living room with neutral furnishings
Interior designer Louise Holt opted for soft, neutral tones inspired by the surrounding natural landscape.

May 21, 2025

Words: Karine Monié

Photography: Renee Kemps

Step Into This English Country Home In The Cotswolds

Nestled in a small village in the heart of the Cotswolds—an area of outstanding natural beauty in the English countryside—this 19th-century stone threshing barn was thoughtfully restored with a new 10,000-square-foot extension embedded into the landscape. “The goal was to create a unified and harmonious composition where old and new coexist naturally, rather than feeling like two separate entities,” says architect Ben Twells, director of SOTA.

With the curved overhang providing summer shading and the wildflower green roof that helps regulate indoor temperatures, the architecture follows the contours of the land.

SOTA + Louise Holt Transform An English Barn Into A Home

exterior facade of home with added pool and courtyard
The property comprises a 19th-century stone house and a newly added contemporary extension designed by the architecture team of SOTA.

The interiors also draw inspiration from the natural surroundings for the overall atmosphere and palette. Interior designer Louise Holt—who helms an eponymous studio—crafted what she calls “a home that feels like a gallery while still being warm and lived-in.” The original exposed beams and textured plaster walls honor the house’s past, while clean lines and expansive glazing frame the views and add modern contrast.

Anchored to the central wood burning fireplace, which has been carved out of seven tons of granite, the main drawing room commands the largest floor area in the plan, which provides multiple functions including the kitchen, dining and living areas. The curved timber ceiling introduces a sense of movement and flow, breaking away from conventional linear layouts. “Just off this space is the jewel in the crown: a hidden bar, which has been cleverly built into the negative space within part of the curved concrete wall and is decorated in a deep teal gloss finish,” says Twells.

Soft Neutrals Plus A Hint Of Color Bring Focus To The Landscape

living room with neutral couches and view to outdoors
Interior designer Louise Holt opted for soft, neutral tones inspired by the surrounding natural landscape.

Warm white and earthy neutrals enhanced by rich textures provide a calm, understated backdrop for the homeowners’ vibrant artworks that infuse energy and personality throughout. For more depth without overwhelming the space, subtle accents of green and deep inky blues were incorporated. “This approach allows the art to feel integrated rather than competing with the interiors, creating a dynamic yet harmonious atmosphere,” says Holt. 

Walk Through This English Country House By SOTA and Louise Holt

living room area with floral table and view of the outdoors
The curved timber ceiling subtly guides the eye toward the expansive floor-to-ceiling glass windows.
dining room with a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on wall
Offering beautiful garden views, the dining area features a large Dominic Ash bespoke table surrounded by Moooi chairs placed on a Coral and Hive bespoke rug with a Giffin Design pendant light.
bedroom with high beam ceiling and minimalist study area
The house comprises a total of four inviting bedrooms, each one with its own style.
sitting area with couches and tables
This home is both a sanctuary for family life and a welcoming space for social gatherings.
double-height entry hall with view of staircase and round orb light
The double-height entrance hall in the barn exemplifies the blend of past and present. Here, the original beams contrast with a contemporary perforated metal staircase and balustrade and a Davide Groppi Moon light, highlighting the dialogue between tradition and modernity.
below staircase is a bold art piece on the wall
Below the staircase, a bold artwork by Miles Aldridge stands out.

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