Occupying an enviable elevated position on Montpelier Road within the Montpelier Park conservation area, this substantial family home conveys both grandeur and architectural presence. The project involved the sensitive transformation of a former early 1900s school building into a magnificent luxury residence, celebrating its heritage while adapting it for contemporary family living.
With its tall ceilings and beautifully proportioned rooms, the building offered a remarkable foundation. Our role was to unlock its full potential — enhancing light, flow and comfort without compromising its historic integrity.
From Schoolhouse to Family Home
CNID were involved from concept through to completion, working collaboratively alongside the appointed architectural team to reimagine the internal layout. The brief was to create expansive, open-plan spaces that would feel light, airy and welcoming for a large family.
Walls were carefully reconfigured to establish generous sightlines and improve circulation, allowing the scale of the original structure to be appreciated while introducing a more fluid, modern way of living. The result is a sequence of interconnected spaces that balance openness with intimacy.
Honouring the Original Character
A key aspect of the project was reinstating and celebrating many of the building’s original features. Decorative cornicing was restored and replicated where necessary, and striking stone fireplaces were retained as focal points within principal rooms. These heritage details anchor the interiors, preserving the narrative of the former schoolhouse.
To soften the grandeur of the architecture, we layered the spaces with soft luxury fabrics and tactile materials. Upholstered furnishings, flowing window treatments and carefully selected finishes bring warmth and approachability to rooms of impressive scale, ensuring the home feels elegant yet comfortable.
Light, Garden & Glazing
One of the property’s greatest assets is its generous rear garden. The client was keen to emphasise this connection, and we worked closely with the architectural team to introduce full-width, full-height glazing across the entire rear elevation.
This dramatic intervention floods the interior with natural light and creates a seamless dialogue between house and garden. The glazing not only enhances the sense of openness but also frames views of the landscaped grounds, allowing the outdoor space to become an integral part of daily living.