Designing interiors for large country homes presents distinct challenges. Working across historic and listed properties in Surrey, Berkshire and Oxfordshire, our approach focuses on creating interiors that continue to adapt to changing family dynamics and contemporary demands, while remaining relevant long after fashions have shifted.
Many of the large country homes Barclay Interiors works on are Georgian, Victorian or Edwardian, each bringing its own spatial logic and constraints.
Berkshire Estate and Oxfordshire Living are two projects that demonstrate this approach. Both involved significant period property renovation, yet each resulted in a different design outcome. Berkshire Estate took a more robust, rustic direction, while Oxfordshire Living adopted a lighter and more eclectic character.
Working within listed and historic properties means design decisions are shaped early by planning and conservation requirements. A detailed assessment of original features, spatial relationships and structural constraints informs layouts, joinery and finishes from the outset.
Where existing structures impose physical constraints, design decisions often require more active intervention. At Berkshire Estate, a period property renovation, heavy beams, low ceilings, inglenook fireplaces and irregular proportions were treated as guiding elements. Furniture layouts, lighting positions and sightlines were adjusted to work with the existing structure, with visual balance achieved through centred furniture, layered lighting and carefully placed focal points where symmetry was not possible.
Larger interventions, including Crittall glazing and selective ceiling adjustments, were introduced to improve light and clarify views while remaining sensitive to the original building.
In contrast, Oxfordshire Living called for a lighter touch. Panelling added depth, while a palette of whites layered with blues, creams and marbled finishes brought subtle variation to the interiors.
Despite these additions, the design approach remained consistent. Opening up the kitchen, dining and living areas was carefully managed to maintain cohesion and balance within the home’s generous layout.
Bespoke joinery played a key role in resolving the properties’ complex geometry and practical requirements. Across both projects, custom elements were developed for kitchens, wardrobes, dressing areas and storage, allowing awkward beams, plant rooms, and services to be integrated discreetly within the interiors.
For Berkshire Estate, hand-forged lighting brackets were designed specifically for spaces without flat ceilings, enabling statement pendants to sit correctly within exposed structures. Curtain poles were individually fabricated to accommodate deep reveals and varying wall depths, while custom furniture pieces, including dressing tables, cabinetry and metal island detailing, were developed in direct response to the architecture.
At Oxfordshire Living, bespoke cabinetry was combined with carefully refurbished existing pieces, ensuring new joinery sat comfortably within the home’s established character. In the dining room, the original archway was reinterpreted through the introduction of a black-framed glass door, retaining the historic form while supporting a more contemporary use of the space.
At Berkshire Estate, lighting and colour were used strategically to offset low ceilings and heavy timber structures, improving usability without diminishing the home’s character.
New glazing and selective reconfiguration of openings strengthened visual connections to the surrounding gardens and courtyards, improving daylight and circulation while maintaining appropriate thermal control.
A similar approach was applied at Oxfordshire Living, through lighter-touch interventions. Existing features were selectively updated and complemented with contemporary elements, with fabrics and finishes chosen to be paired with traditional furniture. Internal layouts were refined to improve flow and clarity, reinforcing the sense of space across the interiors.
Across both projects, key architectural features were retained and expressed wherever possible. Original beams, brickwork, stone floors and structural features were preserved as part of the design, allowing material continuity and authenticity to remain central to the finished interiors.
Our approach to designing large country homes is rooted in respecting historic proportions while supporting each client’s vision for contemporary living.
Although both projects required a sensitive approach to historic fabric, their outcomes differed in aesthetic and character, reflecting the importance of considered decision-making at every stage of the design process.
Early design thinking can play a critical role in shaping both experience and outcome. If you’re thinking about starting a period property renovation, get in touch with us to explore the possibilities.
About Barclay Interiors Limited
Headquartered in the UK, Barclay Interiors has been a leading name in interior design for 25 years, with a global portfolio of residential and commercial projects. Known for a timeless and individual approach, the practice emphasises uncompromising discretion and transparency. The skilled team avoids a prescriptive style, creating beautiful, tailored spaces through close collaboration with architects, artisans, and contractors. Their proactive and responsive nature has made them a trusted partner for homeowners, investors, luxury hospitality operators, HNWIs, and developers.
If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more.
If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.
This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a harmonious blend of old and new in this residential house design by 2024 SBID Awards Finalist, Barclay Interiors.
Barclay Interiors were commissioned to design and specify the interior architecture, soft furnishings, and accessories for this quintessential English retreat nestled amidst the serene countryside. This exquisite property embodies the charm and elegance of traditional British architecture while offering modern comforts and luxurious amenities. The Berkshire estate seamlessly marries traditional charm with modern sophistication, providing a timeless retreat for those seeking the epitome of British countryside living. Whether relaxing by the fireplace, lounging by the pool, or enjoying a meal in the gourmet kitchen, every moment spent here is imbued with luxury and tranquility.
