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When a Dutch-Australian family asked Manuela Hamilford to create their Cotswolds getaway, they wanted a place that felt luxurious yet comfortable—a second home that would serve as both a countryside escape from London life and a place to entertain family and friends. The result is "The Dutch House"—a warm, inviting retreat that blends Scandinavian simplicity with Cotswolds comfort.
The sense of thoughtful practicality begins the moment you enter. A spacious boot room, clad in naturally aged oak panelling, anchors the entryway. Painted in Hague Blue by Farrow & Ball, it offers ample storage for muddy boots, coats, and umbrellas—ideal for Cotswolds country life. “In every Cotswold project, you need a boot room,” Hamilford notes. “It’s the first space that connects the outdoors with the indoors.”
A striking hexagon tile floor sourced from Paris adds a bold visual moment, elevating what could have been a purely functional space into one with character and style.
Darren Chung
From the outset, the home was envisioned with entertaining in mind. The heart of the house—an expansive open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area—was designed to accommodate both intimate family time and large social gatherings.
“We created these gorgeous Crittall-style glass doors to divide the hallway from the main communal room,” says Hamilford. “They’re fire-rated because it’s a three-story building, but they also allow natural light to spill through the space beautifully.”
Darren Chung
The kitchen centers around a show-stopping four-meter island—"probably the longest we've ever made," mentions Hamilford—that commands attention with its bold Caesarstone waterfall worktop and modernized shaker-style cabinetry. Bronze and black appliances add a sophisticated, industrial edge, while a custom polished plaster extractor hood echoes similar finishes used throughout the home, creating a cohesive and elevated aesthetic.
“The client wanted a ‘brasserie vibe’—something stylish but still easy and comfortable,” she explains.
Darren Chung
Adjacent to the kitchen, two facing sofas define the lounge space. Designed for conversation and connection, the seating arrangement encourages guests to relax over drinks or appetizers. A polished plaster fireplace echoes the textures of the kitchen, while gas fire logs offer ambiance without the maintenance of a traditional wood burner.
“What’s lovely about this open-plan layout,” Hamilford adds, “is that you’re always part of the conversation, whether you’re cooking or relaxing in the living room.”
Darren Chung
The master bedroom continues the home's relaxed yet sophisticated aesthetic. A four-poster canopy bed serves as the room's anchor. "Four-posters are fantastic—they own the room," Hamilford notes. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with light and frame panoramic views of the surroundings.
Darren Chung
With family and guests in mind, Hamilford designed a children's room that’s both playful and practical. Custom-built bunk beds include hidden storage beneath the lower bunk, perfect for toys or an additional mattress.
A small desk and dark grey wardrobes complete the room, which features a muted color palette with touches of “paprika”—a warm, earthy accent that appears throughout the home. “Wardrobes are like artwork in a room,” she notes. “We gave them classic grooves and matte finishes, which hide fingerprints and dust—perfect for a children’s space.”
Darren Chung
The crown jewel of the home is undoubtedly the top-floor billiards room–a space that feels like an upscale, private lounge. "This is probably one of my favorite rooms in the house," Hamilford admits.
A custom pool table takes center stage, surrounded by velvet green sectional sofas designed to be low enough to avoid interfering with gameplay.
“We had to crane the pool table in during construction,” Hamilford recalls. “It has a solid slate base, so it’s incredibly heavy. You have to think about those things early on.”
Darren Chung
A ceiling-mounted fireplace creates a dramatic focal point, and a fully equipped bar ensures that guests can enjoy drinks without leaving the space. "If you're up here playing pool or sitting by the fireplace or on the terrace, you can come and have a drink here and not have to worry about running up and down the stairs," Hamilford points out.
Throughout The Dutch House, Hamilford has created a retreat that perfectly balances luxury with livability. Natural materials, thoughtful space planning, and a muted color palette work together to create a home that honors both its owners' Dutch heritage and its Cotswolds setting.
“It’s a house that encourages slowing down,” says Hamilford. “Whether you're playing billiards, having a glass of wine by the fire, or simply enjoying the view, every detail is designed to support connection—both with each other and with the nature around you.”
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