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F O R C E O F N AT U R E A sensitive

renovation inside and out breathed new life into this 17th-century cottage in Berkshire B I G S U R P R I S E One groom-to-be had a truly unique gift for his fiancĂŠe â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a whole wing of a grand Victorian mansion in Kent W O R T H T H E WA I T Patience paid off for two house-hunters when they found this detached Victorian house in Dorset S P E C I A L C O L L E C T I O N Knocking two Hampshire Fifties properties into one gave this creative owner a perfect space to fill with colour and curios

COVER STORY

53 58 65 101

SIGNED, SEALED & DELIVERED

How a period post office in Dorset became a first-class family home C H A R A C T E R B U I L D I N G From farm animals to fine antiques, the interior of a rural property in Belgium has undergone an elegant evolution L E A R N I N G C U R V E This neglected Victorian former schoolhouse in Cornwall proved a lesson in hands-on renovation F R E S H S TA R T A freak flood in this historic Yorkshire watermill inspired its owners to begin a new wave of renovations

This mid-century terraced home was ripe for a an airy extension (page 117).

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25bh | c o nte nt s

117

114 126

I TA L I A N E S C A P E Chancing upon a ruined

farmhouse in Umbria, an American artist knew she had found the ideal place to live la dolce vita R U R A L R E S T O R AT I O N Undaunted by its derelict state, two retirees took on this 17th-century Cornish house

town 74 78 110

H I L L S I D E H AV E N Tucked above a Tasmanian town,

this period home is a sanctuary for its eco-conscious owner O U T O F A F R I C A The owner of this Eighties endof-terrace brought a flavour of South Africa to Surrey C R A F T E D C O T TA G E One couple took a creative approach to updating a turn-of-the-century Surrey property

city 22 30 42

70 82 93 96 104 117 122

R O O M F O R C H A N G E A rejigged layout in a

Victorian home in London worked wonders L I G H T T O U C H Exotic accents and a cool palette tell the life story of this London flat’s owner E A S Y E L E G A N C E This Victorian mansion apartment was reimagined with sumptuous hues and a chic decor T H E W O W F A C T O R Showcasing a standout feature in each room adds impact to a London townhouse B O L D A P P R O A C H Vibrant colours and eclectic art create an unexpected interior in this period city home P E R F E C T P L A N N I N G How a bland new-build townhouse in Copenhagen has been filled with personality T H I N K I N G I N S I D E T H E B O X The owners of this bijou London worker’s cottage have squeezed clever storage solutions into every nook and cranny N O R T H E R N L I G H T A serene decor and a flowing floor plan make this Twenties villa the ideal place to enjoy the long Stockholm summers E X P A N D I N G V I S I O N Adding a large extension to their terrace gave one Dutch family the space they craved E M E R G I N G P AT T E R N This Thirties house in London received a vibrant dose of colourful motifs

c oa s ta l 10 88

B E A C H B L I S S A childhood dream came true for one

owner when he finally received the keys to a weatherboard house on the East Sussex coast S E C O N D T I M E L U C K Y Having missed out on a historic Isle of Wight mansion over 20 years ago, this owner leapt at the chance to make her lost dream a reality

r e g u l a r f e at u r e s 41 52 100 132 138 6 | 2 5 B H S EP TE M B ER 2019

R E A D E R O F F E R A Tom Howley kitchen masterclass T R AV E L O F F E R Fascinating European escorted tours T R AV E L O F F E R Luxury cruises on the Danube W H E R E T O B U Y Find stockists listed in this issue R O O M E N V Y The scheme that’s inspired us this month

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e d ito r ’s le t te r | 25bh 25 BEAUTIFUL

HOMES EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR SARAH SPITERI Executive Editor Kate French Group Creative Director Emma Williams Group Chief Sub Editor Anne Esden Commercial Editorial Operations Director Jane Akers Homes Content Team Editorial Director Rhoda Parry Commissioning/Interiors Editor Fiona Mace Head of Art Operations Alison Walter Art Editors Melanie Brown and Paula Jardine Senior Designer Christina McQuillan Designer Charlotte Holland Head of Subs Operations Maxine Clarke Hub Chief Sub Editor Jennifer Spaeth Senior Sub Editor Marian McNamara

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CEO TI Media Limited Marcus Rich Group Managing Director Life & Style Angela O’Farrell EA to Group Managing Director Life & Style Donna McConnell Managing Director Mark Winterton Business Director Grainne McKenna Digital Director - Life & Style Group Sarah Rafati

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WELCOME Trends... do they matter? I’ve been giving this a lot of thought lately. In fashion magazines, September issues usually feature a major reveal of looks for the new season. In interiors, it’s a little different. Of course, we do write of trends, but the focus is more on broad themes that emerge from product collections or seasonal moods. And, indeed, almost all of the interior designers I speak to say that they don’t (and won’t) follow them. Instead, in interiors what really matters is personality and style confidence. While we always feature unique homes in 25BH, this month I believe they are a particularly confident bunch. We are showing colour and pattern on walls, floors and furniture, strong architectural detailing and the collected look. One of my favourite homes in this issue is owned by antiques dealer Ann-Sophie De Stoop (page 58), who has incorporated classic furniture into a modern interior to ensure her farmhouse is both utterly chic and deeply personal. That’s the definition of on-trend to me. SARAH SPITERI, EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

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COMING NEXT MONTH – ON SALE 5 SEPTEMBER

MODERN MAKEOVER Simple, classic designs have given this Victorian home in London a fresh update

UP TO SPEED This end-of-terrace house in Sussex was completely refurbished in only six weeks

All prices quoted in this issue including VAT at the current rate were correct at the time of going to press, although you are advised to check cost and availability before buying. 25 Beautiful Homes is published by TI Media Limited, 161 Marsh Wall, London E14 9AP. Repro by Rhapsody, 109/123 Clifton Street, London EC2A 4LD. Printed by Walstead UK Limited. Cover printed by Walstead UK Limited. Publisher’s subscriptions rates for 12 issues (including p&p): UK, £52.20; Europe & Eire, €170.20; USA & Canada, $111.30; rest of the world, £129.90. For all subscription enquiries and UK orders, call 0330 333 1113 or email help@magazinesdirect.com. For overseas orders, please call +44 (0) 330 333 1113.

