Spotlight on Hertfordshire country estate renovation

Recent works on a Hertfordshire country estate were in partnership with luxury property consultants London Hill and interior designer Margot Tsim. The project included the renovation of three estate properties (The Cottage, The Gatehouse and The Museum) and was the culmination of a dedicated, professional project team. We took the opportunity to interview Margot about her design work for the estate and to find out what she felt made the project a success for her clients.

“My clients wanted The Cottage to be refurbished for guest use, with a classic, contemporary, and luxurious feel,” says Margot. “To achieve this, I embraced a pared-down, understated aesthetic, focusing on high-quality materials used in a thoughtful way to highlight the integrity of the cottage’s architecture. Every design decision was guided by a desire to create a sense of understated elegance while respecting the building’s traditional character.”

Margot’s work is inherently original and always beautiful, and the Hertfordshire estate project outcomes were no exception. We asked her what she felt made this project stand out. “I am particularly pleased with the sense of openness we have achieved,” she says. “Despite the modest ceiling heights, typical of traditional cottages, we have created a beautiful flow between the spaces. The staircase design has been a real talking point, but I am also especially proud of the kitchen/dining areas and bedroom suites, where we’ve introduced a quiet, wholesome character.”

When asked about whether she and her clients were pleased with the outcomes, Margot shared, “Absolutely! I am incredibly proud of how the project came together, with a great team. It turned out exactly as I had envisioned, and my clients are delighted with the result. As a team, we have created a space that is not only beautiful and functional but also true to the client’s brief – it genuinely ticks all the boxes.”

Neatly summing up the essence of the project, Margot muses: “The cottage was designed with peace and serenity in mind. I wanted it to feel authentic – rooted in its countryside setting – while maintaining a contemporary sensibility that reflects how we live today. It is a space that feels both timeless and inviting, a true retreat from the outside world.”

London Hill Director Michael Fraser and Senior Project Manager Oli Lewis-Donaldson have worked with Margot on multiple previous projects and, as such, can vouch for her unique blend of architectural and interior expertise. “Margot has this incredible ability to balance function and beauty in spaces she designs,” says Oli. “From the big picture down to the smallest detail, everything is considered.

"Her style draws on influences from around the world – think New York to Tokyo – blending contemporary minimalism with timeless elegance. What really sets her apart, though, is her collaborative approach. She truly listens, communicates openly, and works with you to bring your vision to life. That’s exactly why she’s such a great fit for our projects at London Hill – her philosophy mirrors our own.”

Barr Group echoes these values and the modus operandi of the wider project team wholeheartedly. We thank Margot Tsim and London Hill for trusting us with the project execution and for making the journey a positive and collaborative one.

Photography: Anna Stathaki