Old meets new: HAY Palissade within the historic setting of Purbeck Cottage
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Time to read 3 min
A historic 17th century holiday cottage sits within the heart of Corfe Castle on the Isle of Purbeck, Dorset.
Lovingly restored by Amy and Mark in 2022, Purbeck Cottage is the epitome of old meets new in interior design. A walk around the cottage shows traditional details working in harmony with contemporary touches. Old architectural details are not concealed or replaced and instead are celebrated. This enriches the character of the home, whilst carefully chosen modern elements work to introduce contrast and a sense of freshness.
Image credit: Simon Hird
Featuring the Palissade Garden Furniture Collection
The restoration has been carried out with respect and care, preserving the character of the historic cottage whilst bringing the interior up to date for modern living. Original features remain proudly on show, such as open stonework, wooden beams and traditional architectural details. These features are balanced with calming, crisp paint colours, modern lighting and contemporary furniture that sit comfortably alongside antique and period pieces.
Amy and Mark have liberated the cottage from feeling like a static period property by layering a mix of restored antique, Georgian and Victorian pieces with modern designs. They have curated an interior that is inviting and slightly eclectic, without feeling overwhelming or cluttered.
This theme of old balanced with new is not only evident inside the property. Within a quiet, enclosed courtyard, HAY Palissade outdoor furniture creates inviting settings to dine and relax in the sun. The courtyard is quintessentially English, with exposed stone walls, climbing greenery and soft, abundant planting. It catches the light throughout the day, shifting from cool morning tones to warm afternoon sun.
Rather than competing with the historic surroundings, the clean, architectural lines of HAY Palissade provide a gentle counterpoint to the textured stone and organic planting. The slim, powder-coated steel frame feels light and unobtrusive, allowing the garden to remain the focal point. The rhythmical vertical slats subtly echo the linear qualities of the timber beams inside the property and the cottage windows and doors, creating an unexpected connection between old and new.
At the centre of the courtyard sits a sky grey Palissade Garden Dining Table with two Palissade Dining Armchairs and a Palissade Dining Bench. The muted sky grey complements the natural stonework and soft blue paint on the cottage doors and windows, whilst also allowing the coloured blooms and vibrant greens to stand out. The furniture feels grounded within the space instead of imposed upon it.
In a secluded corner, an iron red HAY Palissade Lounge Set creates an inviting spot to relax. The rich iron red colour introduces warmth and depth, picking up on earthy hues of terracotta pots and late summer planting. This maintains the rustic feel of the setting, whilst the contemporary silhouette prevents the space from feeling overly traditional. As a beautiful example of old mixed with new, the addition of Palissade garden furniture subtly modernises the courtyard without disrupting its charm.
What makes this courtyard particularly compelling is not simply the furniture itself, but the confidence to contrast eras. There is often a hesitation when introducing contemporary design into historic settings, as though modern forms might disrupt heritage. In reality, thoughtful contrast can sharpen character rather than dilute it; clean lines bring clarity to textured backdrops and minimal silhouettes allow historic architecture to breathe.
Amy and Mark have accessorised their HAY Palissade with rustic tableware, creating inviting places to enjoy breakfast or a leisurely lunch in the sun. To create a soft ambience once the sun begins to set, a Tala The Muse Portable Lamp adds warm lighting to the outdoor dining area. This design complements the scene, looking modern with a slightly vintage aesthetic that ties in perfectly with its surroundings.
The versatile design of HAY Palissade allows it to move effortlessly between modern architectural settings and period homes alike, making it an excellent choice for gardens where heritage and contemporary living meet. In Purbeck Cottage, Amy and Mark have demonstrated that when restoring a period property, it's not always essential to stick within the historic timeline. Adding contemporary elements can blend with tradition, creating a home that is both timeless and well suited to modern living.
Explore the complete HAY Palissade Garden Furniture Collection >
Take a look around the rest of Purbeck Cottage with Amy and Mark >
View HAY Palissade in two contemporary settings, featured on Grand Designs >
Written by Mark Holloway:
Founder and CEO of Holloways of Ludlow. With a lifelong passion for exceptional design, Mark has built the business from the ground up, curating a collection that reflects both integrity and innovation. He doesn’t just sell design - he lives it - with many of the pieces he champions proudly featured in his own Wimbledon home.
A proud Salopian at heart, Mark splits his time between the energy of London and the tranquillity of Ludlow, embracing the best of both worlds. Outside the showroom, he’s a devoted father of two, a lover of fine wine, and a regular face in the live music scene.