A small and damaged coach house in south London has become a warm and stylish family home after a creative redesign. Eleanor and Dominic Charles transformed the narrow 19th-century building into a bright living space that now fits their growing family. The couple had searched for homes across London before finding the unusual property in Camberwell. Like many first-time buyers, they wanted outdoor space, character, and a house instead of a flat. Most homes they viewed had modern interiors that felt dull and wasteful to replace. Everything changed when they found an online auction listing for the old coach house. The tiny building had cottage charm and unique features that stood out from other properties. Even though the home was in very poor condition, the couple saw its hidden potential. Eleanor described the building as looking like a Georgian doll’s house. The narrow structure only had one room downstairs and a small toilet at the back. Upstairs had two divided spaces with no hallway. Despite the difficult layout, the pair decided to take the risk. They placed their bid online while abroad. Eleanor said the experience felt stressful and exciting at the same time. In the end, they won the auction and became owners of the unusual home. After buying the property, the couple worked with architect Anthony Kyrke-Smith to create plans for a careful restoration. The design included a two-storey rear extension and a mansard loft conversion. The goal was to keep the original charm while making the house more practical for family life. One of the standout features became the semi-circular window added during the redesign. Eleanor said arched windows are common in Camberwell, so the feature helped connect the home with the local area. Getting planning approval proved difficult. The couple had to change their plans several times before finally receiving permission. During that process, they welcomed their first child and learned they were expecting a second baby. The challenge then became how to fit family life into such a compact home. The couple turned to District, a design and construction company known for creative interiors. Alexandra and Michael Rees, the company founders, focused on making every part of the home useful. Alexandra explained that the building was too small for a normal three-bedroom house. Because of this, the team removed wasted space and combined functions wherever possible. The result was a clever layout that uses every inch wisely. One of the most eye-catching parts of the redesign is the staircase. The bright pink metal stairs twist through the middle of the house in an S-shape. The floating design takes up little room while also acting like a piece of art. Eleanor joked that the staircase reminds her of a giant sea snail from Doctor Dolittle. The unusual structure connects the different floors while helping the house feel open and playful. The dining area sits beneath the staircase and creates a cosy family corner. A vintage table found by Dominic can extend to fit more guests. Bench seating also hides storage for toys and craft supplies. Across from the dining space is a compact kitchen filled with smart details. An induction hob with a built-in extractor saves wall space. A boiling water tap keeps the worktop neat and simple. Shelves between the cabinets and counter make daily items easy to reach. The couple also decided to create a separate snug instead of one large open-plan room. The cosy sitting room has an internal window that allows light to pass through the house. Mid-century shelves inherited from Eleanor’s grandmother provide storage for books and personal items. Second-hand Ikea sofas fit perfectly into the lowered seating area. Eleanor said the room feels like a small conversation pit where the family can relax together. Upstairs, sliding pocket doors help save space in the bedrooms. The children share a narrow room with bunk beds, while another room works as both an office and guest room. The family bathroom has no direct window, so designers added a lightwell to bring in natural light from above. In the main bedroom’s en suite, the arched window became the central feature beside a deep bathtub. Warm colours and natural materials give the home its welcoming atmosphere. Soft yellow, green, and pink shades brighten the small rooms, while timber furniture and cork floors add texture and warmth. The Tiny Coach House Transformation shows how creative planning and bold design ideas can turn even the smallest building into a comfortable family home.