PRESERVE COTTAGE
Set within the historic grounds of the Ruperra Castle Estate, Preserve Cottage is a remarkable period home with deep architectural and cultural significance. With origins dating back to the 16th century, the property was formerly the Gamekeeper’s Cottage to Ruperra Castle - a Jacobean courtier’s house built in 1626 by Sir Thomas Morgan, who was knighted by King James I.
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Ruperra Castle itself is a noted example of the Great Rebuilding of the 16th and 17th centuries, and its history is rich with royal connections. King Charles I stayed at the estate in 1645, rallying support following the Battle of Naseby, and by the late 17th century the grounds featured a deer park, formal rides through the trees and a summer house where the family would take tea. Today, Preserve Cottage sits quietly along a country road, approached via a long, sweeping oak-lined driveway bordered by open green fields.
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​SERVICE
Interior Design & Furnishing
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SCOPE
Hallway, Dining room, Kitchen, Snug, Stairwell, Four bedrooms & Dressing room.
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PRESS
Good Homes 2025, read here.
Society of British & International Design 2025, read here.
DESIGN INTENT
We were appointed to sensitively enhance and extend Preserve Cottage while respecting its architectural heritage and original character. The brief was to create a home that felt both generous and comfortable for modern family life, without compromising the integrity of the historic building.
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A substantial extension was added to house a new kitchen, dining area and snug - spaces intended for gathering, daily rituals and quiet retreat. Particular care was taken to ensure that the new addition felt entirely in keeping with the original house, both in proportion and detailing.
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To achieve a seamless connection between old and new, we commissioned bespoke wall panelling, designed to flow naturally from the existing hallway into the extension, creating a sense of continuity throughout the home. Every finish, fitting and furnishing was carefully specified to honour the age of the building while introducing a layer of quiet luxury and contemporary comfort.
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Antiques, artwork and decorative pieces were thoughtfully sourced to sit comfortably alongside the architecture, enriching the interiors without overpowering their history.
THE RESULT
The outcome is a beautiful, balanced family home that feels timeless, elegant and deeply rooted in its setting. Carefully considered colour palettes flow effortlessly from room to room, enhancing the sense of cohesion throughout the house.
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Original features and new elements now sit in harmony, creating interiors that feel both refined and relaxed - a home designed to evolve with family life while retaining its sense of heritage.
Preserve Cottage is once again a place of warmth, comfort and memory-making, ready to be enjoyed for generations to come.​ It was such a pleasure to work with such wonderful clients and I wish them the very best making new memories in their precious home.
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Interested in working with an interior designer in Bristol? Learn more about our turnkey interior design services.
CLIENT'S REVIEW
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"Kate helped us with the interior design of our house following extensive building work. It was an absolute pleasure working with her. Her contributions took our house to the next level and gave many rooms the “wow factor”.
We particularly appreciated Kate’s flexible way of working, adapting what she brings to the client’s needs. She can take on the full design of a room or take a more advisory role when the client prefers to take the lead. At all points, she really took on board our needs and preferences and came up for proposition that truly reflected what we wanted.
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We very much hope to continue to work with Kate in the future and could not recommend her enough."
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- Laura R, Google Review