Charming, unique and a dream come true, the revamp of Filly Island in South Cerney is Mouse Martin’s masterpiece. Tamash Lal enjoyed a tour.

A passion for upcycling and a love of all things vintage were at the core of Mouse Martin’s dream project to bring a disused 18th century cart house back to life as a luxury holiday apartment.

Blending a love of style with ingenuity has resulted in something quite magical at Filly Island on the banks of the River Churn in South Cerney near Cirencester.

This charmingly kooky self-catering abode began life as a store for the cart which the neighbouring mill’s horse dutifully pulled upstream in the 1700s.

Today it is a beguiling melange of the industrial and the romantic situated on a tiny island accessed only by a humpback bridge.

Fire bucket light shades and curtains made from old Hungarian grain sacks show how easily lucky finds can be revivified to bring about the quirky interior.

A vintage mangle and cartwheel have also been reimagined into statement pieces.

The rustic double bedroom is sprinkled with luxurious touches such as an upcycled cashmere hot water bottle and waffle bathrobes.

Imagination goes a long way at Filly Island, with a vintage pullied airing rack for hanging clothes instead of a wardrobe maximising the cosy space.

The adjoining bathroom has a striking red roll top bath with a shower over, a first aid box of ‘forgotten goodies’ and recycled milk bottles filled with shampoo and bubble bath add a cosy touch.

“I was passionate about retaining the history of this old cart store by using turn of the century handmade items,” said Mouse.

“It was also important to ensure that Filly Island was cosy, warm and unique. I have loved the challenge of finding new homes for unwanted artefacts and hope visitors love what I have created!!

Filly Island Q&A

What age is the house?

1750 is the approximate age. It’s not listed and had been unmodernised until 1970 when it had its first make over from a shed to a house and was bought by me last May.

What was the house used for previously?

This is where the cart that the horse pulled for the mill upstream was stored.

What building materials were used?

As the house had to be completely re-modernised, all new building and modern materials had to be used for plumbing and electrics but where possible joists and framework that came out of the demolition got recycled and put back into the house.

What were the high and low points of the renovation and the biggest extravagance?

Biggest extravagance were the radiators, as I thought it was £1,000 for three, not each!

How would you describe the exterior style of the house?

1800/1900s industrial, upcycled, recycled, handmade!

Tell us a bit about the refurbishments, how did you go about it?

They took four months, I had to have an architect, a structural engineer, planning and the Environment Agency involved but I was the interior designer and I did as much work on it myself as I could.

Filly Island is now available for holiday lets.

W: uniquehomestays.com

T: 01637 881183