modern regency

Meredithe and James’ handsome house is a mix of heirlooms and contemporary classics, all set against period architecture

- Rachel Ward

It’s graceful and has grand rooms, but that’s not why this house is special to me – it’s special because we raised our children here,’ says Meredithe Stuart-Smith of her Regency home in Gloucestershire. ‘It’s elegant and grown-up, but it’s not so precious that tons of kids couldn’t pile in – it hits all of our needs.’ Creating such environments, ones that appeal to different generations, is something that comes naturally to Meredithe: she’s the owner of Meri Meri, a children’s partyware brand that’s both magical and stylish, pleasing parents and children alike.

Born in America, Meredithe relocated to the UK after marrying her British husband James in 1997. After a two-year search, they discovered this Grade II-listed property, built in 1840, then split into two dwellings in the 1950s, which needed ‘everything’ doing to it. ‘We lived in it while we did it – and we did wing a lot of it,’ says Meredithe.

Although the couple were expecting to encounter a few surprises along the way, one thing they hadn’t anticipated was the number of pristine original features that were waiting to be uncovered. ‘The previous owner had lived here for about 50 years and had made various cosmetic modifications,’ says Meredithe, ‘but we chipped away and discovered a marble fireplace, rooms that are four metres tall, the most beautiful cornicing and original shutters – we were incredibly lucky.’