Guinevere: a stylish and characterful home stay in the Surrey Hills

For our Design Destination series, Amira Hashish is wowed by a family home which oozes charm and is a fine showcase of a farmhouse renovation
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Amira Hashish16 November 2016

A gem amongst the Unique Home Stays portfolio, Guinevere transports its visitors to an interior design haven filled with character and charm. Less than an hour's commute from central London, it is a dream retreat...

Where is it? Nestled in Shamley Green in the picturesque Surrey Hills. The countryside setting could not be more beautiful and it is ideally located for Londoners seeking a sense of escape. Nearby Guildford station has fast trains running from Waterloo which take just over half an hour. The best of both worlds.

Design details: This is a hugely impressive renovation project. The family home of the Richardsons, it is a labour of love which is filled with personal touches. After purchasing the property in 2002, the couple embarked on a major revamp whilst carefully complying with the listing requirements and maintaining its authenticity.

Original bricks and beams make for a striking backdrop to the eclectic furnishings. Old and new come together with antique suzanis from Uzbekistan, old porcelain and curios collected from around the world. Oriental rugs, floral headboards and tree trunk side tables are among the quirky touches. Their daughter's striking artwork takes pride of place in the living spaces.

The master suite is a thing of beauty. Surrounded by floor to ceiling windows, the supremely comfortable king-sized bed takes centre stage. The en suite has a walk through rain shower and Philippe Starck ‘spoon’ bath. In the second king-size bedroom guests can peek through the stained glass window onto the garden below whilst soaking in the roll top bath or power shower.

The ‘craft’ bedroom has a French antique Corbeille king-sized bed and en suite wet room with walk in shower, whilst the king-size ‘garden’ bedroom on the lower ground floor has a Bisazza-style bathroom with free standing bath. The first floor French-influenced double bedroom offers an en suite bathroom, finished with plush marble-topped bath.

The state of the art kitchen is worthy of a Jamie Oliver set while the dining room is the perfect setting for a special dinner, elegantly positioned under a candlelit chandelier.

The pool house and gym is an architectural feat in itself. An evening swim is made all the more special when looking up at the barn-like ceiling and wooden walls.

Tech buffs will delight in the Sonos music system or the boiling water on demand from a Quooker tap.

Surely this is the 'one that got away' from Grand Designs.

The history: The 16th century farmhouse was owned by the Carpenter family whose wealth came from the cloth trade. They were at the helm until the 17th century when the property was run by tenant farmers and the estate increased in size to about 700 acres.

In 1889 the property was built to the design of Philip Webb and the farmhouse was split into two cottages to house the gamekeeper and the coachman. It was from this point that the house became known as Guinevere.

Country Life featured an article on Guinevere in 1960, after renovations, with photographs and descriptions of the property, including the glazed doors of 'exotic design' based on a door seen by Mrs Syms in a French chateau.

Leisure facilities: In addition to the five foot deep indoor heated pool and very well equipped gym, there is an outdoor hot tub for that extra spot of relaxation. In the sprawling grounds you will find a tennis court, golf nets, a trampoline, rose gardens and lakes.

Best for: a relaxing weekend away with a group of friends where you experience all the luxury facilities of a spa break in a private setting. The Richardsons extend a very warm welcome on arrival and stay in a separate property in the grounds when their guests are in the main residence.

Best winter breaks in Britain - in pictures

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When to go: The Richardsons have made it their mission to make the house a fabulous retreat all year round. In the summer you can take full advantage of the grounds. However, there is something rather cosy about experiencing this special property in the Autumn/Winter months. There are wood-burning fireplaces in the entrance hall, the dining room and in the living room.

Price: from £3,500 for a two night weekend stay.

Book: Call 01637 881183 or visit the very helpful uniquehomestays.com website to find details on the property and availability.

Follow Amira Hashish on Twitter @amiranews and Instagram @thedesigneditor

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