2 5 B H S EP TE M B ER 2019 | 9

BEACH BLISS

Located on Camber Sands, Mark and Kim Leversedge’s luxurious house is a childhood dream come true FEATURE STEPHANIE SMITH | PHOTOGRAPHY DAVID GILES

home truths

THE PROPERTY Victorian weatherboard and brick house L O C AT I O N East Sussex R O O M S Living area/ kitchen-diner, four bedrooms, bathroom, shower room P U R C H A S E D 2007 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘Our main house is in Kent – this is our holiday home,’ says Kim.

c oa s ta l | 25bh LIVING AREA Interspersing family photos with wall letters breaks up the pictures and keeps the display looking graphic and modern. Furniture Village’s Knot floor lamp, £339, is a good match. For similar yellow armchairs, try Fabric tub chairs, £99.99 each, Argos. Trade Furniture Company has an industrial-crate coffee table, £200

2 5 B H S EP TE M B ER 2019 | 11

urchasing this weatherboard house was the realisation of a dream Mark Leversedge had held since he was a child. ‘I used to look at it when I was playing on the beach because it’s located right on the sand, and think, wow, what an amazing place to live,’ he says. Years later, Mark let his wife Kim into his secret and she, too, fell in love with the idea of living in the property just yards from the sea. By this time, the couple had three young children and Mark was busy running his own marketing company in London. He began to see the beach house as an opportunity to escape. ‘I was working crazy hours and barely seeing my family,’ he explains. ‘So, every so often we’d come down here and put a note through the door asking if the owner wanted to sell, but he always said no.’ Then, in early 2007, the owner changed his mind, but Mark was disappointed when he saw the asking price. ‘It was too high,’ he says. ‘I just thought, that’s that then, we can’t afford it. We’ll have to forget about it.’ SURPRISES IN STORE

Serendipity struck when, out of the blue, a Canadian firm offered to buy Mark’s company. ‘It sold for a healthy sum and suddenly we had the money to purchase the beach house. We were so excited to finally get the property that we didn’t view it before buying,’ admits Mark. ‘It wasn’t until we walked in as the new owners that we realised what a bad a state it was in. The roof and weatherboarding leaked, birds were nesting in the rooms and it had woodworm. I wasn’t too disappointed, though, I just viewed it as a project.’ Mark hired a builder he knew, who moved into the property for three months while renovating it. The couple decided to keep the existing layout downstairs, but added a shower room and a WC upstairs by shaving off part of the bedroom space. A new boiler, radiator and windows were installed, and the pine floorboards were sanded and resealed throughout. The kitchen and bathroom were retiled and the existing wooden kitchen units were updated by painting the doors. An island unit was incorporated into the open-plan 12 | 2 5 B H S EP TE M B ER 2019

c oa s ta l | 25bh KITCHEN-DINER A wooden table mounted on scaffold poles and a vintage light bring an industrial feel to the light and airy space. Recreate the look with the Scaffold dining table, £314, Etsy; Tolix-style metal dining chairs, £59 each, Cult Furniture, and Driftwood wall mirror, £140, Wildwood Designs

i n s p i r at i o n ‘It comes from our surroundings: the sand, grasses, sky and sea. Their colours, textures and all their imperfections are what we recreated, here, in this house’

kitchen-diner and sitting area. In the downstairs family bathroom, a new WC and shower were added, while, outside, decking was built at the front of the property. ‘We also boxed in the beams and painted them white to match the walls and ceilings in the rest of the house for a fresh finish,’ says Mark. ‘When it came to furnishing the rooms, we went for a stylish look with some luxurious touches, but in an imperfect, bit rough-round-the-edges, family way, as it’s our place to relax.’ WEEKEND ESCAPE

By December that year the house was ready for the family to enjoy. ‘It was wonderful to watch the children in their pyjamas racing up and down the sand dunes that first Christmas,’ says Mark, who would drive his family to their holiday home every weekend. ‘We’d load up the car on a Friday evening and get here around 10pm. Early the next morning, with no one around, the kids would play on the beach as me and Kim sipped tea from our decking, enjoying the best front garden in the world.’ Now that their children are older – Amber is 20, Nathan 18 and Max 15 – family visits are less frequent. But rather than let their holiday home sit empty in between, Mark and Kim let it for short stays. ‘This helps Barefoot Beach House pay for its upkeep and allows others to experience just how special a place it is,’ he says. SHIFTING SANDS

The one drawback to owning the property is that three times a year Mark has to shift 100 tonnes of wind-blown sand back to the beach. ‘I did try moving it by wheelbarrow but it nearly killed me, so now I use a dumper truck,’ he explains. ‘I don’t mind because it’s all part of the changing landscape that makes this place so special.’ Regular get-togethers at the house with family and friends also far outweigh the cumbersome task. ‘In the evening we have a barbecue and sit around the firepit on the decking, telling stories and singing to the beat of my bongo drums. It’s hard to get people to go home,’ Mark laughs. 14 | 2 5 B H S EP TE M B ER 2019

KITCHEN Mark and Kim updated the existing wooden units by painting the doors grey. Recreate the look with French Grey Mid intelligent eggshell, £64 for 2.5L, Little Greene

c oa s ta l | 25bh MASTER BEDROOM ‘The curtain is just for dressing because we didn’t want to obscure the fabulous view of the sea and sky,’ says Mark. Floorboards painted in Annie Sloan chalk paint lacquer in matt, £21.95 for 750ml. Blanket, £160, Biggie Best

CHILD’S BEDROOM A star-print blanket and nautical accessories enliven the neutral decor. Try the Stars and Stripes duvet cover set, £10, Dunelm. Castleton Home antique-style paddle, £78.99, Wayfair, is a good match

BEDROOM Mark glued the wooden boards to the wall behind the bed to create a rustic coastal look. Sheepskin rug, £65, Hunter Jones. For similar cushions, try Aldis, £20 each, Made.com B AT H R O O M Pebble and sand-coloured tiles reflect the beach outside. Marblemosaics has pebble tiles like these, £29.99sq m

FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y

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c o u ntry | 25bh

home truths

T H E P R O P E R T Y Cottage dating from the 17th century L O C AT I O N Berkshire R O O M S Hallway, sitting room, kitchen, orangery, utility room, three bedrooms (one en suite), family bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2009 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in a family house in the countryside nearby, which I also extended,’ says Kate.

FORCE OF NATURE Kate Pols was so taken by the beauty of this period cottage that she put in an offer without stepping inside FEATURE AMANDA HARLING | PHOTOGRAPHY ANDREAS VON EINSIEDEL

25bh | c o u ntry

KITCHEN

The dresser-style unit filled with crockery adds period charm. Similar dresser-top shelves, from £15, eBay

ntil around 10 years ago, Kate Pols ran a successful antiques and interior design business based in the picturesque town of Hungerford. ‘As much as I loved dealing in antiques, after 20 years I decided it was time for a change and a simpler life,’ says Kate. ‘So once the dust had settled after selling the shop, I began looking around for a new challenge.’ For Kate, who lives and breathes design, it was a foregone conclusion that this ‘new challenge’ was going to be a new home. ‘I’d been looking for the right property for a while but nothing really

HALLWAY

A mirrored wall at the end of this upstairs corridor creates the illusion of space and provides a backdrop to a table set with an antique lamp, books and a garden urn. The Henley white demi-lune console £209, La Maison Chic, is a good alternative. Maisons du Monde’s Medicis resin vase, £77, would suit this setting

