revived the character of this period terrace in London PET PROJECT This couple’s home near the River Thames is filled with memories, from references to their

‘W hen people move house, they usually take the opportunity to clear out some of their possessions, but we have stayed put, so now our house is full to the brim with all the things we love,’ says Audey Charles of her much cherished home set in a leafy location near the Thames. It is now laden with sweet decorative memories ranging from the antiques picked up when she and Tony, her film director husband, were first married, to contemporary geometric lampshades now being manufactured by her talented daughter, Sophie Morton, who started a hand-blocked printing company called Yateley Papers. Audey and Tony moved in with their first baby Nicola, then one year old, having fallen in love with the area. ‘It is close to the river, a bird sanctuary, a lake, woodlands and heath, all perfect dog walking country,’ says Audey, adding, ‘the bones of the house were fine, it was just tired and needed decorating. It had a homely atmosphere due to a long run of happy previous occupants. We were even sent an early photo of the family that lived here in 1851 with their 10 children and two servants.’ Since the Charles family moved in, the house has evolved to meet their changing needs. The couple’s original kitchen was located in what is now Tony’s study and the current sitting room in those early days doubled-up as a dining room and playroom. It was only after their next two daughters were born, Sophie and then Poppy, that Tony and Audey began to feel the need to

GARDEN Even this space is treated to pattern –a cohesive colour scheme makes the mix work. Hand-blocked tablecloths, £70 each; napkins, £32 for four, all Yateley Papers. The Stripes Company sells similar director’s chairs , from £145 DINING ROOM ‘I like the calm country style created by arranging pieces of china on the dresser,’ says Audey. Blue-rimmed glasses, £25 each, Oka. Dining chairs in Natural linen, £280 for two, Perch & Parrow, have this look SITTING ROOM ‘Kilim fabrics for the sofas are a perfect foil for dog paws,’ Audey explains. Bespoke sofas, George Smith. Similar kilim fabric, from £96m, Linwood. Similar gilded overmantel mirror, £1,650, Vinterior

expand into the basement, at which point the builders moved in.

They designed a new run of stairs in keeping with the original style of the house, which previous owners had removed. Next they reconfigured the basement space, squeezing in a laundry, larder and cloakroom with shower. The old rotten floorboards were replaced with new pale oak, the ceilings were lined with painted tongue and groove planking and a farmhouse-style kitchen was designed and installed by a local carpenter. This space is now everybody’s favourite, opening onto a large garden through French doors.

The benefit of these early alterations has enabled the couple to entertain friends and accommodate their family of three daughters and five grandchildren who regularly come to stay, often bringing friends as well. ‘It sometimes feels like a hotel with every bed filled,’ says Audey. The secret to the welcoming, relaxed atmosphere in the house lies in Audey’s original resolve: ‘never to buy anything too precious that cannot be broken’.

Her favourite things are creamy white china, an abstract painting by Allen Jones, a Victor Pasmore painting bought by Tony in his youth, handcrafted pots by her daughter Sophie and a simple wooden dog given by a friend. The dog has been sitting on the dresser for 40 years. Dog-themed art is everywhere. ‘I suppose it is obvious I love dogs,’ says Audey, patting her favourite wire-haired terrier Mr Chips on the head.

Understandably with such a well used home, Audey often dreams of what it might be like to upsize rather than downsize after 50 years. ‘Perhaps when the grandchildren grow up and marry we may need even more room,’ she smiles.

KITCHEN An organised look is created by displaying utensils in a neat row, within perfect reach for cooking and baking. Similar units from Howdens, prices on request; in Whitening intelligent eggshell, £46 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene BATHROOM A dark grey-green wallpaper was chosen to show up a drawing of a dog similar to Audey’s wire-haired terrier.

Houndstooth wallpaper, £68 a roll, Osborne & Little, is a close match. Persisk kelim Gashgai rug, £180, Ikea, is similar MASTER BEDROOM Colourful and bold prints offer a stylish haven. Cupboard doors in Pitch Blue estate eggshell, £64 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Indian bedcover, £130, Sarah K. Pink velvet cushions, £12 each, Dunelm