The Vaults at Stow

A study in colour, texture, and timeless form

We were invited to visit The Vaults at Stow on a still, misted morning, arriving early as the town square slowly came to life. Set within a former bank in the heart of Stow-on-the-Wold, the building holds a quiet sense of presence, its Georgian façade standing with quiet confidence amongst the surrounding architecture.

The project is the work of Rory and India Hunter, whose shared vision has transformed this once utilitarian space into a collection of three considered apartments. Their approach is both intuitive and refined, rooted in a deep appreciation for material, colour, and atmosphere.

Following a path around the back, we arrived at a beautifully appointed courtyard, where raw iron stairs lead upwards to the apartments. At the top, the view opens out across the rooftops and beyond, softened by the early morning haze. There is a sense of calm here, a quiet anticipation of the spaces within.

Inside, three apartments unfold across two levels, each with its own outdoor space and distinct identity. While modest in scale, they feel anything but small. Open, airy, and carefully composed, each space balances thoughtful design with a generosity of atmosphere. Throughout, two ideas quietly anchor the interiors: a dialogue between antique and new, and the use of layered fabrics and textures to shape the character of each apartment.

At the top level sits Shilling, the lightest of the three in both palette and mood. A soft interplay of blush pinks and muted sage greens creates an atmosphere that feels calm, open, and quietly elegant.

The Grand Giselle pendant anchors the kitchen dining space, its generous form hovering lightly above the room, while a Bergholt Petite Giselle wall light offers a more intimate presence over the work surface.

Over the dining table, a Heathcliff pendant introduces a subtle contrast, paired with a brass switch that sits effortlessly within the scheme.

What becomes immediately apparent is the restraint of the lighting. Against richly printed fabrics and carefully chosen antiques, the porcelain forms remain composed, allowing the surrounding textures to speak. Nothing vies for attention, instead, each element finds its place.

This sense of calm continues into the bathroom, where sculptural forms and soft natural light create a space of quiet retreat. Here, the Giselle wall sconce reads almost as an object, its form gently animated by the daylight spilling in through the sash window. Every detail feels considered, yet never overstated, a space that invites stillness.

Moving down into Tuppence, the same spatial layout is reimagined through a richer, more grounded palette. Butter yellows are set against deeper, darker tones, creating a space that feels both warm and composed.

The Large Keats pendant introduces a sharper geometry, its clean lines working in harmony with the more structured elements of the kitchen. There is a clarity to the space, where form and function meet with precision.

In the bedroom, the palette softens and cools, creating a contained sense of calm. It feels like a retreat within the apartment, a place to pause. The Giselle wall sconces provide gentle points of light, quietly punctuating the room without disturbing its stillness.

Here again, the relationship between lighting and fabric is key. Patterned textiles carry the personality, while the porcelain forms remain steady and understated, offering balance and continuity.

The smallest of the three, Farthing is perhaps the most expressive. Bold prints, layered blues, soft pinks, and strawberry reds create a space that feels vibrant, optimistic, and full of charm.

Despite its size, there is no sense of compromise. The kitchen is perfectly proportioned, with every element carefully resolved. The Petite Giselle returns here as a task light, reinforcing a quiet rhythm across the apartments while remaining entirely suited to its setting.

The dining space is gently anchored by the Grand Giselle, its wider form creating a soft sense of enclosure above the table. Surrounded by elegant fabric prints, the light feels both present and at ease, a natural part of the composition.

In the bedroom and bathroom, the playfulness continues. Patterns and colour are balanced by a strong sense of form, with the Giselle wall sconces echoing the curves of the sink and mirror. This subtle repetition creates cohesion, allowing even the most decorative spaces to feel calm and resolved.

Across all three apartments, India’s design approach feels instinctive yet deeply considered. Antique pieces sit comfortably alongside new, each bringing its own sense of history and material honesty. Fabrics, prints, and textures flow through each space, shaping atmosphere and giving each apartment its own identity.

Within this, the lighting finds its role not as a statement, but as a constant. Quiet, sculptural, and timeless, it allows the spaces to evolve around it, belonging equally to past and present.

The result is a series of interiors that feel complete yet unforced, where every element has been chosen with care, and nothing feels unnecessary.

For those looking to experience The Vaults at Stow for themselves, you can explore availability and book your stay here: https://www.thevaultsatstow.co.uk/