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Set in the Oxfordshire countryside, The Old Vicarage offers a fresh perspective on classic English country house design. Interior designer Brian Woulfe approached this project with the goal of creating a warm, welcoming home that honors its historic roots while embracing a modern, lived-in aesthetic.
The house effortlessly balances period charm with contemporary comfort. Walking through the front door, visitors are greeted by earthy tones and original tiled floors. A vintage church pew, nodding to the home’s past as a vicarage, anchors the entrance, setting the tone for a space that’s rich in character without feeling staged. Woulfe wanted the home to feel "collected and calm, not overly curated or thematic,".
Take the full video tour for a walkthrough of this project.
Nick Smith
Natural light filters through full-length curtains in deep burgundy at the garden door, contrasting beautifully with the pastoral views of Oxfordshire’s greenery just outside. This connection to the surrounding landscape is echoed throughout the interiors, from the hand-painted murals depicting leaves and branches to the carefully chosen natural materials that emphasize a sense of place.
Nick Smith
The heart of the home is the living room, a space designed for both relaxation and socializing. Neutral tones dominate, but a collection of vintage and brutalist pieces introduces unexpected texture and form.
One standout is the repurposed vintage cabinet transformed into a hidden bar, a playful and practical feature that invites informal gatherings. Above, bespoke brass pendant lights add an artistic flourish to the room’s busiest corner. Woulfe explains, “It needed to function for real life, for people with kids, with dogs, with dinner guests dropping by unannounced.”
Nick Smith
Transitioning to the dining room, the design takes a more adventurous turn with coral-pink walls and sheepskin-covered chairs that infuse the space with warmth. Here, a glass-fronted limed oak cabinet becomes a focal point, reflecting daylight by day and candlelight by night. The large dining table is designed to host everything from spontaneous weekday lunches to more formal dinners. It’s a space that feels both relaxed and intentional.
Nick Smith
The kitchen carries forward the emphasis on comfort and function. Soft shades of olive, cream, and stone create a calming backdrop to the natural wood furnishings. A bespoke banquette upholstered in hardwearing outdoor fabric circles a round table, emphasizing communal living and offering space for both family dinners and playful mornings with the dogs. “Everything had to earn its place in the house,” says Woulfe. “Beauty and utility were equally important.”
Nick Smith
Even the more utilitarian spaces, like the boot room, are given thoughtful attention. Painted in a rich, earthy hue, it marries practicality with personality, showcasing original stone walls alongside bespoke storage solutions.
Nick Smith
Upstairs, the bedrooms continue the story of layering and contrast. The principal suite pairs period details such as hand-turned ash bedposts and vintage mirrors with contemporary wallpapers and bold textiles. Each room feels carefully tailored, combining comfort with curated charm. Murals of foliage grace wardrobes and walls, reinforcing the home's ongoing dialogue with nature.
Nick Smith
Throughout the house, art plays a key role, bridging the old and new. Brian’s collection ranges from vintage finds to commissioned works, creating visual interest and dialogue between spaces without overwhelming the historic fabric. “Art brings rhythm and unpredictability,” he says. “It stops the house from feeling too controlled.”
What stands out most about The Old Vicarage is how it balances sophistication with ease. It’s a home where every detail feels intentional but never precious. A place designed not just to be admired, but to be lived in fully, with family, friends, and dogs. It’s a blueprint for modern country living, where heritage and contemporary style come together with confidence and clarity.
See more work from Brian Woulfe
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