18 | 2 5 B H S EP TE M B ER 2019

appealed to me until I saw details of this house, an extended 17th-century cottage,’ she says. ‘I drove by to take a look and decided without even going inside that this was where I wanted to live, so I phoned the estate agent and put in an offer right away. Looking at the floor plans, I saw that the interior would benefit from a few changes and there was certainly scope for some improvement on the garden front.’ In due course, the sale was completed and six months after Kate moved in, the transformation began. ‘I’d renovated several houses in the past and I knew what needed

to be done, so with the help of my very competent builder I submitted the planning application.’ Fortunately, Kate’s new home was unlisted so replacing the existing windows on the front elevation with custom-made gothic ones wasn’t a problem. Neither was her proposal to extend the building by adding a glass-roofed orangery to the kitchen. ‘The original kitchen used to be cramped and dark but now that it opens into a light-filled living and dining area, it feels like a completely different space,’ says Kate. During the winter a woodburner casts a cosy glow over the dining table and seating

ORANGERY

Armchairs covered in a richly coloured stripe echo the tones of the Oriental rug. The ceramic owl vases on the mantelpiece, which date from the Thirties, reflect Kate’s passion for birds. Small George club chairs upholstered in Ashbourne fabric, £1,550 each, Oka. Limestone floor tiles, from around £70sq m, Artisans of Devizes

25bh | c o u ntry GUEST BEDROOM

Soft white walls and neutral fabrics let the beautiful original beams stand out. Walls in Old White, estate emulsion, £46.50 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball

last wor d ‘I describe my style as lived-in and I think a house should only be filled with things you love and pieces that you’ve gathered over the years’ area, but in the summer the folding glass doors allow the interior and the sheltered walled garden beyond to become one large entertaining space. Being only a mile or two outside Hungerford, Kate and her husband Rod have plenty of visitors. ‘We love having friends over for meals, and my grandsons Zac and Harry often stay at weekends.’ When furnishing the house, Kate retained some pieces from her former home. ‘To begin with, there was furniture piled up

BATHROOM

Plants feature throughout the house and Kate likes how this palm adds a touch of drama to this traditional space. Royce Morgan’s Akita contemporary double-ended freestanding bath, price on request, is a suitable alternative. Try the Meandro floor-standing bath filler tap, £1,530, CP Hart

20 | 2 5 B H S EP TE M B ER 2019

all over the house but gradually I filtered out what I didn’t need.’ On the upper floor, Kate made a few changes, such as enlarging the en-suite bathroom and creating more wardrobe space in the master bedroom. Walls are painted in earthy neutrals and for the curtains and bedcovers, Kate chose delicate floral designs. ‘The furniture is a mix – French, English, painted, polished, large and small,’ she says. ‘I already had the large French mirror, which is in my

bedroom. It’s designed for a taller room but it looks at home here.’ Kate thought she’d miss antiques dealing, but she has no regrets about giving up the shop. ‘Designing gardens for clients keeps me busy,‘ she says. ‘It’s similar to interiors – you decide on a style, plan the space, install lighting and choose plants. Knowing that someone else will do the digging and weeding is a relief – I have enough of that to do in my own garden!’

MASTER BEDROOM

Kate is a master of creating decorative vignettes, like the ones on the tables here, to add character. The V&A Blythe Meadow throw, £90, House of Bath, would look good here. For similar headboard fabric, try Ian Mankin’s Suffolk small gingham check in Mint, £29.50m

FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y

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ROOM FOR CHANGE Unhappy with the layout of their new home, Jules Coleman and Simon Rohrbach wasted no time in making improvements FEATURE RICHARD WEBBER | PHOTOGRAPHY COLIN POOLE

SITTING ROOM The yellow love seat provides a cheerful burst of colour in this calming space. Oscar love seat, £1,240; Oscar sofa, £1,540, both Sofa.com. Koko Blue rug is similar, from £149, The Rugs Warehouse. Romy coffee table, £345, La Redoute. Jacques floor lamp, £135, John Lewis & Partners

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c it y | 25bh

home truths

T H E P R O P E R T Y Terraced house, built around 1840 L O C AT I O N South London R O O M S Hallway, sitting room, kitchen-diner, pantry, study, cloakroom, four bedrooms (one en suite), bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2017 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘Before, we rented a top-floor flat in north London,’ says Jules.

KITCHEN Shaker-style units, along with the large steel-framed patio doors, create a modern room with traditional touches. Bespoke units, Handmade Kitchens of Christchurch. Bespoke Crittall-style doors, YES Glazing Solutions. Brooklyn dome pendants, £99 each, Industville

2 5 B H S EP TE M B ER 2019 | 23

DINING AREA Jules chose a table and chairs set with a mid-century look. Its timeless style pairs perfectly with both classic and contemporary pieces. Mid-century expandable dining table, from £599, West Elm

aving searched for the right home for a year, Jules Coleman and her partner Simon Rohrbach were delighted to discover a four-bedroom Victorian terraced house in London. ‘We loved how well proportioned the house was, especially with its high ceilings,’ says Jules. ‘There’s also a nice community feel here, with plenty of independent shops, great restaurants and good pubs. Plus, there are lovely green spaces nearby, ideal for long Sunday walks with our dog, Percy.’ Jules believes the property was divided into flats before the previous owners converted it into a family home. As a result, the layout didn’t lend itself to the way she and Simon wanted to use the space. ‘Everything was structurally sound, but the layout and things like the flooring and even the fixtures and fittings needed updating.’ As soon as the sale was completed, the couple joined forces with one of Jules’ co-founders at Resi Architects to consider floor plans and think about how they could refurbish the space. Simon even learned how to use modelling software to construct a 3D render of how the property would come together. ‘We went through countless iterations, covering everything from floor layouts to positioning of light switches.’ Eventually, they settled on a plan that saw the entire interior of the house gutted and rebuilt. ‘We reconfigured most of the floor layouts,’ says Jules. ‘This included installing a new kitchen with a pantry and cloakroom on the lowerground floor, installing double doors that lead out to the

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garden, and creating a master bedroom with a walk-in wardrobe and en suite.’ The work took six months, with the couple moving in once the top floor was habitable – although it meant being without a kitchen for a month. The build proved to be a challenging undertaking. ‘With a property this old, there can be lots of unexpected delays,’ says Jules. ‘Some items we needed had a long lead time and could only be used once another item with an equally long lead time arrived. If that wasn’t enough, parts of the wooden flooring arrived in a different shade and had to be sent back.’ ‘As Simon has a strong passion for all things interior design, we knew from the outset that we’d want to decorate it ourselves,’ continues Jules. ‘So we started planning before the build even started. It was important to achieve a pared-back, timeless style, so it would still work 10 years from now and provide a flexible canvas for our decor and furniture.’ Jules and Simon restored many of the house’s Victorian features, with a nod to some elements from the Georgian era. ‘We kept the base palette for flooring, walls and ceiling largely to slate grey, light grey and white, so we could introduce colour with furniture and decorations,’ says Jules. ‘We also added some brass and gold elements for a touch of elegance.’ Now the couple are happily ensconced in their home, Jules says, ‘It’s often said that the last 20 per cent of the work takes 80 per cent of the time, and that was true in our case – the smallest stuff took the longest to sort. But we feel so privileged and lucky to have made this property our own.’

c it y | 25bh MASTER BEDROOM This room is all about laid-back luxury with its chic upholstered bed and art casually displayed on the side tables. Grid-tufted upholstered bed, from £799, West Elm. Walls in Purbeck Stone, £46.50 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball. Jakob bedside tables, £229 each, Swoon

d e c o r a t i n g t i p ‘We mix store-bought furniture with pieces picked up at online marketplaces for a unique look’ B AT H R O O M Rustic and industrial elements are softened with pink accents. Jimi round pine side table in Pink is a match, £48, La Redoute

FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y

MASTER BEDROOM A white mantelpiece was chosen to enhance the beauty of the original feature fireplace. The Woodthorpe fire surround, £168, B&Q, is similar. Custom-made dressing table, from a selection, Etsy

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25bh | c o u ntry

home truths

THE PROPERTY Victorian mansion wing L O C AT I O N Kent R O O M S Hallway, sitting room, living room/dining room, kitchen-diner, study, playroom, two cloakrooms, gym, nine bedrooms (two en suite), three bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2012 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘Before moving here, we lived in a converted schoolhouse in south London,’ says Jaime.

