A Look Inside a 200-Year-Old Cottage’s Stylish Makeover

Moving into a historic home can be both exciting and overwhelming. For Luci, stepping into her 200-year-old cottage in Sussex was an emotional experience. Leaving behind a cozy, well-maintained house to face a property in need of significant renovations was daunting.

Her husband, Paul, recalls how they were initially overwhelmed by the work required, from modernizing plumbing and electrical systems to adding heating and extending the home for extra space.

A Blend of Old and New

Restoring a home of this age required careful planning and approvals, as it is a Grade II listed building situated within the South Downs National Park. The project involved constructing a rear extension to accommodate a larger kitchen and an additional bedroom.

Preserving the cottage’s charm was a priority, which meant incorporating sash windows to match the originals and installing French doors leading to a quaint courtyard.

Exterior Charm and Practical Additions

idealhome.co.uk | This 200-year-old cottage restoration included a rear extension for a larger kitchen and bedroom.

Perched on a slope in the scenic South Downs, the cottage showcases classic flint walls and a charming silhouette. The thoughtful extension blends seamlessly with the existing structure, maintaining its historic appeal. Access to the home is through the side entrance, leading directly into a utility space that connects to the heart of the house.

A Harmonious Color Scheme

One of the most striking aspects of the renovation is the carefully chosen color palette. The couple opted for soothing shades that reflect the surrounding countryside, such as blue-green hues for continuity and calmness. The kitchen cabinets feature a rich green, while walls, ceilings, and woodwork are painted in the same tone to achieve a cohesive look. Slate flooring throughout the ground floor enhances the sense of openness, complemented by underfloor heating for modern comfort.

Kitchen and Dining Transformation

The expanded kitchen area now feels naturally integrated with the rest of the home. Large windows allow natural light to flood the space, while French doors open up to a cozy outdoor area. Paul’s craftsmanship shines through in the kitchen’s woodwork, with handmade joinery adding a bespoke touch.

In the dining room, an oak-paneled feature wall, crafted from locally sourced timber, adds warmth and character. This space flows effortlessly into the sitting room, where an exciting discovery was made during renovations.

Preserving Authentic Features

While updating the sitting room, the couple uncovered an original inglenook fireplace that had been hidden behind paneling. Restoring it to its former glory and adding a wood-burning stove brought back the home’s historic essence. Original shutters, previously concealed under layers of paint and wallpaper, were also restored, adding to the room’s charm.

To maintain authenticity, elements such as the mantelpiece and built-in storage were left unchanged, honoring the cottage’s heritage. A clever design choice was painting the front door the same color as the walls to blend seamlessly with the space.

Practical Utility and Cozy Bedrooms

idealhome.co.uk | A soft green utility room establishes the home’s palette and uses smart storage for both style and function.

The utility room, painted in a soft green shade, sets the tone for the home’s color scheme. Clever storage solutions, such as fabric curtains hiding appliances, keep the space functional yet stylish.

Upstairs, the primary bedroom continues the blue-green theme, with a fireplace painted to match the decor. The guest bedroom, located in the new extension, features a preserved flint wall that once served as the home’s exterior, offering a beautiful contrast to the modern additions.

A Thoughtful Outdoor Space

Paul’s expertise extended beyond the interiors to the courtyard garden, which features herringbone brick paving and carefully designed levels. The addition of a shepherd’s hut-inspired outbuilding adds character while providing extra storage.

Living in this restored cottage has brought the couple immense satisfaction. With minimal light pollution in the area, evenings offer a peaceful retreat under a star-filled sky. The changing seasons bring their garden to life, rewarding their hard work with fresh, homegrown produce.

This transformation stands as a testament to the perfect balance between preserving history and embracing modern comforts, creating a timeless yet functional living space.