Once declared uninhabitable, this beautifully restored 1906 Edwardian house in Oxford has been thoughtfully reimagined into a light-filled, energy-conscious family home where period architecture and modern Italian design exist in perfect harmony.
Designed by architect Nicholas Zervoglos, with interiors by Milan-born designer Carola Sapper, the transformation demonstrates how sensitive restoration, intelligent spatial planning, and timeless furnishings can breathe new life into a historic property without erasing its character.
Stepping Inside
The experience begins the moment you cross the threshold. While the exterior remains respectfully Edwardian, the entrance hall immediately hints at the dialogue between heritage and contemporary design that unfolds throughout the home.
The original staircase, recreated by local artisans after the original could not be saved, curves elegantly upwards, while a classic black-and-white chequerboard floor grounds the space in timeless tradition. Instead of overwhelming visitors with decorative flourishes, the entrance offers a sense of calm.
Every element feels considered, setting the tone for a home where artistry and simplicity work hand in hand.
A Living Room Designed for Everyday Living
Moving through the house, the living room reveals the home's greatest strength: an effortless balance between comfort and design. Rich textures, generous seating, and carefully selected furnishings create a space that feels personal.
Although filled with celebrated Italian design pieces, nothing feels precious. Instead, the room encourages exactly what a family home should – conversation, relaxation, and everyday living.
As the eye moves further into the space, the architecture quietly takes centre stage. The built-in fireplace anchors the room, while expansive windows flood the interiors with natural light throughout the day.
Large frame views of the mature garden beyond, reinforcing the connection between the house and its landscape.
Closer inspection reveals the quieter details that define Carola Sapper's approach to the interiors. Carefully chosen artwork, open shelving, and collectible design objects add personality without creating visual clutter.
Rather than filling every surface, the styling embraces restraint, allowing each object room to breathe while celebrating craftsmanship and thoughtful curation.
The Heart of the Home
The renovation reaches its fullest expression within the generous open-plan extension, where cooking, dining, and relaxing flow effortlessly into one another. Previously a modest dining room, this part of the house has been transformed into a generous family living space that opens directly onto the south-facing garden.
At its centre sits an oversized open shelving unit that acts as both furniture and architecture. Rather than dividing the room with solid walls, it gently separates the kitchen from the dining and lounge areas while preserving uninterrupted lines and allowing natural light to move freely through the home.
It's an elegant solution that gives each space its own identity without interrupting the overall sense of openness.
The kitchen itself continues this understated philosophy. Wrapped in warm walnut cabinetry that extends seamlessly into the adjoining dining area, it feels integrated rather than dominant.
Every finish has been selected to soften the architecture, creating a backdrop that invites gathering, cooking, and conversation instead of competing for attention.
Nearby, a round breakfast table introduces an intimacy that contrasts beautifully with the generous scale of the space. Positioned beside expansive glass, it becomes a favourite place for slow mornings, informal meals, and lingering conversations, all while overlooking the surrounding greenery.
Beyond, the dining and lounging area centres around a deep green sofa that immediately draws family and guests together. Soft furnishings, natural materials and layered textures create an atmosphere that feels welcoming, while sheer curtains filter daylight to produce an ever-changing play of light across the interiors.
Viewed from another angle, the scale of the extension becomes even more apparent. The floor-to-ceiling shelving unit not only organises the open plan but also showcases books, art, and cherished objects that give the home its personality.
It exemplifies the project's overarching philosophy: architecture should support daily life, not dictate it.
Ascending Through the House
The journey upstairs offers a quieter experience. The upper hallway continues the restrained material palette established below, allowing natural light, generous proportions, and carefully restored architectural details to take precedence.
Here, the renovation feels particularly respectful, preserving the elegance of the original Edwardian structure while subtly introducing contemporary comfort.
A Peaceful Retreat
Occupying the upper floor, the principal bedroom provides a deliberate contrast to the social spaces below. The furnishings have been pared back to only what is essential, encouraging the eye to travel beyond the room towards the surrounding treetops framed by generous windows.
Soft tones, understated furniture, and a large botanical artwork above the bed reinforce the atmosphere of calm, creating a space designed for restoration.
Connected to the bedroom, the ensuite bathroom introduces one final moment of quiet luxury. Dramatic green jade marble provides a striking focus, balanced by clean lines and a restrained palette elsewhere.
Like the rest of the home, it demonstrates that elegance often comes from the careful selection of materials.
Credits
Architecture: Nicholas Zervoglos
Interiors: Carola Sapper
Interior Design: Molteni & C
