Imagine stumbling upon a grand classical house in the heart of Somerset, only to discover it’s a mere 20 years old—a masterful blend of tradition and modernity crafted by designer Christian Bense. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can a home built in the 21st century truly capture the essence of an early-18th-century masterpiece? Let’s dive in.
Christian’s client had long dreamed of owning a country house, and when she finally settled on this sprawling West Country estate, it was love at first sight. The property, set amidst acres of picturesque countryside, was originally built in an early-18th-century style by its previous owners and even graced the pages of House & Garden upon completion. ‘Her call couldn’t have come at a worse time,’ Christian admits. ‘We were swamped, but the moment I saw it, I knew I’d regret passing it up.’
Beyond the house’s undeniable beauty and scale, there were personal ties: Christian had collaborated with the client on other projects over the years, both at Turner Pocock and since launching his own studio in 2020. Yet, there was a catch. The client needed the house ready for her growing family—three boys and a baby on the way—by the following June, despite only receiving the keys in March. And this is the part most people miss: Christian and senior designer Lexi Strang scrapped the traditional design timeline, opting instead to conceptualize, procure, and install as they went. With the client’s unwavering trust, they embarked on a whirlwind creative journey that, like a thrilling rollercoaster, left Christian yearning to relive it.
The challenges didn’t end with time constraints. The client was transitioning from a cozy Notting Hill villa to a vast estate with 24 rooms on the ground floor alone. The main wing housed the drawing room, dining room, and principal bedrooms, while a barn-shaped wing accommodated the kitchen and utility rooms, and a third wing served as guest quarters. ‘Their existing furniture simply disappeared in these expansive spaces,’ Christian recalls. Adding to the complexity, the client’s previous ‘art gallery’ aesthetic—sleek and function-over-form—clashed with the new home’s gracious country-house vibe.
Initially, the client envisioned a ‘masculine, edgy’ interior filled with Brazilian furniture—a stark contrast to the traditional exterior. However, as they spent more time at the property, their vision evolved. ‘I’m game for a bold, art-driven space,’ Christian explains, ‘but a forever home demands harmony with its architecture and surroundings. It’s about sympathy, not servitude.’
Working on the fly, Christian and Lexi struck a delicate balance between honoring the country-house aesthetic and injecting modernity. In traditionally styled spaces like the kitchen, they introduced bold furniture lines and contemporary art. Conversely, when designs veered too edgy, they softened them with classic elements. Take the dining room, where a life-size clown figure and a sculptural Lindsey Adelman ceiling light coexist with elegant paneling and gilt-framed oil paintings.
Here’s a bold statement: Christian deliberately avoided printed linens—a country-house staple—opting instead for woven or embroidered fabrics with intrinsic patterns. ‘It was a challenge,’ he admits, ‘but it added a fresh layer to the interior.’ Florals, however, made an unexpected appearance, inspired by the client’s plans to replant wildflower meadows. From the Cox London ‘Magnolia Grandiflora’ chandelier in the playroom to Tess Newall’s ethereal monochrome flowers drifting up the staircase, nature subtly permeates the space.
Trust was the linchpin of the project, both between client and designer and designer and craftspeople. Tight deadlines often meant giving artisans like Tess Newall and Jo leGleud of Maddux Creative loose briefs, resulting in stunning, organic creations. The outcome? A joyful, elegant home that seamlessly blends tradition and modernity, designed to withstand the chaos of family life. ‘The playroom is stylistically flawless,’ Christian notes, ‘but the kids build forts with cushions and turn it upside down. A family home shouldn’t be untouchable—it should be livable, and that’s the true beauty of this house.’
Now, here’s a question for you: In blending old and new, do you think Christian Bense succeeded in creating a timeless home, or did he sacrifice authenticity for modernity? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a debate!
