COACH HOUSE, FAILAND
Set on the edge of the historic Failand Estate, this charming Grade II Listed Coach House sits within a tranquil country setting surrounded by National Trust farmland and Forestry Commission woodland. Approached via a long driveway, the property enjoys a rare sense of privacy and rural calm, despite its close proximity to Clifton Village.
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Originally built as an ancillary estate building, the Coach House has evolved over time into a private residence, retaining the proportions and architectural character typical of historic coach houses found throughout Bristol’s rural fringes. Generous ceiling heights, original detailing and established gardens give the property a strong sense of place, with both a secluded rear garden and a characterful front courtyard featuring a striking loggia.
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Prior to our involvement, the property had been modernised and had lost much of its original charm and individuality. The clients approached Khaya Studio to help make the house feel special once again - seeking a home that felt timeless, characterful and lived in, while remaining practical for contemporary country living. As interior designers specialising in period property renovation across Bristol, Bath and Somerset, this project offered the perfect opportunity to reintroduce warmth, heritage and quiet elegance to a historic home.
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​SERVICE
Interior Design, Project Management & Installation
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SCOPE
Hallway, Living room & Dining room​
DESIGN INTENT
Our design approach focused on restoring authenticity, warmth and proportion to this grand home, while ensuring the spaces felt comfortable, practical and lived in for modern life. Our first recommendation was to establish a stronger foundation within the hallway and principal living spaces. The existing carpet felt at odds with the period of the property, so we proposed natural limestone flagstones - more in keeping with a historic coach house and ideal for layering textured rugs. Underfloor heating was incorporated to enhance comfort while discreetly supporting contemporary living.
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The colour palette was inspired by the surrounding landscape and the clients’ love of gardening. Soft, dusty greens were paired with warm, earthy orange tones to bring the outdoors in, while maintaining a welcoming, cocooning feel. Although the living and dining areas are open plan, subtle distinction was created through colour: the living space wrapped in green to feel grounded and intimate, and the dining area finished in a pale neutral to keep it light and relaxed.
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Proportion and scale were central to the design. With generous ceiling heights and expansive proportions, the existing furniture felt disconnected. The original fireplace - the heart of the room - was celebrated with an oversized antique mirror echoing the home’s leaded windows, flanked by brass candle sconces. A striped loveseat was positioned beside the hearth, appearing as though it had always belonged there.
A large antique sideboard was introduced to discreetly house the television and provide storage, while a three-seater sofa was positioned within the window alcove, flanked by antique side tables and anchored by a brass coffee table. A quiet reading corner was created opposite, complete with an armchair, floor lamp and a treasured portrait of the client’s grandfather, which was integral to the scheme. The living area was unified with a generously scaled patterned rug, drawing together the colour palette.
In the dining space, bespoke banquette seating was designed to maximise seating and hidden storage, layered with cushions for comfort. An antique dining table sits at the centre, crowned by a floral-inspired pendant, while a picture light highlights artwork of personal significance. Throughout the scheme we sought to balance respect for the building’s heritage with timeless interior design, ensuring the Coach House once again feels special, soulful and deeply personal.
THE RESULT
The completed scheme is a home that feels deeply considered, timeless and full of quiet confidence - one that honours its historic origins while supporting the rhythms of modern family life. What was once a space that had lost its charm has been transformed into a layered, characterful interior that feels both elevated and entirely welcoming.
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Natural materials, carefully balanced colour palettes and thoughtfully scaled furnishings now work in harmony with the architecture of the Coach House. Original features have been celebrated rather than overshadowed, and each space feels cohesive, warm and beautifully resolved. The result is an interior that feels as though it has evolved naturally over time, rather than being overly designed.
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It was an absolute joy to work on this project with such wonderful clients, and we felt truly honoured to be invited into this beautiful home. The collaborative nature of the process, combined with a shared appreciation for heritage and detail, allowed the design to develop in a way that exceeded even our own expectations.
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We hope the family will enjoy these spaces for many years to come - gathering, unwinding and creating countless new memories within a home that once again feels special, personal and full of life.
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Interested in working with an interior designer in Somerset? Learn more about our turnkey interior design services.
CLIENT'S REVIEW
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A fantastic experience from start to finish!”
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- Carrie L, Google Review