Bespoke Cottage Kitchen - Guildford Surrey

Bespoke Cottage Kitchen - Guildford Surrey

This Guildford cottage, dating from the 1700s, presented a rare opportunity. Its owners - with a strong eye for design and a love of bringing the whole family together - wanted a bespoke cottage kitchen and utility room that nestled in the character of their home while meeting the demands of modern living. The result is a space where every cupboard, shelf and corner has been very carefully considered.

The bespoke in-frame cabinetry is handcrafted and painted in Obsidian Green by Little Greene, a rich, grounded tone that sits perfectly against the character of the house. Open a cupboard and you’ll discover beautifully crafted solid walnut interiors with dovetail joints. The polished nickel knobs and cup handles complete the furniture with subtle clarity, chosen for their feel as much as their finish.

The kitchen island doesn’t command attention - it simply works. An end shelf holds well-thumbed cookbooks and, around it, leather-covered bar stools offer a casual perch for weekend breakfasts, evening drinks or friends dropping by for tea. Nearby, a window seat softens the room further; a quiet spot for a morning brew, or a chance to chat while dinner is underway.

One of the smartest storage solutions came from the building itself. The stairs next to the kitchen offered hidden storage space underneath - now transformed into a fully fitted walk-in pantry, built to accommodate all the kitchen essentials required for everyday cooking. On the adjacent wall, a glazed cabinet with a built-in wine rack below keeps their favourite bottles close at hand. Opposite, a breakfast dresser with a bronze-mirrored back adds soft reflection and lifts the darker palette as evening draws in.

Above the sink, the mix of open shelving and glazed wall cabinets keeps the room feeling open and practical, with festive decorations on display. The same approach runs through the appliances: a Fisher & Paykel fridge-freezer, with a stainless-steel front to accommodate chilled water, a Bora hob and a Quooker hot tap for instant boiling water. Both sit seamlessly in the kitchen rather than drawing attention to themselves, offering convenience without changing the look or feel of the space.

The same handcrafted joinery flows into the utility room, where everyday storage is designed with the same level of care. Alongside laundry space and tall cabinetry, a bespoke nook beneath the worktop forms a dedicated sleeping spot for their much loved dog - a thoughtful detail that keeps the room organised and the space feeling calm.

Phase two of the project carried this same thinking into the rest of the house. A dedicated drinks bar, a calm home studyand a welcoming entrance hall were designed to feel connected to the kitchen without repeating it. The bar and study are finished in Farrow & Ball Railings, a deep charcoal tone that suits quieter, evening moments. Leather-wrapped burnished brass handles and walnut detailing bring the same level of craft found in the kitchen, but with a mood that feels more intimate. The entrance hall, streamlined and practical, sets the tone for the house as soon as you walk in.

In this kitchen handcrafted cabinetry, solid walnut interiors and bespoke storage come together with a level of detail that elevates everyday living. Built for real life, made from exceptional materials, and finished with craft that will stand the test of time - it’s a space designed to live in, and to enjoy for many years ahead.

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Charter Walk design and make bespoke, handcrafted kitchens that are built to last and tailored to the way you live. From solid wood cabinetry and premium finishes to clever, considered storage and fitted furniture across the home, every detail is made by hand in our Hampshire workshop.

Whether you’re transforming a period property or creating a contemporary space, we specialise in made-to-measure kitchens, utility rooms, boot rooms, studies and home bars, designed to feel effortless and rooted in your home’s character. Crafted thoughtfully, installed with care, and made to be enjoyed for decades.