Barlow & Barlow complete Kin House refurb
British design studio Barlow & Barlow have restored Kin House ahead of its opening this July. Situated on the edge of Wiltshire’s Kington Langley, the Grade II listed Georgian manor is set within walled gardens and private woodland, offering 12 furnished guestrooms and some with rolltop bathtubs overlooking the grounds.
The property is also now home to three lounge spaces, including a study that can be flipped to become a meeting space or an intimate dining room. Fitz Bar meanwhile, named after Kington Langley’s original Medieval alias, Langley Fitzurse, serves an extensive drinks list including a signature burnt-orange negroni.
Barlow & Barlow’s fearless approach to colour and pattern has been applied alongside cheerful nods to Kin House’s shell motif, originally above the front door entrance and now found in the main hallway via a shell mural by decorative artist Mel Campion, and two freestanding baths wrapped in Fermoie’s Shell Grotto fabric.
Lucy Barlow’s love of leopard print is on show throughout the house too, whilst also taking the form of a tortoise shell finish on the bar and pillars at Fitz Bar to create an atmospheric 1920’s speakeasy. Barlow’s interest in the expressive power of design stretches back to her early days studying fashion, which is instilled in her love of pattern and texture and is showcased in the Gucci dressing room she has created. The dressing room itself kitted out with hairdryers, tongs, hair-washing sinks and swivel chairs at a marble bar. And for men, tucked away on the top floor is a speakeasy-style Barbers for scheduled grooming treatments.
With sustainability in mind, it was important for Barlow & Barlow to repurpose as much material as possible. Repurposed timber is found throughout the house, along with original delft tiles and traditional tiles.
“Kin House has been designed to be a home away from home. A place where for the short time you’re there it feels like yours,” says Lucy Barlow, Creative Director of Barlow & Barlow. “Elegantly comfortable but with that lived in, slightly eccentric country house feel that English Manor Houses so often have. Moments of vibrant colour with splashes of pattern alongside alongside antique furniture and uplifting art pieces.”
Attached to the side of Kin House is Kilvert Hall, an event space that can host up to 200 people for launch parties, weddings or cocktail receptions, while more intimate gatherings can be held in the Hearth Room with its vaulted ceilings and original 18th century fireplace. There’s also a Gucci-inspired photobooth, and thanks to the 10-acre gardens, everything from al fresco feasting to weddings to glamping can take place outside.
On the menu, the team of in-house chefs can cook up everything from whole joints of meat cooked over fire to family fare or pizzas from a wood oven. There will also be a monthly programme of events open to guests as well as the public to attend – think, yoga retreats, floristry courses, tablescaping or homebrewing.
