Design house: An idyllic Georgian villa in the Wiltshire countryside

Resplendent in its setting on top of a hill in the bucolic Wiltshire countryside, the homeowner’s Georgian country villa commands magnificent views. The illustrious house has gone through several incarnations – it was a hospital during the Second World War and, at one time, was even divided into flats.

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Prior to the owner’s buying it, the property had become a family home again, with a substantial renovation in the Sixties that featured interior decoration by John Fowler.

Looking to make an escape from London, the couple bought the house five years ago, in order to turn it into an idyllic family home for themselves and their three young sons. 'It was hard not to fall in love with the house,’ says the owner. 'There's a sense of space, but it's also very cosy. We can enjoy the space while the boys are growing up and we don't feel we'll be rattling around in it when they've left home.’

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The property

When the family moved in, the decor had not been touched for around 50 years, so work needed to be done to make it a more suitable home for a young family. 'There was no underfloor heating and no en suites apart from the master bedroom,’ says the owner. We also wanted to add a boot room and a utility room, and to create a more open-plan living feel.’

The house was taken back to the bare bones while work such as plumbing and the electrics were done and new heating installed, with the family moving into a farmhouse on the land while the builders made progress. Downstairs, the layout remained the same, but upstairs, internal walls were removed and several small rooms were knocked together to create more spacious bedrooms, while redundant cupboards were transformed into en-suite bathrooms.

The couple enlisted the help of Taline Findlater and Victoria Gray of Olivine Design with the interior. 'We wanted a scheme that was country yet contemporary,’ says the owner. 'It was important for us to respect the heritage of the house. And while we didn't want the interior to date, it also had to be in keeping with us as a young family. We wanted clean lines that married with the house, rather than frills and tassels. Making the rooms feel spacious and light was also a priority.

'We love interesting and textural fabrics – they help to create rooms that are warm and inviting. In terms of color and fabric, I briefed Taline and Victoria that we were open to everything. I couldn't suggest what I wanted, but I knew what I liked when I saw it.’

Olivine Design came up with carefully considered schemes incorporating texture and pattern that give each room an identity, while at the same time, continuing the color palette from one room to the next to ensure the flow of the decor. The colors also take into account the fact that the house is north/south facing, so that the rooms on one side of the house require warmer colors.

These cosier rooms are particularly alluring on wintry days, coming into their own during the festive season when open fires blaze, foliage swags adorn the mantelpieces and the entrance hall welcomes guests with a magnificent tree and garlanded banister. 'There is plenty of space for friends and family,’ says the owner. 'Christmas here is very special.’

Exterior

The porticoed facade imbues the Georgian country villa with traditional style.

See: An 18th-century townhouse in the Cotswolds, dressed for Christmas

Entrance hall

This stunning architectural space is given the full festive treatment.

Living room

Patterned fabrics inject interest, while warm blue walls add depth and balance to the cosy spare.

Drawing room

Situated in the oldest part of the house, this large room was given a relaxing, grown-up decor tostand the test of time, with wide-planked floorboards for a contemporary finish.

Dining room

This north-facing room combines claret-colored walls with dark wood furniture and floors so that it feels especially cosy on a winter's day.

Kitchen

The owner chose a warm blue for the Shaker-style cabinetry, continuing the color palette with a blind fabric combining blue and acid green. Industrial stools inject a modern touch.

Library

An earthy palette, plaid fabric wallcovering and an antler-style light fitting evoke a hunting-lodge feel.

Landing

The beautiful light-filled space, with its cupola, classical columns and elegant plasterwork, displays all the hallmarks ofGeorgian architecture.

Guest bedroom

The scheme was designed to work around the existing furniture, with the blue headboard setting the tone and creating a focal point.

Cloakroom

Using this statement wallpaper was a bold decision and it creates a big impact.

Main bedroom

Cushions and lampshades bring a colorful touch, while walls lined in linen add natural texture.

Photography/ Brent Darby