Classic mansion in Gloucestershire
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25 Feb 2023
The owner of the mansion Jamie Abdy Collins knows many simple ways to create a luxurious interior
Jamie Abdy Collins inherited a classic English country house with a 24-hectare park, a river and a lake. The mansion is located in the most fashionable part of the county of Gloucestershire (among Jamie's neighbors are celebrities such as Kate Moss, who bought his former house in the village).
Hall. A crystal chandelier bought in London gives the interior a certain solemnity. The fireplace portal, wall panels and paintings are a legacy of past times. The table was found on an old farm, with antique English chairs around it.
Photo
Andreas von Einsiedel
"Little Faringdon is on the state register of buildings that are a national historic property," says the owner. — This means that any changes to the facade and interiors had to be coordinated. It took us years to collect the documents and find a good architect."
Dining room-library. Antique walnut cabinets are covered with gold paint. Mahogany table, XIX century.
Photo
Andreas von Einsiedel
The reconstruction began with the replacement of engineering systems and electrical wiring. Then the architect added nine bathrooms and removed the extra corridors to make the house brighter. As for the interior design, Jamie and his wife Emma abandoned the modern style, throwing all their strength into recreating the historical decor.
Hallway. The deer's head is a hunting trophy of the owner's ancestors.
Photo
Andreas von Einsiedel
The only exception was the kitchen with a glazed roof, a La Cornue stove and simple wooden shelves. "I restored radiators, fireplaces and everything that could be used in any way, largely for the sake of economy," says Jamie. — Old paintings, furniture and mirrors have been preserved.
Living room. Windows without curtains, because there are no neighbors nearby — only a park. The furniture is an entertaining hodgepodge of eras and styles. An unusual sofa with an openwork back and antique French armchairs are upholstered in velvet.
Photo
Andreas von Einsiedel
It was enough to recreate the home environment." Jamie bought the missing items, curtains and bed linen at sales. He attended all the furniture auctions in the area, so he managed to get a lot of things almost for nothing. "Vintage items are only half the success.
The landing has turned into an art gallery, where family portraits of the XIX century are exhibited.
Photo
Andreas von Einsiedel
Decorative painting helps to create a luxurious interior for little money, — the owner shares his secrets. — Fireplace portals made of pine were painted in marble and precious wood. The doors were painted to look like cherry wood. An alternative to expensive wallpaper was stenciled pattern.
The second living room. The English sofa is upholstered in velvet and trimmed with wool braid and fringe. The owner's dog Blaini just loves these warm cozy pillows. The walls are painted in the color Blue Ground by Farrow and Ball — this paint is often used to decorate rooms facing north.
Photo
Andreas von Einsiedel
It decorates the walls of the coral-red dining room. The plank floors, once covered with dark varnish, were sanded and left as is. Pillows and textiles were brought from travel, and some items, such as poufs in the living room, were bought in an ordinary department store. This is a typical English approach to interior design: you just mix new and old things without following a certain style or theme."
The bathroom is more French in style than traditionally English. The sink is on a carved base, above it is an old Venetian mirror. The owners tried their best to avoid the feeling of a fresh renovation. Therefore, they chose decorative painting imitating water stains for wall decoration.
Photo
Andreas von Einsiedel
All bedrooms have traditional four—poster beds (some are really old, others are not), dressing tables draped with fabrics of delicate colors, soft sofas and chairs. Free-standing bathtubs, floor faucets and antique sinks add authenticity to the interior. Real wood is burning in the fireplaces. "No biofuel can replace their magic."
Bedroom. The bed belonged to Jamie's parents.
Photo
Andreas von Einsiedel
However, in addition to the worries of restoring the estate, the owner had to take on a heavy burden of taxes. He decided to get the missing funds by renting out the house for photo shoots and parties. "We have everything you need for a holiday: nine bedrooms, a cinema, large living rooms, a banquet hall for 60 people, a greenhouse," says Jamie. "But Little Faringdon is by no means a hotel.
One of the guest bedrooms. The dressing table was removed from the pantry and carefully restored. The bed is made to order. The sofa of the XIX century is upholstered in green silk to match the walls.
Photo
Andreas von Einsiedel
This is my home and my family's story." And what do the owners do when parties gather in the house? "In this case, there is a mobile trailer in the garden," Jamie replies. — We leave and have a great time, although sometimes we are invited to have fun with guests. And what? Not a bad idea!".
The bathroom is covered with wallpaper with images of landscapes. Instead of a mirror, one of the family portraits hangs over the sink.
Photo
Andreas von Einsiedel
