Cornwall Georgian House Transformed into Coastal Retreat
A Cornwall Georgian house was transformed into a luxurious coastal retreat, blending communal living and natural light.
Designer Rose Hanson and comedian Josh Widdicombe have transformed a Georgian house in Cornwall into a luxurious coastal retreat. The couple purchased the property in 2022, drawn by their love for the region and the desire for a holiday home.
The renovation began as a modest plan but quickly escalated. Charlie Tilbury, a designer and long-time collaborator of Hanson’s, joined the project. Together, they re-envisioned the space, prioritizing communal living and natural light.
A collaborative vision takes shape
The traditional layout, with its small rooms, was the first to go. The kitchen was relocated to create an open-plan living area, now the heart of the home. An unused side return was rebuilt, adding a formal dining room and two en-suite bedrooms.
The color palette, inspired by the home’s previous owner, abstract painter Barrie Cook, features calming blues and greens alongside warm pinks and yellows. The result is a stylish yet inviting interior.
Hanson and Tilbury’s design philosophy centers on comfort and glamour. They achieve this through a mix of vintage finds, soft furnishings, and statement lighting. The dining room, initially planned as a bar area, became a showcase for their approach.
A pair of mirrored display units, an impulse buy by Hanson, set the tone. Despite a measurement mishap, they became the room’s focal point. The space, as Hanson describes it, is “quite mad, a real Marmite room.”
A home that blends luxury with livability
The designers’ love for antiques and vintage fabrics is evident throughout. A Pierre Frey silk now graces the family bathroom as a Roman blind. Each piece tells a story, adding character to the home.
The renovation was a team effort, with local craftsmen playing a key role. From electricians to gardeners, the project relied on regional talent. Their expertise brought the designers’ vision to life.
The pink lights in the seating area, for instance, were larger than expected. “Are you sure?” the builder asked, holding them up. But Hanson and Tilbury’s instincts proved right. Every element, no matter how bold, found its place in the final design.
A partnership forged in creativity
Rose Hanson and Charlie Tilbury’s collaboration began years before this project. While renovating her London home, Hanson’s builder suggested Tilbury’s expertise.
Their shared passion for antiques and timeless design sparked a friendship. They planned a partnership, but the pandemic intervened. The Cornwall project revived their creative alliance.
The house’s transformation became a springboard for their interior design studio, Penrose Tilbury. A labor of love, it reflects their unique style and vision.
Hanson’s impulse buys and Tilbury’s design prowess created a distinct aesthetic. The dining room’s mirrored units, a spontaneous purchase, became a signature element.
A Coastal Retreat with Playful Elegance
The property is occasionally rented out via Boutique Retreats, making the addition of a formal dining room and two en-suite bedrooms particularly functional. The design duo drew inspiration from the home’s previous owner, abstract painter Barrie Cook, whose skill with color subtly influenced the palette. Local craftsmen, including electricians, plumbers, and gardeners, played a key role in bringing the vision to life.
Local craftsmanship and bold choices
The house’s previous owner, abstract painter Barrie Cook, influenced the color palette. His skilled use of calming and warm hues guided the interior’s tone.
Vintage fabrics added character. A silk, now a Roman blind, showcases their commitment to unique, timeless pieces.
