A Masterpiece Restored: Victorian London Villa

When the owners of a grand Victorian villa in London sought to reimagine their family home, they turned to the renowned interior designer Nicky Dobree. Known for her classically inspired yet entirely liveable interiors, Dobree has a remarkable ability to transform spaces while honouring their heritage.

Having previously worked with the family on their chalet in Méribel, Dobree was entrusted with the complex task of breathing new life into this historical home. The result is a stunning synthesis of timeless elegance and modern practicality – a home that meets the demands of contemporary family life while respecting the charm of its Victorian past.

The brief was ambitious – to create a sophisticated yet functional family home with spaces tailored to individual needs.

The project involved reconfiguring layouts, introducing a lower ground floor, and designing a striking conservatory.

A bespoke conservatory designed with Vale Garden Houses extends the kitchen, providing a light-filled dining area that blurs the boundary between indoors and out. The room is anchored by an oak dining table surrounded by Hans Wegner wishbone chairs. Overhead, a circular steel chandelier by Howe draws the eye upward, while a sisal rug grounds the space.

The kitchen, designed in collaboration with Humphrey Munson, embodies the home’s balance of tradition and modernity. Floor-to-ceiling cabinetry envelops a central island, giving the space a sense of quiet grandeur.

Soft hues dominate the palette, fostering a calm and inviting atmosphere. Thoughtful details – hidden breakfast nooks, integrated larders, and a concealed office space -make the kitchen as practical as it is beautiful.

Throughout the project, Dobree worked closely with architects and craftsmen to ensure that the house’s flow and character remained intact. “It’s always the building that dictates the rhythm,” she explains. This philosophy guided her hand as she reimagined the staircase, incorporated bespoke panelling, and raised door heights to bring a renewed sense of grandeur to the home.

Dobree’s meticulous attention to detail is evident in every corner of the villa. In the sitting room, a hand-forged patinated metal chandelier by Cox London commands attention.

It’s a piece the client had long admired and finally found the perfect setting for. Beneath it, a bespoke antique mirror with inset bronze trim reflects the room’s understated opulence.

Sliding doors connect the sitting room to a versatile study, which doubles as a library and snug. Here, built-in bookcases flank the sofa, one concealing the television. A desk, designed in collaboration with William Yeoward, seamlessly integrates modern technology into its timeless design.

A large sash window frames views of the lush garden—masterfully landscaped by Acres Wild—and the private park beyond.

The pièce de résistance is a hidden apartment discreetly integrated behind the panelling of the lower-ground TV and games room – a future-proof solution for accommodating older children, a housekeeper, or visiting family members.

On the upper floors, Dobree has created sanctuaries tailored to each family member.

The master suite is an oasis of calm, with its soft blue palette and walk-in dressing room leading to a luxurious en suite.

A bath from Waterworks takes pride of place – a favourite spot for the client to unwind.

The children’s bedrooms reflect their personalities and stages of life. In one, a pale blue and soft pink scheme is brought to life with subtle accents in accessories and linens.

Bespoke furniture, like a vanity desk that doubles as a study area, ensures the room is both stylish and functional.

The top floor features a playful multi-purpose room for the children – part study, part TV snug, and part sleepover haven. With painted beams and cheerful wallpaper, it’s a space designed for both fun and focus.

The newly excavated lower ground floor is a triumph of practicality and design. The boot room and laundry room by Humphrey Munson ensure enduring quality both in terms of the design and the future-proofing of these rooms.

Also on the basement level is a gym, and a vibrant TV games room complete with a pool table and bar.

The hidden apartment, cleverly concealed behind panelled doors, is a testament to Dobree’s ability to combine form and function seamlessly.

Reflecting on the project, Dobree notes, “What’s most rewarding is how naturally each room has found its place. Even the builder remarked that this house feels like a perfect puzzle with every piece fitting beautifully.”

The villa’s owners are equally delighted, so much so that they’ve enlisted Dobree to design their coastal retreat – a Hamptons-style beach house on the south coast.

This London home stands as a testament to Nicky Dobree’s mastery of her craft: a harmonious blend of heritage and modernity, elegance and comfort, that will serve the family for generations to come.

Image Credit: Philip Vile