Latchmere House
Latchmere House, a Grade II Listed building with origins dating back to 1620, is a layered and characterful property that has evolved through centuries of architectural styles. From Georgian façades to medieval masonry and even Roman brickwork in the cellar, the house offered a rich canvas for a sensitive and imaginative renovation
“The building itself was really our starting point for inspiration,” says Elizabeth Nixon. “We wanted to highlight the historic features and celebrate its unique character.”
Catchpole & Rye recently had the privilege of collaborating with Elizabeth Nixon Interiors and the Latchmere House Partnership on the restoration of this truly remarkable property in Canterbury, Kent. Led by architect James Clague and interior designer Elizabeth Nixon, the project was more than a refurbishment – it was a bold vision to redefine how clients engage with the design and construction industry. Today, Latchmere House serves as a collaborative hub where clients can meet architects, engineers, and designers under one roof, making the process more transparent, creative, and enjoyable.
“Our goal was to simplify what is often a complex and fragmented process,” explains Elizabeth. “We wanted to create a welcoming space where clients can meet the entire property team, see how we work, and start to enjoy the design journey.”
As a Kent-based manufacturer, Catchpole & Rye has long championed the value of local partnerships. We were fortunate to become part of this project from the earliest stages, conducting a site visit before any fittings were finalised. This early involvement allowed us to advise on technical considerations and product selection from the outset – ensuring a smooth and efficient journey from concept to completion.
“Visiting the Pluckley showroom and talking to Lizzi and Tony about finishes was crucial,” says Elizabeth. “Understanding how the materials age over time helped us make confident design decisions.”
Having worked together on previous projects, there was already a strong foundation of trust and creative alignment – something that made this collaboration particularly rewarding. Elizabeth developed a deep understanding of the breadth of our finishes and production capabilities, which gave her the freedom to build an extensive and expressive palette throughout Latchmere House. With our full sample pack on site from the early stages, she was able to experiment with combinations and textures, bringing real depth and personality to each space.
“We wanted a broad range to really showcase what Catchpole & Rye has to offer,” Elizabeth explains. “We mixed brushed nickel, silver nickel, aged brass, aged copper, and even Verdigris for real character.”
Catchpole & Rye’s Founder and MD, Tony O’Donnell, brought his expertise as a historical consultant in the field of sanitaryware to the project. His knowledge of traditional fittings and period-appropriate detailing ensured that every element was not only beautiful but also historically sensitive. This expertise proved particularly useful in spaces like the Shower Room, where the original arrangement of the cistern and pan required a bespoke solution. Our team developed a cranking flush pipe system to accommodate the existing layout – an elegant and practical response to the quirks of a centuries-old building.
The Shower Room is one of Latchmere House’s most striking spaces – a beautifully balanced composition of colour, texture, and tone. Featuring the Victoria Basin on Frame, Le Thermo Grand Exposed Shower, and our Wheatsheaf High-Level Ensemble, the design layers Aged Copper, Aged Brass, and Verdigris finishes to create a rich, characterful scheme that feels both playful and refined. Underfoot, Rosso di Scacchi tumbled marble brings warmth and depth, while Hoxton teal and crisp white gloss porcelain tiles from Mandarin Stone add vibrancy and contrast to the walls.
Playful wallpaper is a recurring theme within the project. In one cloakroom, an Antique Copper Regency High-Level ensemble and The Empress Basin on an Aged Copper Frame are paired with House of Hackney’s flamboyant flamingo wallpaper, creating a bathroom full of personality and charm. Another example of Elizabeth’s flair for fun is the frog-themed cloakroom, where Harlequin’s whimsical wallpaper meets Fitz Green honed marble and polished nickel fittings – a space that feels both grounded and imaginative.
“We wanted to be playful with design,” Elizabeth notes. “Bathrooms don’t have to be purely functional – they can be joyful, expressive spaces.”
This project exemplifies the value of collaboration – combining architectural expertise, interior design vision, and artisanal manufacturing to create something truly special. Working with Elizabeth Nixon Interiors and the Latchmere House Partnership was a rewarding experience for our team. Their commitment to quality, design integrity, and client experience mirrors our own. This project not only highlights the versatility of our products but also reinforces Catchpole & Rye’s role as a trusted partner in the restoration and reimagining of historic properties.
