Rediscovering Old English Charm: A California Family's Journey Transforming a Traditional English Home, Blending Historical Elegance with Relaxed West Coast Aesthetics in Cambridge
In the picturesque foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Margo Moore and her family—Eloise (17), Valerie (15), Teddy (their Golden Cavalier), Simba the cat, and husband David—had settled comfortably into their Californian vineyard home. But a new adventure awaited them, as David secured a new role in tech that would take the family to Cambridge, England.
Margo began the search for an English country home, specifically wanting to live on certain streets and be a hub for friends. The third house she viewed, a listed Arts and Crafts property built in 1922, was an ideal candidate for her.
To adapt this traditional property to suit a Californian family’s preferences while embracing English aesthetics and maximizing light, Margo enlisted the expertise of Antonia Winkler von Stiernhielm at Studio Anton. The key strategies included reconfiguring interior spaces, incorporating modern light-filled extensions, and using a restrained, natural palette.
One of the first changes was the addition of a conservatory, three sets of French doors, and glazed pocket doors, all of which made a significant impact by allowing daylight to penetrate the house. Striped Roman shades were used in the kitchen to make the hardworking room feel soft and inviting, while ceramic pendants were added to add a touch of whimsy and softness. Above the kitchen sink, a single light fixture on its own circuit was left for nighttime use.
To optimize daylight within conservation constraints, the window placement and size were carefully considered. Creating open-plan spaces with large glazed doors or windows that connected interiors to outdoor gardens was another feature common in California but adapted to the English setting and scale.
Respecting the craftsmanship and materials of the Arts and Crafts style while using contemporary design details and finishes that appealed to the family’s preference for light, air, and flow was crucial. The interior design of Margo’s new home was inspired by the Arts and Crafts Movement, featuring flora and fauna, stripes, checks, muted color tones, craftsmanship, and a connection to nature.
As part of the reconfiguration, one bedroom was converted to a laundry room on the first floor, and the bedroom in this project featured a statement bolster pillow for a luxurious, hotel feel. Margo designed a simple gardening plan and had a local landscape designer help bring it to life.
Margo and Antonia discussed how to bring in light, focusing on the placement of wall sconces, lamps, and the changing tone of light throughout the seasons. The family plans to stay in the house until their daughters have gone to university.
Through thoughtful internal reconfiguration, respect for original character, and strategic light-enhancing interventions, this blend of historic charm with modern, light-filled designs suited for contemporary families is exemplified in recent Cambridge Arts & Crafts projects.
- Margo, in search of a new English home, sought a property that would suit her preferences and the Californian family's lifestyle while embracing traditional English aesthetics.
- To create a contemporary environment within the traditional Arts and Crafts property, Margo worked with Studio Anton to merge flora and fauna, stripes, checks, and a natural palette, using modern light-filled extensions and incorporating light-enhancing interventions such as conservatories and glazed doors.
