Designing a new kitchen for your home? Be inspired by this stylish country kitchen – and check out all our room transformations for more clever ideas.
Natasha and Ben Donovan were looking to live somewhere more spacious with a countryside location. When they came across a Grade II-listed cottage – accessed through the village cricket ground, with its own natural pond – they knew they had struck gold. Formerly three small cottages, the detached house had been turned into one property, and was full of quirky and original features. ‘Parts of it date back to the 15th century,’ says Natasha.
While the house only needed basic cosmetic work, the two rooms that Natasha and Ben felt needed a complete refit were the kitchen and adjoining utility room. ‘They were old-fashioned with dark wood units,’ she explains. ‘We didn’t want to add an extension or remove any walls as the existing layout worked.’
Keen to use local companies for the project, they found Edmonson Interiors. They tasked designer Cris Sega to come up with a scheme before they had even exchanged on the property. The couple’s brief was for a timeless scheme that sat well in its period setting, but which also looked up-to-date, light and modern.
Fact file
The owners: Natasha Donovan, head of sales for a cruise company, and her husband Ben, a partner in a law firm
The property: A five-bedroom, detached cottage built in the 1600s, with parts dating back to the 1450s
The location: Near Pluckley, Kent
What they spent: The couple’s kitchen project cost around £57,000
‘I couldn’t live without our lovely big fridge and freezer. I like to buy fresh local ingredients when I can, which I can store in the fridge, then cook up lots of dishes to freeze ready for when our weekend visitors arrive,’ says Natasha.
A Gaggenau wine cooler was built into the run of base units alongside the Lacanche Macon range cooker housed in the chimneybreast. Copper pans echo the walnut worktops. ‘I spent a lot of time trying to find the perfect copper pans (above right) to hang alongside the range cooker. I didn’t want them to be too shiny or too matt, and I came across the perfect ones by a company called Falk Culinair. I have been collecting them ever since,’ says Natasha.
‘Although a pretty country cottage was something I had dreamt of, I never thought I would end up living in one,’ Natasha, homeowner
Bespoke, painted cabinetry and rich walnut staved worktops from Edmonson Interiors blend seamlessly into their period setting. Painted units in a light colour help to enhance the feeling of space, with curved cabinetry softening the hard edges.
A peninsular unit has been fitted, which provides both a small kitchen dining space and additional storage within the classic cabinetry design. An alcove has been turned into an island area, with the curved cabinetry below providing additional storage. The Lovell glass pendant lights are from Jim Lawrence. Edward Lloyd Loom counter stools from Vincent Sheppard.
• The full feature – including stockists and more images – appears in the October 2015 issue of Real Homes. For back issues, call 01527 834435. Subscribe today to take advantage of our money-saving subscription offers.