
A derelict farm cottage brought back to life by Sims Hilditch
Interiors innovator Gema Broch led the Sims Hilditch team in this distinctive, eclectic and unabashedly British redesign
English design studio Sims Hilditch has recently unveiled a stunning redesign of a formerly derelict farm cottage in Warwickshire, which it has transformed into a regal family home. Architecturally designed by modern classicist Craig Hamilton to appear as a series of structures added to over centuries, the eight-bedroom house, which is spread over 11,000 square feet, is almost entirely brand new, having been renovated in 2006. Commissioned to create a classic yet contemporary interior scheme to complement the exterior, Sims Hilditch, led by senior interior designer Gema Broch, is known for curating spaces of substance, balance, and good old-fashioned fun. And this home is distinctive, eclectic and unabashedly British – just like the studio that envisioned it.
Broch is originally from Valencia, Spain, and with a multitude of degrees and qualifications under her belt, she moved to England after discovering her love for British architecture and decoration. With more than ten years’ experience in residential projects, both in England and Spain, she specialises in creating unique homes designed to be lived in. Passionate about natural materials, textures, and colour, she loves to combine new and old to create elegant and timeless spaces.
“The new owners were a family of four with two young children,” Broch explains of the brief. “They were relocating to the UK from France and approached us to come up with a light and youthful interior scheme, using a fresh colour palette and playful patterns to better reflect their lifestyle and sensibilities.”


The main house is laid out over three floors, with a study, family room and boot room radiating from a central reception hall. A spacious kitchen-breakfast room, which has far-reaching rural views on two sides, occupies one wing of the house. “The overall theme was [about] being fun and emphasising the incredible views from outside,” she says.
“There are a few areas that I particularly love. The view from the hallway to the kitchen, the arches, and walking past the bright pantry gives real joy. The checkerboard tiles are so playful! The master bathroom is beautiful and creates a calm atmosphere for a perfect bath: I love the little armchair which we made bespoke for this space. And the dressing room with the lovely painted trim detail from Susie Atkinson in the wardrobes.”
Blending a beautiful palette of soft pinks and blues with contrasting accents and pretty patterns, the colour theme flows throughout the property becoming brighter and more playful on the second floor, which is predominantly for the two young children.


Broch is hard-pushed to pick her favourite pieces in the property but settles on the bookcase in the family room, which includes a drop-down desk, the study wallpaper and the whimsical children’s bedrooms. “The joinery on the bookcase is painted in Setting Plaster by Farrow & Ball which looks lovely against the Veere Grenney Folly wallpaper,” she explains. “The study wallpaper is from 33 Bourne Street, which we used over the existing panelling and ceiling. It looks so smart, and the dark paint colour of the panelling and joinery makes the study a very cosy snug for the evening. And the children’s bedrooms are just such fun – especially our bespoke wave headboards for the twin beds and the campaign cover for the toddler’s bed in Nicky Haslam Balcony stripes fabric.”
Broch also oversaw the repurposing of the powder room’s antique commode into a vanity unit by tweaking the internal top draw and adding a marble worktop. “It is a piece that gives a presence to the room, which we wallpapered in a Chelsea Textiles design by the Spanish artist Ramiro Fernandez Saus, with Roman blinds in the matching fabric.”
With the new interiors reflecting the unique, beautiful style and architecture of the property, the team also removed the original minimalist kitchen, which felt out of keeping with the location, and replaced it with a classic country-house design. Mixing antique furniture with new pieces enabled them to achieve a curated home, finished with some of the client’s own heirloom paintings. “It is so important that the interiors respond to the architectural features of the house,” says Broch. “The key is designing a practical, timeless and unique house that our clients love.”


When it comes to redesigning your own home, there are some important things to consider, says Broch. “Practicality creates a design that flows throughout the home and a wow factor. Understand the space, consider flow and circulation, play with different scales and balance, and consider colour and mixed textures. It is important to play by certain rules to create a considered design. Although sometimes breaking the rules can create something beautiful and unexpected!”
If you’re only going to change one thing in your home to give it a lift, Broch says paint, paint and paint again. “Re-decorating or changing the colour of the woodwork transforms a room. When it comes to accessorising, I also love the use of candles and diffusers. I like to mix them up to create a different atmosphere in each room. Antique pots and vases can [also] make a real statement on a dresser or in an entrance hall and can be used for flower arrangements.”
In terms of this year’s biggest design trends, Broch is sick of scalloped edges but is leaning into earthy tones such as brown, caramel and beige alongside pretty plaster pink tones. “Warm and grounding, these create calming and comforting spaces,” she says. “Also, over-the-top stripes. I love to see a fully striped room, or a striped, tiled shower. It feels traditional and yet modern. The use of local and craft makers and natural materials is also big, as well as the use of more colourful natural marbles, such as green marble and Arabescato, and moving away from Carrara marble. Reclaimed floors will never be wrong, along with respecting the architecture!”


When it comes to inspiration, Broch adores London, with its “eclectic blend of architectural styles and the diversity of design inspiration. Hill Garden and Pergola is my favourite open space in London due to its enchanting blend of nature and architectural elegance. The historic pergola, with its intricate woodwork and climbing plants, offers a timeless aesthetic and a serene atmosphere. The lush, landscaped gardens and hidden pathways provide endless inspiration for integrating natural elements and romantic, vintage details into my designs.
“My favourite building is Somerset House for its stunning neoclassical architecture and versatile interior spaces. The grand courtyard, elegant facades, and rich history offer endless inspiration.”
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