyond the ground floor, bespoke cabinetry features throughout the property.
A striking dressing room combines high-gloss painted cabinetry with oak detailing, creating a contemporary contrast within the traditional home. Elsewhere, a bespoke oak vanity unit was designed to fit neatly within an existing bathroom alcove, making the most of the available space while introducing warmth and natural texture.
A concealed sliding artwork reveals a hidden TV behind, adding an unexpected and playful element to the home while allowing the original architecture to remain the focus.
Characterful oak flooring
To complete the renovation, we supplied and installed engineered oak flooring throughout much of the ground floor.
Rather than opting for heavily smoked timber, the floor was carefully finished using a bespoke oil system before being gently distressed to create an authentic, time-worn appearance. The result is a floor with subtle variation and texture that feels entirely at home within the period property.
As well as complementing the architecture, the finish is exceptionally practical for family life, developing even more character as it naturally ages.
This project demonstrates how thoughtful design, traditional craftsmanship and close collaboration can transform a historic house into a home that feels both timeless and entirely suited to modern living.