Christopher Howe has spent decades building a reputation as one of Britain’s leading antiques dealers, but he’s just as well known for the quiet, elegant interiors he creates with pieces he scouts and collects from around the world. The founder of Howe London—a design house, furniture maker, and antiques gallery he launched in 1986—has built a devoted following for homes that feel authentic rather than stiff and overly decorated, mixing museum-worthy antiques with handcrafted details and natural materials.

Among Howe’s residential projects is Barton Meadow Lodge, a one-bedroom former barn set on nearly five acres on the edge of Guiting Power, a Gloucestershire village surrounded by rolling countryside. Howe redesigned the retreat for clients who bought it as a temporary escape while renovations to their Berkshire home stretched on far longer than expected. The property is now asking £1 million (about $1.3 million) with Blue Book Agency, though planning permission limits its use to a holiday home rather than a full-time residence.

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Although the project came together in just eight-and-a-half weeks, the finished result hardly feels rushed. Howe stripped the interiors back before layering in many of the hallmarks that have come to define his work, including lime-washed timber, antique furniture, richly textured fabrics, and a custom Plain English kitchen.

His approach reflects a belief that homes should feel lived in rather than overly precious. During the renovation, when builders covered the newly installed oak floors with protective plastic, Howe had them remove it and carry on working in muddy boots, preferring the marks of daily life to a pursuit of perfection.

French doors open onto simple gardens and wildflower meadows that slope toward a picturesque brook. Much of Howe’s carefully assembled furniture is available separately, allowing the next owner to preserve much of the designer’s original vision.

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Lindsay Cuthill, co-founder of Blue Book Agency, says the home’s appeal lies in how effortlessly everything comes together. “Barton Meadow Lodge is one of those exceptionally rare homes where every detail has been considered, yet nothing feels contrived,” she says. “Christopher Howe has created the quintessential Cotswolds escape, combining the craftsmanship and warmth of a centuries-old country home with the comfort and practicality of modern living.”

Click here for more photos of the Cotswold home.

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  Abby Montanez

  Abigail Montanez is a staff writer at Robb Report. She has worked in both print and digital publishing for over half a decade, covering everything from real estate, entertainment, dining, travel to…

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