Pond Cottage

Client: Neath Port Talbot Council
Architect: Hiraeth Architecture
Location: Gnoll Country Park, South Wales
Completion: 2025
Scope: Interior Design, Space Planning, Interior and FF&E, Specification, Styling
Photography: Kenton Simons

Project Overview

Pond Cottage is a Grade II listed former park keeper’s cottage set within the historic landscape of Gnoll Country Park. It is a cherished community landmark and a much loved visitor destination. Neath Port Talbot Council sought to sensitively restore the building and transform it into a boutique holiday let, allowing visitors to enjoy the setting while supporting the long term preservation of the park.

The project formed part of a wider programme of investment into the park’s heritage assets, with the aim of creating high quality, income generating accommodation that respected the building’s history while meeting modern hospitality expectations.

Hiraeth Architecture delivered heritage sensitive architectural design, while I was responsible for the interior design, space planning, interior and FF&E specification, and final styling.

Design Vision

From the outset, the cottage was intended to celebrate its history and the wider history of the park, Neath and Wales.

The ambition was for guests to feel that history in every room, the charm, nostalgia and soul of the cottage, alongside a sense of calm, relaxation and home.

As a listed building, the design approach needed to respect the cottage’s original proportions, materials and features, while carefully introducing contemporary layers of comfort, functionality and durability appropriate for short term holiday use. Every decision involved balancing authenticity with ease of use, ensuring the interiors felt welcoming rather than staged.

The colour palette was informed by nature, drawing on dyes and pigments that would have been available during the 19th century, many of which were naturally derived. Materials and interior details were selected with reference to those historically used at the time, along with traditional methods and finishes appropriate to the building’s period, carefully balanced with modern expectations of comfort, durability and ease of use for guests.

The project had already been costed using PC sums, and the interior design was developed with careful consideration of the budgets allocated to each element. Wherever possible, selections were made to remain within the agreed PC allowances, with any increases considered only where they added clear value to the overall quality, longevity or guest experience.

Although operating as a holiday let, the project was treated as a commercial hospitality setting and designed to comply with the relevant regulatory requirements. Fire retardant upholstery and blinds were specified throughout, and furniture selections prioritised extended warranties and guarantees wherever possible. A considered approach to specification identified which elements needed to be contract grade and where high street sourcing was appropriate, allowing the budget to be used efficiently while maintaining safety, performance and a consistently high standard of finish.

The aim was not to over style, but to allow the building’s character, setting and architectural details to quietly lead, supported by thoughtful furniture choices, restrained colour palettes and natural textures.

Experience and Atmosphere

Pond Cottage is designed to feel like a gentle exhale.

Set within the surrounding parkland, the cottage naturally feels sheltered and enclosed. The interiors respond to this context through a calm, tonal palette and a focus on texture, light and proportion rather than overt decorative statements. Original features are complemented by contemporary elements that sit comfortably within the building rather than competing with it.

The living space is arranged to encourage slow evenings by the fire, with seating layouts that feel relaxed and sociable while remaining practical for a holiday let. Warm textiles, layered lighting and rich green tones create instant comfort, supported by modern lighting solutions and robust finishes selected for longevity and ease of maintenance.

The three bedrooms each have a distinct character while remaining part of a cohesive narrative. One feels serene and pared back, one warm and softly layered, and the third was designed to appeal to children while remaining mature enough for older guests. A zip and link mattress was specified to provide flexibility, allowing the room to function either as a twin or as an additional double depending on guest requirements. Across all rooms, heritage references are balanced with high quality mattresses, lighting and storage to ensure comfort is never compromised.

Guest Experience

Designing to a five star hospitality standard meant prioritising comfort, clarity and ease throughout the cottage. Particular attention was given to how guests would move through and use the space, from arrival through to evening routines.

Key considerations included:
• Restful, muted colour palettes to soften the senses
• Intuitive layouts that feel effortless to navigate
• Layered lighting to support both practical tasks and relaxed evenings
• Styling that feels warm, personal and lived in rather than decorative

Nothing is included purely for visual effect. Each element was selected to enhance how the cottage feels to stay in, creating a calm and nurturing environment that encourages guests to switch off and unwind.

Outcome

The completed scheme delivers a calming and characterful retreat that supports Neath Port Talbot Council’s wider vision for the sustainable reuse of heritage buildings within Gnoll Country Park.

The project has been extremely well received by senior council officers, UK and Welsh Government representatives and other stakeholders, with strong early interest in bookings and confidence in the cottage’s ability to generate long term financial return. Pond Cottage demonstrates how carefully balanced, place led interior design can protect heritage, elevate guest experience and contribute meaningfully to the ongoing success of historic public assets.

Services Provided

• Interior Design Concept
• Space Planning
• Interior Finishes Specification
• FF&E Specification
• Styling and Installation
• Project Coordination and On Site Support

Project Credits
Architects: Hiraeth Architects
Contractor: Andrew Scotts
Contract Furniture Supplier, Procurement and Installation: Momentum Contract Furniture Ltd
Photography: Story Photography