Category: Residential House Over £1M – UK
Design Practice: Barclay Interiors
Project Title: Berkshire Estate
Project Location: Berkshire, United Kingdom
Design Practice Location: London, United Kingdom
The project involved the renovation of a listed Berkshire estate with Elizabethan heritage, balancing historic preservation with modernisation. The renovation was completed in two phases: Phase 1 covered two cottages, multiple barns, a billiards room, gym, golf simulator, and outdoor areas; Phase 2 focused on the main house, wine cellar, vintage car storage, a bar and lounge, and a pool house with a Bulthaup kitchen. The client wanted to retain historical charm while incorporating modern conveniences, enhance lighting in darker areas, and create a space suited for both family living and entertaining.
The design was influenced by the estate’s historic character, with a focus on preserving original features while introducing modern elements. Hand-plastered walls, restored beams, and contemporary furnishings created a harmonious blend of old and new. Crittall windows and doors maximised natural light, opening the home to the surrounding gardens and pool. The integration of the client’s modern art collection further balanced tradition with contemporary sophistication.
The biggest challenge was preserving the estate’s historical integrity while modernising functionality. Retaining original wooden beams and architectural details required careful planning. Enhancing lighting and technology without compromising the period character was a priority, tackled through collaborations with heritage consultants and John Cullen Lighting. The project also required coordinating multiple specialists, ensuring a seamless renovation across the estate’s extensive spaces.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the project was the transformation of seven barns into beautifully designed, functional spaces, which significantly enhanced the estate’s versatility. Beyond the individual spaces, the project’s greatest success was the harmonious integration of historical character with contemporary luxury, ensuring that each element of the estate felt authentic, functional, and perfectly suited to the client’s lifestyle.
The team at Barclay Interiors saw the awards as an opportunity to highlight their expertise in working with listed properties, demonstrating their ability to respect architectural heritage while delivering interiors that are both stylish and highly functional.
Being an SBID Award Finalist has reinforced Barclay Interiors’ position in high-end interior design, validating the studio’s expertise in working with listed properties.
Questions answered by Sarah Barclay, Founder of Barclay Interiors.
We hope you feel inspired by this week's design!
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a combination of modernsim and organic shapes in this show flat design by Angel O'Donnell, click here to read it.
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a high-end residential design by Barclay Interiors. The principal concept for the interior was to use the surrounding estuary and unspoilt harbour of the River Yealm as inspiration. The curvature of the building, floor to ceiling glass and open plan living space, allows for the most incredible view, a key element of the design. Barclay Interiors was involved in all aspects, from flooring and walling finishes to lighting layouts, from joinery design to staircase detailing. Each space was furnished in line with the chic, modern concept that was desired, whilst also introducing splashes of colour and texture to ensure the space felt like home.
Practise: Barclay Interiors
Project: Devon Project
Location: Newton Ferrers, Devon
Photography credit: James Balston Photography
What was the client's brief?
The brief was to design a fully practical yet modern and aesthetically chic interior for her re-location to Devon. When our client decided to move to Devon, she wanted a complete change in surroundings, both from an exterior perspective (city life to harbour life!) and also from an interior angle. Modernity, simplicity and elegance were at the pinnacle of my clients brief and it was this in addition to the surroundings that inspired the concept.
What inspired the design of the project?
As mentioned above, the main source of inspiration came from the surroundings, namely the River Yealm and Estuary. The view was at the forefront of all space planning decisions and the colours that infiltrated into the space from the outdoors led to choices in colour palettes and finishes. Timber flooring, a cladded staircase and a bespoke decorative screen were designed specifically to add warmth and sophistication to my client's entrance hallway whilst allowing for maximum amounts of natural light to bounce through the space, once again relating to the exterior surroundings.
What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?
Some contractors can be a little anti-change so this was the biggest hurdle; however, after substantial hand-holding and clear guidance, a collaborative effort was achieved.
What was your team’s highlight of the project?
As with all of our projects, we are lucky in that visually our role is extremely rewarding. Seeing the design come together on the final days of installation and seeing how we achieved the conversation between the surroundings and the interior so well, felt quite magical.
Questions answered by Megan Loughborough, Senior Designer, Barclay Interiors.
We hope you feel inspired by this week's design! Let us know what inspired you #SBIDinspire.
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a Manhattan Hotel Design with Central Park views, click here to see more.
Join SBID
Find out more about our flexible membership structure.
By subscribing, you agree to be added to SBID’s mailing list. As an industry’s standard bearer organisation, we strive to bring you the most up to date news and access to exclusive industry content through our various newsletters.
First Name
Last Name
Email Address
I accept the SBID Terms of Use