Glebe Cottage

Alderley Edge

Glebe Cottage

Alderley Edge

We recently undertook an ambitious turnkey project to renovate a charming Grade 2 listed cottage. Our client’s brief was clear: brighten the space, create more room, and ensure the property felt less cramped. Embracing this challenge, we set about designing the spatial layouts and interior for both the ground and first floors, managing everything from paint colours to loose furniture, lighting, and accessories.

A key aspect of the project was enhancing the light within the cottage. Our team carefully selected functional and decorative lighting fixtures as well as using a warm but bright colour palette to ensure each room was bathed in natural and artificial light, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The light voile Roman blinds further helped with the brightness, particularly in rooms with smaller windows, allowing maximum natural light to filter through while maintaining privacy.

 

Despite the constraints of a listed building, we successfully reimagined the ground floor lay out. Our biggest change was swapping the dining room and kitchen over so more space was allocated to the kitchen, fitting perfectly with the lifestyle of a family of 4. Due to the property being listed, we carefully ensured no damaged was done to the fabric of the building.

The kitchen showcases the character of the property while maintaining a modern, clean aesthetic that suits the everyday rhythm of a young family. It strikes a thoughtful balance between beauty and practicality — the classic Belfast sink pays homage to the home’s period roots, while state-of-the-art appliances like Gaggenau ovens and a Bora hob bring contemporary functionality to the forefront.

Designing this ground floor powder room posed a unique challenge: it needed to function as both a guest WC and a shower room for occasional use, all within a compact footprint. We maximized the space by cleverly using the end of the vanity cabinet as a shower screen, reducing visual clutter and saving valuable inches. The overall feel is light, airy, and welcoming — a calming and thoughtful space for guests.

The walls are clad in a beautiful natural limestone mosaic tile, bringing subtle texture and warmth to the space. Black sanitaryware adds a sleek, contemporary contrast. To soften the look, the window is dressed with a delicate voile blind — crafted from one of our favorite fabrics by Mark Alexander, adding just the right touch of elegance and privacy.

 

Photo Credits: Mark Reeves