Set within a picturesque conservation area just outside Cambridge, Karen’s 17th-century cottage is surrounded by rolling farmland and beautiful period homes. Once configured as multiple cottages, the property is rich in history and character. For the family bathroom renovation, Karen wanted to create a space that felt in keeping with the age of the home while embracing colour and pattern. The striking Pamplona Azul Patterned Porcelain Tiles bring a touch of whimsy and timeless charm to the space.
How would you describe the location of your property?
The Old Thatch sits on Honey Hill green in a rural village just outside of Cambridge. We are within a conservation area with some beautiful period homes, which are surrounded by acres of farm land and a nature reserve.
What type of property is your project?
The Old Thatch consists of two Grade-II listed thatch cottages, built around 1650. The main house has four bedrooms and there is an adjoined one-bedroom annexe, which we plan to knock through to and merge with the main house.
When did your project start and how long has it taken?
We bought the cottages in May 2025 and started renovating pretty much straight away - despite having a four week old baby at the time! A lot of what we've done is invisible - electrics and unexpected plumbing for example. The family bathroom makeover is our first major change aesthetically. We began designing the space just before Christmas, tore out the old bathroom in February and finished eleven weeks later (due to some issues finding a good plumber!)
What styles did you want to see in your renovation?
The house is Grade-II listed so everything we do must be carefully considered. We want this house to last for hundreds of years past our custodianship, so are using only the most suitable materials and hopefully, timeless styles. For the family bathroom, we wanted to create a space that's elegant and suits the age of the property. We also wanted it to be a little whimsical - we love colour.
Why in particular did you choose the Pamplona Azul Patterned Porcelain Tiles?
We spend a lot of time in Italy as a family and were inspired by the aesthetic of old Italian farmhouses and hotels - so the Pamplona Azul Patterned Porcelain Tiles were perfect. We had also already decided on the chequerboard design used in the shower, so needed tiles that complemented the colours and pattern we had chosen. It was a bit of a gamble being so bold with both but we think it paid off.
Why did you choose Quorn Stone for your tiles?
Quorn Stone sells a stunning selection of tiles for half the price of other retailers.
What is your favourite interior piece and why?
All of our Burlington hardware and of course, our generously sized freestanding bath tub.
What was the best bargain find during your project?
Probably our Quorn Stone Pamplona Azul Patterned Porcelain Tiles. They look so much more expensive than they were - everyone thinks they're reclaimed. Paul also did a huge amount of the work, being a carpenter by trade, so he was pretty cheap labour. And Karen did the design and project management, saving us the cost of an interior designer.
What was the most difficult part of your renovation process?
Finding a decent plumber. The first caused quite a few issues that needing rectifying by various other plumbers, causing delays and extra work. But we got there in the end and are delighted with the result.
Where do you like to shop for interior pieces?
Antiques markets and stores. We always buy art when we travel, too. For new pieces, Glasette and La Redoute are fab.
What three words would you use to summarise your style?
Timeless, eclectic, considered.
Are you planning on any future projects?
Absolutely - this is just the beginning! We have completed our one year old's nursery and the family bathroom so far, but have the entire house to renovate. The biggest project will be knocking through to the annexe, re-flooring and re-plastering the entire downstairs, as well as extending the kitchen. With a baby, two dogs, three chickens and three runner ducks we are very busy, but we love the chaos.
