Posted on January 30, 2026
Renovating a Cotswold home is as much about sensitivity as it is about vision. Many of these buildings carry centuries of character in their walls, from worn thresholds to hand-cut stone and irregular beams. Done well, a renovation enhances what’s already there, allowing the house to function for modern life without erasing the details that make it special. We’ve put together a small guide on how to approach a Cotswold renovation thoughtfully, alongside trusted local experts who understand the balance between heritage and contemporary living.
Start with Planning and Permissions
Before any design decisions are made, it’s essential to understand the planning framework surrounding your property. Many Cotswold homes fall within conservation areas, and a significant number are Grade II listed. In these cases, listed building consent is required for works that affect the character of the property, and advice from a conservation officer is invaluable.
Even for non-listed homes, building regulations and local planning policies can influence everything from window replacements to extensions. Engaging an experienced architect early on is often the best investment, as they can guide you through permissions, advise on what is likely to be approved and help avoid costly delays later in the project.
Choosing the Right Architect
A sympathetic architect will be your most important partner in a Cotswold renovation. The right practice understands traditional construction methods while designing spaces that feel effortless and contemporary.
Rixon Architects have extensive experience working with Cotswolds properties and created a superb extension project at 1 Holm Oaks, demonstrating a thoughtful approach to curating a wonderful extended living space. MD Architecture, who worked on 40–41 Barnsley, are known for elegant interventions that respect original structures. Verity and Beverley bring a refined, contextual approach to rural architecture, while Blake Architects are highly regarded for their work with historic buildings.
For those seeking a fully integrated service, Holland Green offers architecture, interior design, landscaping and project management under one roof, providing a seamless end-to-end experience for complex renovations.
Builders Who Understand Period Properties
Cotswold stone homes require specialist building knowledge. Breathable materials, traditional lime mortars and an understanding of how old buildings move and age are crucial.
Cotswold Property have a strong reputation for high-quality renovations across the region, while Box Capital Developments, who worked on The Old Post Office, are known for meticulous craftsmanship. Zota Construction and Leckhampton Builders both bring experience, reliability and an appreciation for the nuances of older buildings, making them trusted choices for sensitive renovation work.
Plumbing, Heating and Sustainable Choices
Modernising services is often one of the biggest improvements you can make to a historic home, particularly when it comes to energy efficiency. Thoughtfully integrated eco-friendly systems such as air source or ground source heat pumps, along with solar panels where appropriate, can dramatically improve comfort without compromising character.
CP Jefferies specialise in plumbing and heating solutions that suit traditional properties, helping homeowners introduce modern systems in a discreet and sympathetic way.
Interior Design: Respecting Character While Elevating Comfort
Interior design plays a crucial role in ensuring a renovated home feels cohesive rather than overworked. The most successful schemes take cues from the building itself, layering texture, tone and craftsmanship rather than relying on trend-led design.
Studio Bellord are known for elegant, considered interiors, while Lauren Gilberthorpe Interiors, who worked on 40–41 Barnsley, balance warmth and refinement beautifully. Constance Design offers calm, soulful interiors with a distinctive blend of Cotswolds tradition and Alpine influence, which they added beautifully to Long Cottage. Nadia Olivier, who worked on High Barn, brings a confident yet sensitive approach, and Osborn Interiors offer both design services and beautifully curated furnishings. Sims Hilditch remains a benchmark for classic, luxurious country interiors rooted in tradition.
Lighting That Enhances Architecture
Lighting is one of the most transformative elements in a period home. Soft, layered lighting highlights textures, stonework and architectural features while creating warmth and intimacy.
Lighting by Plum are a standout specialist, offering bespoke and characterful solutions. Pooky is a firm favourite for lamps, wall lights and shades that suit traditional settings, while Jim Lawrence’s aged and antique-style fittings work particularly well with honey-toned stone and timber.
Textures, Colours and Materials
When it comes to finishes, restraint is key. Natural materials and muted palettes allow the architecture to take centre stage.
Oka’s Broadway showroom offers timeless furniture and textiles, while Original House is an excellent source of antiques and statement pieces that bring authenticity. Susie Watson Design, also in Broadway, is ideal for soft furnishings, ceramics and decorative details. For paint, Fenwick and Tilbrook is a Sharvell Property favourite, offering beautifully pigmented, family-run paints that suit period homes perfectly.
For stone and wood flooring, Beswick Stone in Cirencester and Mandarin Stone in Cheltenham both provide high-quality materials and expert advice, helping you choose finishes that feel appropriate and enduring.
Kitchens That Feel Part of the Home
A Cotswolds kitchen should feel settled rather than shiny. Classic cabinetry, natural materials and thoughtful proportions ensure the space sits comfortably within an older building.
Tom Howley’s Cheltenham showroom offers beautifully crafted kitchens that feel timeless and robust, while Neptune in Cheltenham provides kitchens, bathrooms and furniture that suit period homes with ease.
Landscaping and Outdoor Spaces
The setting of a Cotswolds stone home is just as important as its interior. Gardens should feel connected to the landscape, evolving naturally rather than appearing overly designed.
Harriet Parsons and Susan Dunstall are both highly regarded landscape designers who create gardens that feel in harmony with historic homes, blending structure with softness and seasonality.