BIG SURPRISE When Justin Cooke told his wife Jaime that he had found the perfect home, she never imagined it would be so grand FEATURE SEÁN O’CONNELL | PHOTOGRAPHY RICHARD GADSBY

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here is more than an air of romance about the home of Jaime and Justin Cooke. Not only was this Jacobean-style mansion in Kent the scene of countless society balls – it was built in 1870 by the third Marquess Camden – but Justin bought its west wing as a surprise first home together after proposing to Jaime. Seeing the house for the first time left an indelible impression on Jaime, for several reasons. She recalls: ‘I was staggered by the building’s beauty and its peaceful surroundings.’ A tranquillity that was quickly shattered, however, when a rock band arrived to film a video. ‘It was surreal – the band, The Darkness, and their extras, were dressed up in outlandish garb and shooting scenes all around the house and grounds,’ says Jaime. The couple were soon back in the real world when they discovered the amount of work that needed doing to the place. ‘It was cold, draughty and neglected,’ recalls Jaime. ‘Shortly after moving in, we found ourselves occupying just a couple of rooms with lots of heaters turned up full.’ Busy with their respective businesses, the pair put the project on hold and moved back to London with Justin’s mother, Jane, holding the fort. A few years later, and now parents to a toddler and a baby, the couple decided the time was right to return to their home in the country. ‘Growing up in the wilds of Canada, I’d enjoyed an amazing outdoor life and I wanted my kids to experience the same feeling of freedom,’ says Jaime. Renovations to restore the fabric of the building had begun a year earlier but work continued for another 18 months after the family moved in. As well as knocking down partition walls and replacing plumbing and

SITTING ROOM ‘Luckily, I have a design background, and have firm ideas about colour and texture,’ says Jaime. For a custom-made sofa like this one, try Graham and Green. Feature wall in Air Force Blue absolute matt emulsion, £45 for 2.5L, Little Greene

H A L LWAY Graceful arches and a Jacobean-style staircase make a fabulous first impression. Try the Fabio wing chair, £575, Andrew Martin. Vogue Damask rug would work, £131, The Rugs Warehouse. See Pietro chandelier, price on request, Christopher Wray

KITCHEN-DINER Family life centres on this relaxed and sociable space. Montague high-back bar stool, £265, Neptune. For Julian Wolkenstein equine prints, from £299 each, try Lumas

25bh | c o u ntry favo u r i t e shop ‘I love Liberty, with its mix of old and new furniture, textiles and curiosities. Plus, it’s housed in one of the most beautiful buildings in London’

MASTER BEDROOM A striking modern-style four-poster bed enhances the height of the ceiling. Louis four-poster bed, price on request, Reeves Design. Oliver coffee table is a good alternative, from £928, Furnish.co.uk. For a white feather Juju hat wall hanging, try Maisons du Monde, £208

GUEST BEDROOM Sumptuous fabrics and restful shades create a welcoming scheme. Mahogany four-poster antique French-style bed is similar, £1,200, Homes Direct 365

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M A S T E R B AT H R O O M A log-filled fireplace makes a chic and interesting addition. Try Camden roll-top bath, £2,510, CP Hart. Travertine tiles, £29.99sq m, Topps Tiles

electrics, ground-source heating and solar panels were installed. When the house finally reached the stage where the couple could make their mark on the interior, it was the kitchen in particular that Jaime felt she had to get right. ‘We began with the must-have elements, such as lots of cupboard space,’ she says. ‘It also had to be open plan and somewhere we can hang out as a family.’ Stylistically, the theme here and throughout the rest of the house is old-meets-new – Justin loves retro kitsch while Jaime has a penchant for Italian and French antiques. One of the biggest headaches for the couple was finding the right furniture and accessories for the enormous rooms. ‘Everything is on such a large scale, so pieces have to be either oversized or interesting enough to hold their own,’ explains Jaime. She is clearly proud of the part she has played in transforming every room, and especially loves her bedroom. ‘I spend so much of my time rushing around, I’ll often come home, have a bath and chill out in the bedroom,’ says Jamie. ‘The calming colour scheme and the special quality of light makes it a restful oasis.’ The Cookes agree that living in the country really suits them and their children, Alberta, 10, Gibson, nine, and Monty, six. ‘We wanted to create a home where the kids could run around and have fun without worrying about breaking things,’ says Jaime. ‘Maybe when they’re older we’ll start accumulating more delicate pieces, but there’s plenty of time for that.’ FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y

home truths T H E P R O P E R T Y Lower ground-floor flat in a Victorian terraced house L O C AT I O N North London R O O M S Sitting room, kitchen-diner, two bedrooms, bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2017 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We moved here from a top-floor rental round the corner,’ says Cat.

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LIGHT TOUCH Cool and bright with a tropical air, Cat Dal’s London home reflects her Scandinavian heritage and time spent in the Far East FEATURE EMMA J PAGE | PHOTOGRAPHY RACHAEL SMITH

SITTING ROOM

A mix of natural textures and rich patterns creates a relaxed feel. ‘The chairs are so comfy to curl up in and the rug unites the scheme,’ says Cat. Fenner armchairs in Orange velvet, £995 each; Layne pouffes, £95 each, all Habitat. Java floor lamp, £149, Made.com

he moment when Cat Dal’s bespoke floor-to-ceiling sliding doors were cautiously fed through the front windows of her new flat is not one she will forget in a hurry. The nail-biting episode came after a patient 18-week wait from order to delivery. ‘The doors, which now open onto our garden from the kitchen, were the linchpin of the renovation,’ she says. ‘Craning them into place wasn’t an option, so we removed the front window frames and brought them in that way. Let’s just say that there was zero room for error.’ Interior designer Cat, who runs Cat Dal Interiors, was heavily pregnant while fixing up the flat that she shares with husband Stuart and 10-month-old Jasper, but is used to dramatic moments such as this, having overseen several similar projects for clients. But perhaps her cool and collected approach is also down to her Scandinavian roots. ‘That culture is an enormous part of my upbringing,’ says Cat, whose father is Danish and mother is Norwegian. Her childhood was spent in Copenhagen, followed by stints in Malaysia, Singapore and the UK. Little surprise then that her own home is eclectic and colourful,

f a v o u r i t e r o o m ‘The kitchen always lifts my mood. The texture of the pendants, the natural marble and the green hues make it a calming space’ underpinned by a sense of Scandinavian calm. ‘I like to create spaces that are both functional and playful,’ she says. ‘Colour, texture and materials are important to me.’ Finding this property was no easy task. Cat and Stuart were looking for a period conversion with room to start a family – a place that would need little work. But when they finally unearthed an unloved two-bedroom basement flat in a Victorian terrace, they knew they would have to roll up their sleeves. ‘It was in a poor state but it had potential,’ says Cat. ‘The previous owners had secured planning

