Dyer Street - Cirencester Commercial office to homely Residential Airbnb

Commercial Office to Homely Residential Airbnb Transformation

Welcome to Dyer Street, a standout project in the heart of Cirencester where history meets thoughtful, modern design. As interior designers for this transformation, we were brought in to help turn a Grade II listed commercial building into two warm, character-filled residential apartments—each one designed for Airbnb stays, with comfort, functionality, and a sense of story at their heart.

A Building With a Story to Tell

Dyer Street isn’t just another period property—it has a remarkable past. Once home and practice to Dr. R. Edgar Hope-Simpson, a pioneering epidemiologist, the building was the site of significant research activity in the mid-20th century. A plaque outside the house shares part of its legacy: in 1947, Dr. Hope-Simpson opened a research unit here with the support of the Medical Research Council, followed by a virus laboratory in the 1960s.

By the time our client Aidan purchased the property, it had been converted into a mixture of office space and a residential flat. The vision was to breathe new life into the building, turning it into two distinct Airbnb apartments that respected its roots while offering a boutique, homely experience for guests.

Our Design Approach

At G R Design Studio, we’re known for creating spaces with soul—interiors that feel warm, curated, and connected to their setting. Dyer Street was the perfect canvas for our approach: a building steeped in heritage, ready to be reimagined for modern living.

Moodboard Concept

Key goals for the project included:

• Respecting and restoring period features wherever possible.

• Introducing durable, commercial-grade materials suited for short-term lets.

• Creating two unique design identities—one classic, one contemporary—while maintaining flow and consistency between the spaces.

• Designing on a smart budget, using accessible furnishings and styling in a way that still felt elevated.

The Downstairs Flat: Contemporary Comfort with a Story

The downstairs space posed a different challenge. Once used as a doctor’s surgery, much of its original charm had been stripped back. We approached it with a fresh perspective, reimagining it as a modern two-bedroom flat with a completely new layout and a private entrance through a courtyard garden.

Though the space is more contemporary, we added historical context through carefully curated design choices. One of our favourite features? Framed newspaper clippings discovered during the renovation, now displayed as time capsules of the building’s fascinating past.

This flat also features bold paint choices, layered lighting, and hard-wearing yet stylish furniture—perfect for the high turnover of Airbnb stays without compromising on aesthetic quality.

Commercial Standards, Boutique Feel

Because both apartments were designed for Airbnb, every decision had to balance beauty with practicality. We sourced off-the-shelf, durable furnishings that would withstand short-term rental use—without feeling generic or overdone.

From soft furnishings and artwork to hardware and lighting, everything was chosen to feel considered and cohesive. We focused on storytelling through design, so each flat feels like a destination, not just a place to sleep.

Key Design Highlights

• Two design personalities: one classic and heritage-led, one modern and vibrant.

• Commercial-grade finishes and fixtures, ensuring durability without sacrificing style.

• Smart sourcing: budget-friendly, accessible pieces used in curated, elevated ways.

• Sentimental and historical touches: including salvaged newspaper clippings, period-style lighting, and framed artwork that nods to the building’s medical legacy.

Dyer Street is a brilliant example of how interior design can preserve the past while embracing the present. It reflects our core belief at G R Design Studio: that great design doesn’t have to mean high-end or high-cost. It simply has to be thoughtful, story-led, and grounded in how people really live—or in this case, stay.

Both flats are now live on Airbnb, welcoming guests to Cirencester and offering them a stylish, memorable experience rooted in local history.

Collaborators

This project was brought to life through close collaboration with trusted partners.We worked alongside the talented team at Inndecs, whose expertise in construction and detailing helped preserve the building’s integrity while supporting our design vision every step of the way.

The finished spaces were beautifully captured by Carle & Moss, whose eye for natural light and storytelling imagery brought the character and atmosphere of Dyer Street to life in every shot.

Client Testimonial

“Georgie and the team at G R Design Studio were incredible to work with from day one. This building means a lot to me, and I knew I wanted to honour its history while creating something really special for guests—Georgie understood that instantly.

She brought a perfect balance of creativity, practicality, and attention to detail. The result is two apartments that feel completely different, yet equally thoughtful and beautifully finished. From restoring original features upstairs to completely reimagining the downstairs flat, she captured the spirit of the building while making it feel modern, comfortable, and ready for Airbnb guests." — aidan Owner

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