Southampton Residence by Clive Lonstein and William A. Schulz

Enveloped by gentle trees and lush greenery, Southampton Residence by Clive Lonstein and William A. Schulz offers a serene retreat from the world. Once a humble cottage, it has been thoughtfully transformed to harmonise with the landscape, seamlessly blending its classic identity with contemporary charm.

Lonstein focused on highlighting the dwelling’s heritage appeal while introducing functional expansions and overlays for modern living. “The goal was to create a home that felt both true to its origins and entirely contemporary in its execution,” he says. For every new feature added, an old one was preserved, as evidenced by the vaulted ceilings in the bedrooms and bathrooms, which serve as a counterpoint to the home’s linear cottage shape. Lonstein admits this was easier said than done. “One of the key challenges was expanding the existing cottage while preserving its timeless character. Reconfiguring the layout to enhance functionality without losing the intimacy of the original structure required a careful balance,” says the interior designer, who collaborated with William A. Schulz on the architecture.

In a town characterised by its coastal homes, Lonstein was keen to embrace a different aesthetic lexicon. “Shifting away from a more expected beach-centric aesthetic and instead drawing inspiration from the surrounding greenery meant that every material and design choice had to complement the natural environment rather than compete with it,” he says. The studio used the serenity of the outdoors as a natural point of departure, achieving a warm yet sophisticated atmosphere by layering organic materials, rich textures and a soothing colour palette. The home was shaped around the garden, designed as the centrepiece and accessible from the living room. “The garden is a focal point, with seamless transitions between interior and exterior spaces. French doors from the living room reinforce this connection, making the outdoors an integral part of the home’s experience,” explains Lonstein.

In a bid to make the home feel both effortless and deeply personal, Lonstein muted the shell, opting for pared-back wooden flooring and hushed walls to allow the architecture and landscape to take centrestage. Embracing texture, the studio introduced atmospheric accents, understated bookshelves and carefully curated artwork. Lonstein highlights the Josef Frank table in the entry hall as a particular novelty. “It acts as a sculptural anchor, reinforcing the balance of art and function that defines the home,” he says. Beyond these embellishments, the home’s most defining feature is its nature-framing views from every angle. “The home’s seamless connection to the landscape reflects a broader philosophy of environmental harmony, ensuring that it not only blends into its surroundings but also respects them.”

Architecture by William A. Schulz. Interior design by Clive Lonstein.