KITCHEN-DINER Cat totally reworked this space at the rear, extending the original kitchen across the full width of the house. The smart navy finish and striking Arabescato marble are perfectly complemented by crisp white quartz worktops and brass accents for chic, modern style. ‘As a Scandinavian interior designer, I believe that

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space planning is vital and we took great care to ensure that this apartment works hard for us,’ says Cat. Cabinetry painted in Plimsoll pure flat emulsion, £49.50 for £2.5L, Paint & Paper Library. Arabescato marble, from £200sq m, MGLW. Brass handles, from £5.50 each, Foundryman. Black rattan bar stools, £195 each, Rockett St George, are similar

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DINING AREA

Natural textures and lush tropical hues are inspired by the courtyard garden. Edelweiss dining table, £399, Made.com. Tall Braided pendants in Green, €93 each, Ferm Living. Safavieh Valentin vintage-inspired rug, from £82.25, Only Home

permission for a bedroom alongside the kitchen, but we decided to use the side return for a kitchen-diner to run the width of the rear instead.’ Over the next eight months, the pair completely renovated the flat, leaving only the double doors leading to the garden from the master bedroom intact. The layout remains broadly similar except for a reconfigured hallway that incorporates storage, and an entirely reworked kitchen. ‘The flat is southwest facing and we wanted to make the most of that,’ says Cat. ‘We opted for those huge glass doors and a tropically inspired garden because it was so important to bring the outside in.’ Another key consideration was storage. ‘We were keen to avoid having any dead space,’ says Cat. ‘The bench in the dining area conceals space under the seat, we built large wardrobes in the hallway and we bought a mechanical-lift storage bed.’ While everything has its place, the decor is far from staid. The sitting room features an abundance of texture and colour, from the orange armchairs and striped stools to the mid-century Danish leather sofa and woven plant pots. Elsewhere, Cat’s love of botanicals is seen in the House of Hackney Paradisa print on the headboard and bolster cushion. And

f a v o u r i t e i t e m ‘I love our headboard, which is upholstered in my favourite House of Hackney fabric. Jasper likes looking at the birds on it every morning’ the tactile, organic nature is most apparent in the kitchen, with its oversized woven pendants, smart brass taps and striking marble splashback. ‘We always wanted a large, bright and happy kitchen,’ says Cat. ‘This space has plenty of room for the baby to play while I’m cooking and the large table is perfect for dinner parties.’ This summer, the family is looking forward to finally relaxing. ‘We’ll be enjoying every minute with Jasper,’ says Cat. ‘We can’t wait to scribble his height onto the door frames as he grows – after all, those special touches are what makes a home.’

BATHROOM

Using herringbone tiles on the wall adds the wow factor to this functional room. Hampton Bays herringbone mosaic wall tiles, £129.86sq, Fired Earth. Carrara honed marble hexagon mosaic floor tiles, £199.17sq m, Mandarin Stone. Aureole wall sconce, £79, Spark & Bell. Faux Living Wall (seen through window), price on request, Thames Hedging

GARDEN

Cat has created a cosy outdoor room with this tiled courtyard adjacent to the kitchen and dining area. ‘We opted for an informal feel with an air of the tropics,’ she says. Cosmopolitan bistro set (with side table, not seen), £129.99, Alfresia. Green Basco tiles, £5 each, Bert & May. Smoki glass lanterns, from €48 each, Caravane

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MASTER BEDROOM ‘The striking botanical print makes our bedroom feel so personal to us,’ says Cat. Headboard and bolster in Paradisa in Off-White, £95m, House of Hackney. Bed with mechanical-lift storage, from £399, Bed Guru. Sinnerlig bamboo pendant lamp, £40, Ikea. Artwork, sourced from Society6

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RECEPTION AREA

The bench seat design includes baskets for storage. Try the Washed Finish table, Â£579, Hicks & Hicks

Worth the wait

Patience was a virtue for James and Sarah Ainsworth when it came to finding their new home in the countryside FEATURE JENNIFER GOULDING | PHOTOGRAPHY MEL YATES

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DINING AREA

Hanging a chandelier from the roof lantern makes it even more of a feature. Edinburgh extending dining table, from £1,390; Havana dining chairs, £245 each, all Neptune

home truths

THE PROPERTY Detached Victorian house L O C AT I O N Dorset R O O M S Hallway, reception area, sitting room, family room, dining room, kitchen-diner/living area, study, home office, five bedrooms (two en suite), three bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2015 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We were living in a house in London,’ says James.

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FAMILY ROOM (Left) Pale greys and blues feel warm but also keep this basement space bright. The Otto corner sofa, from £3,630, Sofa.com, is similar

LIVING AREA

(Below left) An oversized rug was used to zone the seating section of the

large, open-plan kitchen, dining and living space. Curtains in Cawdor in Mineral, £149m, Jane Clayton & Company

KITCHEN

The ceiling planks add rustic charm. Suffolk kitchen in Shale, from £25,000, Neptune. Large Luxor lanterns, £160 each, Pooky, would work here

hen James and Sarah Ainsworth were househunting for their new home in Dorset, they decided to rent while they searched for their new property. ‘We were relocating from London and weren’t familiar with the area,’ says James. ‘Past mistakes had taught us to wait for the right house. Our home is very important to us.’ The couple’s choice of rental property allowed them to fine-tune their wish list. ‘It came with outbuildings, 27 acres of land and no immediate neighbours,’ says James. ‘After living there for a while, we realised it wasn’t right for us. Yes, we wanted peace and quiet, but we also wanted to be near shops and within walking distance of our daughters’ school.’ It took a year for the family to find their new home, which is tucked away in a peaceful cul-de-sac in a quiet part of town. ‘On paper, it didn’t meet any of our criteria, but the agent suggested we look at it anyway,’ says James. ‘I suppose you just don’t know what you want until you see it and, as we liked the feel of the house, we decided to go ahead.’ James and Sarah both agreed that they would need to reconfigure the layout. ‘It was higgledy-piggledy and didn’t make a great deal of sense,’ explains James. ‘The previous owners had converted it back to a family home from flats around five or six years ago and had divided the cellar into several rooms. It wasn’t to our tastes, particularly the kitchen, which for us is the most important room in the house.’ To ensure the renovation would be a success, James and Sarah enlisted the help of

interior designer Emma Sims-Hilditch. ‘Emma helped us preserve the original, grand parts of the house, while opening up and rationalising the secondary spaces that had been added later on,’ says James. The existing rear extension was replaced with a large open-plan kitchen, which has dining and sitting areas. ‘The different open-plan zones mean that everyone can have their own separate space, even when we are all in there together,’ says James. ‘There is a big table, lots of natural light from the roof lantern and wonderful views of the surrounding hills. When the weather is fine, we love having the doors open to the garden.’ Another great space for socialising is the cosy family room located in the basement. ‘With its low ceiling, it’s the ideal retreat for relaxing, playing board games and watching films together,’ adds James. Next, Emma set about transforming the interior decor to suit the reconfigured layout. ‘Our brief to Emma was for something that was modern, with lots of natural light,’ says James. ‘We wanted the house to feel like a country home, but without any associated

