This English Cotswold manor house is a perfect example of the simple, transformative, power of paint. When I first spotted it, I thought it had to be new construction. Guess what? It was built in 1997! This is a beauty that defies age, however, and it’s pretty much all down to paint and cosmetic updates.
Of course, the extremely talented interior designer Amy Berry was instrumental in the transformation process. Amy is one of those designers that understand how to move a home into a new era. Although she makes it look effortless, we all know a lot of work goes into any renovation.
It helps to begin with good bones, and this English Cotswold manor house has them in spades. Built by luxury custom home builders Hawkins-Welwood and designed by award-winning architect Robbie Fusch, it has an excellent pedigree.
“The original homeowner loved antiques and had a traditional style,” Berry said. “My client is definitely not traditional. She has a very strong point of view and knows what she likes.”
That’s half the battle on any renovation. When a client has an opinion, it becomes a much smoother process.
“The client loves art, and before we started I went over and looked at everything,” Berry said. “She brought all of her art and furniture to the table. The challenge was to take a traditional house and spread the color out.”
The dining room went from traditional to dramatic, with a few simple changes. Fantastic wallpaper, great lighting, updated curtains, and a stylish rug are the perfect setting for the clients dining table and artwork.
“The wallpaper did take a little convincing,” Berry said. It was a great choice and was slated for a powder bath, but Berry knew it had the impact her client would love.
The only structural change was in the kitchen. A wall was opened between the family room and kitchen to create the open-plan living space that everyone loves today.
The bunk room is Berry’s favorite part of the project. “The boys in the family are only 11 months apart. This was their first shared room, and we wanted to make it special.”
This English Cotswold manor house at 3518 Gillon Avenue has 6,285 square feet, four bedrooms, five bathrooms, and two powder baths.
If you think an older home is not for you, this should make you think again. All it takes is imagination, determination, a great interior designer, and some paint!
Christy Berry, a founding partner with Compass Real Estate in Dallas, has this English Cotswold manor house privately listed for $3.399 million.
Karen Eubank is the owner of Eubank Staging and Design. She has been an award-winning professional home stager and writer for over 25 years. Karen teaches the popular Staging to Sell class and is the creator of the online course, The Beginners Guide to Buying Wholesale. Her love of dogs, international travel, history, champagne, Tudor and Midcentury Modern homes knows no bounds. Her father was a spy, so she keeps secrets very well! Find Karen at www.eubankstaging.com
