Smith & Brooke — Magdalen Estate House

Magdalen Estate House

Reviving spaces besides the common

Magdalen Estate House

Reviving spaces besides the common

We were invited by longtime clients to reimagine their family home, which we had first extended in 2003. What began as a simple refresh soon grew into a full transformation shaped around how the family lives today and how their needs have evolved.

From the outset, we focused on understanding their daily routines—creating better space for entertaining, a quiet snug for relaxation, and a kitchen that could work harder for family life. A major success was securing permission for a first-floor home office above the kitchen, adding valuable space in an area where planning approval is often challenging.

Working in close collaboration with Child Stewart Interior Design, we redesigned the house throughout, including a new master suite and nursery. A dramatic pitched ceiling now brings height and light to the dining area, while the reconfigured kitchen sits comfortably beneath the new office. Outside, a new terrace with a built-in BBQ kitchen and a much-loved window seat strengthens the connection to the garden.

The result is a warm, refined and highly functional home—carefully tailored to support the family’s next chapter.

Smith & Brooke — Magdalen Estate House

A former front room was reduced in size to allow for a more generous cloakroom and WC, resulting in a perfectly proportioned snug. The reconfiguration creates an intimate space for family members to retreat and relax.

Smith & Brooke — Magdalen Estate House
Smith & Brooke — Magdalen Estate House

Following careful analysis, the kitchen remains in its original position, reimagined with Blakes London. Lowered ceilings accommodate a new first-floor study above, while still retaining generous proportions that frame the kitchen layout.

Smith & Brooke — Magdalen Estate House

SMITH AND BROOKE

This project was a particular joy from start to finish. The greatest pleasure came from the collaborative journey with our clients—understanding their evolving needs and translating their vision into a home that truly works for their family’s next chapter. That process is always the most rewarding part of what we do.

Will Smith, Director
Smith & Brooke — Magdalen Estate House

Entertaining was central to the brief, and the bespoke window seat was designed as a natural gathering point—perfect for post-dinner conversations with friends and family.

Smith & Brooke — Magdalen Estate House

We wanted to connect the heart of the home to the entrance, giving views on entry to the dining area and space beyond.

Smith & Brooke — Magdalen Estate House

Tucked discreetly around the corner from the main kitchen, a utilitarian pantry provides storage for everyday appliances and cookbooks, keeping the primary space calm and uncluttered.

Smith & Brooke — Magdalen Estate House
Smith & Brooke — Magdalen Estate House
Smith & Brooke — Magdalen Estate House

Our clients love hosting family and a nursery room for grandchildren was a part of the brief from early stages. Sophie Stewart of Child Stewart Design collaborated closely with the client to select a bold, playful wallpaper that brings character and joy to the room.

Smith & Brooke — Magdalen Estate House

Credits and References

Collaborators

  • Contractor: T&L Construction
  • Interiors: Child Stewart Design
  • Lighting: John Cullen Lighting
  • Photography: Chris Snook Photography
  • Garden Design: Studio Pollyanna
  • Garden Contractor: Landcraft Garden + Landscape Design