DECOR ATING TIP ‘Celebrate old and new furniture by mixing antiques with contemporary collections – this juxtaposition is what makes a house feel like a home’

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stuffiness. It had to be practical and relaxed and comfortable of course, but we also wanted every room to look stunning.’ Emma took her inspiration for the interior from the original Victorian tiled flooring in the hallway, with its palette of taupe, terracotta, black and soft neutrals. Calm blues and gentle greys also feature in the schemes that flow through the property. The overall effect is of a calm yet functional family home. ‘Transforming this house was a real pleasure from start to finish, which was not what we’d anticipated,’ says James. ‘Emma and her team have created the most wonderful home we could have imagined.’

MAIN BATHROOM

(Top left) Tall mirrors above each basin create symmetry. Trafalgar grey countertop vanity unit and double round basins, £5oo, Victorian Plumbing, is a good match

DAUGHTER’S BATHROOM

(Top right) The deep bath and freestanding

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chrome taps give this room a modern twist. Rydal bath, £3,362, CP Hart

DAUGHTER’S BEDROOM

A half-height wall behind the bed divides the space, creating a dressing area by the wardrobes. Hemnes grey bedside table, £55, Ikea, would work with this scheme

FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y

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KITCHEN MASTERCL ASS

Discover the secrets behind the perfect kitchen with expert Tom Howley and enjoy a delicious lunch with Michelin-star chef Galton Blackiston

Join the 25 Beautiful Homes team and bespoke kitchen designer Tom Howley, left, at the kitchen specialist’s Harrogate showroom on Thursday 26 September for a very special event. Attendees will meet Tom, founder and design director of the brand, and also enjoy a cookery masterclass with renowned chef Galton Blackiston. Tom will begin by giving a presentation on kitchen planning and design, including the latest kitchen trends, plus there will be an opportunity for questions on your own projects. After the presentation, guest chef Galton, chef-patron of the celebrated Michelin-star Morston Hall, one of the country’s leading foodie destinations, will share his culinary expertise in a cookery demonstration and create a relaxed lunch for you to enjoy. Finally, you will have the opportunity to meet members of the Tom Howley design team, who will be available to advise on all aspects of kitchen design.

KITCHEN MASTERCLASS WITH TOM HOWLEY WHEN Thursday 26 September 2019, 11am-3pm. WHERE Tom Howley Harrogate showroom, 12 Royal Parade, Harrogate HG1 2SZ. TICKETS £25 each, including morning coffee, a cookery masterclass, a relaxed two-course lunch with wine, and a gift bag. TICKETS To secure your place, visit 25BHtomhowley.eventbrite.co.uk (please note, places are strictly limited).

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home truths

SITTING ROOM

THE PROPERTY Victorian mansion apartment L O C AT I O N Northwest London P U R C H A S E D 2015 R O O M S Hallway, sitting room, living room, kitchen-diner, three bedrooms (all en suite) PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘Before moving here, I lived in a flat conversion in Shad Thames,’ says Katherine.

A blend of vintage and contemporary pieces brings a fresh edge to the room’s traditional period features. Try the Yoko sideboard, £799, John Lewis & Partners, for a similarly timeless feel. Oka’s Lydford wing chair, £925, would work here. Larsen coffee table, price on request, Julian Chichester

Katherine Rees-Oliviere reworked a blank-canvas apartment to create a relaxing retreat FEATURE CHRISTINE STOVELL | PHOTOGRAPHY ANDREAS VON EINSIEDEL

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KITCHEN-DINER

Muted colours and simple lines create a peaceful breakfast area. Table, from £657, Swivel UK. Seed Cloud light, price on request, Ochre

HALLWAY

This light and spacious entrance gives a preview of what lies beyond. The Wave Stretcher table, price on request, Soane Britain. Bronze fish sculpture after Willy Kreitz, £2,600, Talisman

eaving behind a historic riverside London street close to Tower Bridge might have been a source of regret for some, but Katherine Rees-Oliviere embraced the change. ‘My work was based at Canary Wharf for many years, but when a career move meant a longer commute, I decided to look for a new 44 | 2 5 B H S EP TE M B ER 2019

property,’ says Katherine. Her first priority was to reduce her travelling time. ‘My main criterion was finding something that was handy for the Jubilee line,’ she says. ‘It was a new opportunity; I enjoy the buzz of the city, but I was also ready to live somewhere with access to green space.’ Katherine’s search culminated in her purchasing an

apartment in a Victorian mansion block in north London. ‘I have friends in the area which might have subliminally influenced me, but I also have family in the north of England, so this location significantly reduces the drive-time for that journey.’ The three-bedroom apartment had already been renovated by a developer,

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MASTER BEDROOM

Chinoiserie-influenced silk wallpaper adds an element of luxury. Lewis & Wood’s Jasper Peony wallpaper, £68m, is a good choice. Delphine desk, £1,950, Jonathan Adler. The Franklite Chiffon 5 light crystal ceiling light, £321.94, Ocean Lighting, would also work here. Try the Meghan fluted back armchair, £749, John Lewis & Partners

presenting Katherine with a pristine but bland blank canvas which she was keen to shape to her own taste, beginning with some architectural changes. ‘My vision was for an indulgent master bedroom and bathroom, somewhere to pause and recharge after a busy day.’ To that effect, the layout was optimised to achieve an enlarged master

suite, two reception rooms, a kitchen-diner and two guest bedrooms, providing ample space for Katherine’s mother and her two young nephews when they come to stay. Katherine takes a keen interest in design and had been collecting ideas for her apartment for some time, so when she engaged Munich-based interior designer

Ulrich Tredup of Tredup Interiors to help realise her ideas, it was important to her to be closely involved with the process. Both Katherine and Ulrich admit to being perfectionists and having their own clear, but differing visions, of what would work for the apartment, but their teamwork and good communication has resulted in an elegant 2 5 B H S EP TE M B ER 2019 | 45

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MASTER BATHROOM

Choosing a coloured finish has given this traditional bath a modern twist. Camden freestanding bath, £4,184, CP Hart. Antigua plantation shutters, price on request, The Shutter Shop

Touches of gold add glamour. Double Lowther vanity basin suite, from £5,950, Drummonds. Lancelot 216 Ebenholtz pendant light, £825, Royal Design

GUEST BEDROOM

A deep-plum throw contrasts with the muted green walls to create a vibrant feel. The Pacos throw, £275, Oka, is comparable. Disc chandelier, price on request, Bella Figura

