Nestled on the fringes of the enchanting Forest of Dean, a magnificent 17th-century Georgian mansion has undergone a breathtaking transformation. The once-institutional edifice, which served as a men’s residential home for five decades, has been meticulously restored to its former glory by its visionary owners, Neil McLachlan and Raymond Roche. The result is a stunning blend of historical charm and modern elegance that captivates all who step inside.
A Vision of Grandeur
When McLachlan and Roche first laid eyes on the property, they saw beyond the institutional décor and envisioned the potential for a grand revival. As an accomplished interior designer with over three decades of experience, McLachlan was undaunted by the challenge of transforming the chopped-up rooms and commercial kitchen into a cohesive and elegant living space.
The Power of Wallpaper
One of the key elements in the mansion’s metamorphosis is the strategic use of wallpaper. Nearly every room boasts a different style, from the exotic Parrots of Brazil print in the dining room to the palm motifs in the master bedroom. McLachlan explains, “Wallpaper is such a marvelous tool as a backdrop. It doesn’t have to take center stage, but it can highlight architectural detailing and provide a visual rigour that can be toyed with.”
The references of palm trees and pineapples tie it back to the grand tour. Wallpaper is such a marvellous tool as a backdrop.
– Neil McLachlan
Balancing Busy with Calm
Despite the abundance of textiles, papers, furniture, and art, the mansion maintains a sense of tranquility. McLachlan attributes this to the careful balance and curation of the space. “The house is busy, yet you feel calm walking through it. We have so much stuff, making it all hang together is a skill. You must curate, curate, curate,” he emphasizes.
Infusing Fun and Personality
Throughout the restoration process, McLachlan and Roche sought to infuse the mansion with a sense of fun and personality. From the repurposed glass decanters serving as pendant lights in the kitchen to the Hollywood Regency chandelier glittering in the sitting room, each element tells a story and adds to the home’s eclectic charm.
It’s so important to have fun in life and houses must have fun, too. Every new owner must go forwards, not backwards, we don’t want to live in a museum.
– Neil McLachlan
A Grand Tour Through Time
The mansion’s décor draws inspiration from the grand tours undertaken by Georgian aristocrats, who would bring home exotic art, textiles, and furniture from their European travels. McLachlan and Roche have masterfully woven these influences throughout the home, from the chinoiserie print cushions to the antique mahogany furniture that has journeyed from New Zealand and back again.
A Testament to Restoration and Reinvention
The transformation of this 17th-century mansion serves as a testament to the power of restoration and reinvention. By embracing the home’s rich history while infusing it with modern flair and personal touches, McLachlan and Roche have created a living space that is both timeless and utterly unique. As McLachlan reflects, “We wanted to take the old girl on a different trip,” and what a magnificent journey it has been.
