We wanted a balance of elegance & informality and something that felt natural

For one family, an architecturally imposing granite-built home in the Scottish Highlands has become the most charming place to live under the guidance of interior design studio Sims Hilditch

- RUTH CORBETT

MORNING ROOM To add depth, linen wallpaper has been inserted into the panelling. Logan 68-2043 linen wallpaper, Stereo. Pendant, Richard Taylor Designs; lampshades, Vaughan. Sofas, George Smith. Bespoke ottoman in Tangier in Olive by Guy Goodfellow Collection and Verona Velvet in Verdure, Lewis & Wood

Sometimes, it takes a global catastrophe to discover what makes a house a home. So it was for the family living here. The project had ricocheted between client and architects for a number of years, and with planning turn-downs followed by the pandemic, it had languished on the books of interior design firm Sims Hilditch since 2018. ‘It was during lockdown that the clients realised they didn’t actually need, nor want, the grand extension they had originally envisaged; says Christina Bull, studio lead at Sims Hilditch. To which end, they kissed goodbye to the architects, re-huddled and emerged with a simpler, happier plan.

GARDEN ROOM Woven blinds have been installed to filter sunlight when warm and to hold warmth in the winter months. Sofa, Neptune. Cushions, Chelsea Textiles. Coffee table, Oka. Lamps and lampshades, Pooky. Bespoke armchair upholstered in Threads Becket Taupe, GP & J Baker. Pinoleum blinds, Appeal Home Shading. Doors and windows in Blue Gray, Farrow & Ball

The house, a Victorian granite-built gem, located in the Scottish Highlands, but still close to Aberdeen, was already architecturally imposing, despite having just three bedrooms. And with the new focus on revitalising its character, Christina and her team were finally entrusted with infusing it with life, warmth and purpose.