DESIGN ADVICE ‘It’s a good idea to take your time to understand how you want to use each space in your home, as it might not be immediately apparent’ reimagining of the space which is testament to their successful collaboration. ‘Give your input to your designer by all means but let them do their job,’ says Katherine. ‘It’s easy to fall in love with a piece for your home, but that’s not enough to make it work; you have to think about the cohesion of the entire room. Even now, I 46 | 2 5 B H S EP TE M B ER 2019

might send a picture of something I’m considering to Ulrich for his opinion.’ The apartment is decorated in a chic palette of greenish greys, dusky pinks and golden tones, which are calming and contemplative. Silk rugs on rich oak floors and sumptuous textures combine to create a comfortable home where Katherine can

relax after a long day’s work. ‘Getting to this point took a lot of time and effort but I was passionate about achieving the right result. With hindsight, I might have lived in the apartment longer before redesigning it, but I’m grateful for the experience and proud to have created a stylish, yet comfortable home, and a space that expresses who I am.’ FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y

Original Art & Limited Edition Prints

RUNWAY GALLERY w w w . r u n w a y - g a l l e r y. c o m / 2 5 b e a u t i f u l h o m e s in association with

Pictured: Alexander by SYRETT, limited edition print, 100cm x 100cm Â£595

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Special collection After knocking two houses into one, Alison Pike filled her new home with creative colour and gathered treasures FEATURE PENNY BOTTING | PHOTOGRAPHY ROBERT SANDERSON

home truths

KITCHEN Natural brickwork is an unusual defining feature in this space. For a similar stool paint colour, try Grey Stone flat oil eggshell, £33 for 1L, Little Greene. Flori Brass pendant, from £88, Rowen & Wren

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T H E P R O P E R T Y Two Fifties farmworkers’ houses now converted into a detached home L O C AT I O N Hampshire R O O M S Hallway, sitting room, kitchen-diner/living area, utility room, study, five bedrooms, three bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2007 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We moved here from a family house in Suffolk,’ says Alison.

or Alison Pike, the location of her potential new home on the South Downs Way was enough to persuade her to migrate from Suffolk. The fact that it was on a farm owned by her parents, and her nearest neighbour was her sister, made it a dream come true. ‘The property was two Fifties semi-detached farmworkers’ houses, which had been rented out. The building was sound, but we had lots of structural and decorative work ahead of us, as both houses were totally featureless,’ Alison says. Following the purchase, Alison and her husband, Will, applied for planning permission. ‘This was difficult, as we are in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, but we were pleased with the changes we were allowed to make,’ says Alison. ‘Initially, we built a single-storey front porch and two small

extensions to the rear to increase the size of our bedroom and sitting room. It was so exciting knocking down the connecting walls.’ After that it was a case of removing both staircases and positioning one centrally in the hall, linking the plumbing and electrics, and taking out a chimney. A floor-to-ceiling window was also added in the master bedroom to maximise the view. Then in 2016, the couple obtained permission to extend the kitchen. ‘We worked closely with our architect, Tom Freeborough, to create a larger dining and living area. This has been brilliant, particularly as we now have teenagers – it has totally changed the feel of the house,’ says Alison, who also has her study and a utility room off the kitchen. Finally, came the task of adding interest to the interior, which began with wallpaper, cladding and paint. ‘Being in

LIVING AREA Alison blends different styles artistically and seamlessly. Indian cabinet, from a selection, The Organic Farm Shop. Cladding in French Grey Dark intelligent eggshell, £31 for 1L, Little Greene

the country on a working farm with our children, Amelia, 18, Imogen, 16, and Clemmie, 13, and various pets, I didn’t want the house to be too modern and minimal. As a family we are collectors – flowers, china, feathers, candles, shells – so the challenge was to create a feel that was fairly contemporary with a vintage eclectic twist.’ To achieve this, Alison opted for a strong colour palette. ‘The house can take dark shades, which can be a feature in their own right, and I added flashes of red, yellow and pink to lift the look. Bold colours make me happy,’ she says. As a designer, Alison already has lots of ideas, but she finds inspiration everywhere. ‘I get most of my tips from travelling – I am fascinated by how different countries have such different styles,’ she says. ‘But I love visiting National Trust properties around the UK, too, for thoughts on colour

SITTING ROOM The various shades of blue create a harmonious scheme. Bespoke ottoman, Peake Design. For a similar mirror, try Sunburst large gold wall mirror, £195, Ella James at Notonthehighstreet.com

schemes and patterns.’ So it is Alison who makes all the decorating decisions? ‘It’s totally me,’ she says. ‘Will is amazing at letting me take control and generally he is pleased with the results. We haven’t had any disasters yet – although I do like experimenting with paint colours.’ And now that the house is finished, is the family happy with it? ‘I always say to clients that our house is a very good example of what you can do with a relatively unattractive, characterless property. By painting the exterior to cover the Fifties London brick, re-tiling the roof and replacing the uPVC windows with wooden casements, we totally transformed the overall look. And inside, it’s amazing what you can achieve with the right choice of colours and materials. It has taken quite a while to get things right, but this is now definitely our forever home,’ Alison says.

c o u ntry | 25bh DINING AREA The table top is solid cedar from a timber merchant. Chairs, sourced by Peake Design; covered in Crush II in Navy, £46m, Kirkby Design

LIVING AREA Vintage touches give the space a relaxed and timeless feel. Chair covered in (seat) Labyrinth in Indigo, £113.30m; (arms) Lana in Peacock, £46.90m, both Linwood

favo u r i t e r o o m ‘The kitchen-diner is where all the chat and laughter happens and I love its eclectic style – you can never have too many dishes, ornaments, pots and jugs!’ B AT H R O O M Texture and pattern enliven this classic grey and pink scheme. Patchwork wallpaper, £63 for a 3m panel, Louise Body. Blind in Amity in Jaipur Pink, £87.50m, Romo

FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y

MASTER BEDROOM Layers of soft fabrics are sumptuous and soothing. Beech wallpaper in Steel £68.08m, Lewis & Wood. Billow bed, from £945, Loaf

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reader offers

| 25b h

EUROPEAN ESCORTED TOURS Fascinating European tours that take you to the iconic highlights as well as lesser-known gems.

