Tucked away in a tranquil hamlet in the Essex countryside lies a beautiful 17th-century cottage full of character and charm. Once two smaller dwellings, the property was thoughtfully combined into one and has been lovingly renovated over time by Chánel and Mark (@ourhamletlife). Set within just over an acre of land, complete with a pond and a charming barn-style outbuilding, the home perfectly balances rustic charm with considered updates. Their most recent project, a bathroom renovation, features the timeless Alnwick Ivory Stone Effect Porcelain tiles and Alnwick Ivory Distressed Edge Porcelain Brick Tiles.
When did your project begin and how long did it take?
The renovation began at the end of July and took around four weeks from start to finish. Although much of the home has been gradually transformed, this bathroom project was a complete redesign from the ground up.
What inspired your renovation style?
It was important to preserve the traditional character of the cottage, from the original beams to the cosy ceiling heights. Natural materials and timeless tones were key to maintaining the home’s warm and authentic feel.
Why did you choose these tiles?
“I had a photo of the Quorn Stone Alnwick tiles on my Pinterest board before we even bought the house,” Chánel shares. “It’s a timeless style I’ve always loved, and the whole bathroom design was based around these tiles.”
Having admired Quorn Stone’s collections for some time, the project felt like the perfect opportunity to bring that vision to life. “They offer an affordable yet luxury look, and I knew they’d be perfect for the space.”
How did you discover Quorn Stone?
Pinterest was the starting point, a place for gathering design inspiration that led to discovering Quorn Stone’s timeless collection.
What are your must-have features?
Underfloor heating was high on the list of must-haves. “It’s an absolute game changer, especially in an older home that can be difficult to keep warm,” Chánel explains. “It makes the space feel so cosy and inviting.” Wall lighting was another essential, adding a softer, more relaxed atmosphere for evening baths.
Do you have a favourite interior piece?
“The bathtub is my absolute favourite,” Chánel says. “It’s such a statement piece and the most relaxing tub to unwind in.”
What was your best bargain find?
A £20 mirror found on Amazon, given a new lease of life with a clever upcycling trick. “I used the famous Frenchic paint hack to change the colour and match the beams; it turned out perfectly.”
What was the most challenging part of the renovation?
Visualising the finished layout proved tricky once the space was stripped back. “When everything was ripped out, the room looked smaller, and it was hard to picture the final layout. We even had a last-minute change of plan due to pipework, but it turned out to be a much better design.”
Where do you love to shop for interiors?
“I’m a Homesense girl through and through. I love finding those one-off pieces you never knew you needed!”
How would you describe your interior style?
Country, cosy, and chic. A perfect reflection of the cottage’s character.
What’s next for your home?
Next on the list is replacing the stone floor in the hallway and continuing it through the kitchen, pantry, and utility, a project we can’t wait to see come to life.