SICILY Eight days’ half board from £899pp

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Departures up to November 2019 & April to November 2020

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PRICE INCLUDES ● Marvel at astonishing Greek ruins in the Valley of the Temples on our guided tour of one of the UNESCO World Heritage site ● Admire Palermo’s gorgeous medieval and Baroque centre, Italy’s finest outside of Rome ● Explore the hilltop town of Taormina and its stunning ancient Greek theatre ● Take a guided tour of the Roman villa in Piazza Armerina and see some of the best preserved mosaics and frescoes from antiquity ● Experience the majesty of Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe ● View the astonishing gold and glass medieval mosaics in Monreale cathedral on a guided tour ● Visit Siracusa, one of the Greek empire’s richest cities and home of Archimedes ● Enjoy authentic Sicilian food at a farmhouse ● Return flights from a selection of airports, plus all hotel transfers ● Seven nights in four star accommodation, with breakfast and dinner ● The services of our experienced and insightful tour manager throughout

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Departures up to October 2019 and April to October 2020

PRICE INCLUDES ● Discover the old town of picturesque Funchal on a tour led by a local guide ● Enjoy a tasting of the delicious and world famous Madeira wines ● Admire the world renowned Palheiro Gardens, overlooking Funchal ● Ascend to Curral das Freiras, or the Valley of the Nuns ● Visit Câmara de Lobos, a charming fishing port ● Take a guided tour of the idyllic Monte Palace Tropical Gardens ● Discover Madeira’s mountainous eastern coast, taking in the A framed houses of Santana and the ancient Laurisilva forest of the UNESCO listed Ribeiro Frio National Park ● Explore the varied west side of the island, including Cabo Girão ● Seven nights in four star accommodation, with breakfast and four dinners ● Return flights from a selection of airports, plus hotel transfers ● The services of our experienced and insightful tour manager throughout

PRICE INCLUDES ● Take a lake cruise to beautiful Bellagio on Lake Como, with a private visit to the delightful Villa del Balbianello and its inspirational gardens ● Enjoy a full day visit to the chic resort of St Moritz, including a journey on the Bernina Express, one of the most spectacular railways in the Alps ● Discover Bergamo, northern Italy’s most enchanting medieval town ● Follow in the footsteps of the ‘Grand Tour’ with a visit to Lake Maggiore and the town of Stresa ● Visit Lugano, an elegant Swiss lakeside town with Italian influences ● Return flights from a selection of regional airports, plus all hotel transfers ● Seven nights in a choice of well located four star accommodation, with breakfast and dinner (stays at the Grand Hotel Menaggio are on a bed and breakfast basis, with dining options available) ● The services of an experienced and insightful tour manager throughout

PRICE INCLUDES ● Explore Dubrovnik, Byron’s ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, with its medieval and Baroque centre, on a tour led by an expert guide ● Marvel at the rushing waters of the Krka National Park’s dense and dramatic interlocking waterfalls ● Cross the iconic Stari Most bridge, now returned to its former glory in Mostar, once Europe’s border with the Ottoman Empire ● Immerse yourself in the history of Emperor Diocletian’s monumental palace in Split, brought to life by the intimate knowledge of a local guide ● Discover the delights of medieval Trogir, one of Dalmatia’s most alluring old ports ● Return flights from a selection of regional airports, plus all hotel transfers ● Seven nights in four star accommodation, with breakfast and dinner ● The services of our experienced and insightful tour manager throughout ● 2019 departures visit Montenegro, Perast & Kotor

Call 01283 743370 to book or for a free brochure, or visit tbhriviera.co.uk TERMS & CONDITIONS: Additional entrance costs may apply. Prices are based on two people sharing and are correct at time of print. Single supplements may apply. Images used in conjunction with Riviera Travel. Offer operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Riviera Travel Ltd, ABTA V4744, ATOL 3430, a company wholly independent of 25 Beautiful Homes, published by TI Media Limited.

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SIGNED, SEALED & DELIVERED Victoria and Jonathan Sainsbury have rebuilt, restored and really put their stamp on this former village post office FEATURE JILL SHEARER | PHOTOGRAPHY ANDREAS VON EINSIEDEL

HALLWAY

This space has the feel of a grand country house with fine antique furniture and handsome oil paintings. Walls painted in Joa’s White estate emulsion, £46.50 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball. Yew House console table, £5,317, Jonathan Sainsbury. For a similar antique round carved pedestal table, try 1stdibs

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T home truths THE PROPERTY Victorian former post office L O C AT I O N Dorset R O O M S Hallway, sitting room, dining room, kitchen, laundry room, TV room, study, cloakroom, five bedrooms (two en-suite), bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2007 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in a Georgian townhouse,’ says Jonathan.

he description ‘Tardis-like’ is overused when the modest first impressions of a house belie the grander dimensions within. However, it scarcely does justice to Victoria and Jonathan Sainsbury’s Dorset home. Behind the front door of this undeniably charming former post office is a sumptuous country-house interior replete with fine oil paintings, carved marble fireplaces and exquisite period furniture, yet it somehow manages to feel warm and inviting, too. ‘I’ve always liked the expression “decayed elegance”,’ says Jonathan, who runs the family furniture business started by his great-grandfather Daniel Sainsbury just over

100 years ago. ‘I love decoration, but I don’t want it to become too precious – it works best if it looks a bit lived in. Imperfections create a sense of comfort and warmth.’ Jonathan and Victoria are originally from Dorset and they wanted to give their four children, Alexandra, now 24, Hector, 20, Millie, 14, and 12-year-old Lola, the opportunity of growing up in this beautiful part of the country. Jonathan was looking to take on a project, and when they came across the dilapidated Victorian village post office, he could see its potential. ‘It had been empty for seven years and was completely run-down,’ he recalls, ‘but the location was magical. I knew we

FAVOURITE FEATUR E ‘I love that everything’s a bit noisy here, a bit chaotic, but very, very comfortable’ KITCHEN

This scheme mixes colour, pattern and quirky touches in a highly original way. Five-oven cooker in Heather, from £12,785, Aga. Island painted in Incarnadine modern eggshell, £69 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball. For metal fish wall art, try ScCountryMetal

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SITTING ROOM

DINING ROOM

A pair of mahogany peat buckets store logs for the double-sided fireplace. Greek Key mirror, £4,202, Jonathan Sainsbury. Similar reproduction Aubusson rug, £2,950, London House Rugs

would have a lot of work to do – although I underestimated quite how much.’ Over a year and a half, the Sainsburys restored and rebuilt the Grade II-listed building, extending into the garden to create more space. The entire structure had to be underpinned and the barley sugartwist chimneys had to be taken down and carefully reassembled. One of the most challenging aspects of the project was the large family room built below ground level, which involved excavating 1,700 tonnes of earth. Jonathan was helped by architect

LANDING

With white walls and classical furnishing, this space creates an elegant link between different areas of the house

FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y

Jonathan made the dining table from a science bench salvaged from his old school. The Georgian Windsor chair with arms, £530, Tudor Oak, is similar

Peter Thompson, who worked with the planning department, and together they transformed Jonathan’s vision into reality. When it came to choosing colours, however, Jonathan readily deferred to Victoria. ‘She has an excellent eye,’ he says. ‘She opted for shades that were bold but not overly bright; tones that work well with the natural limestone floors and old wooden worktops without overpowering them.’ Although decisively grand in places, with its double-height entrance hall, galleried staircase and classical architectural detail,

BATHROOM Sculptural pieces are beautifully mixed in this small vanity area. Black Swan Furniture sells similar carved vanity units

this home feels generous and welcoming. At weekends and during school holidays, it is often filled with friends and family, and there are nearly always dogs and children running about, occasionally throwing balls and bumping into things. ‘Everything’s a bit noisy, a bit chaotic, but very comfortable,’ says Jonathan. ‘There’s nothing I like more than coming home from work to the sound of people chatting and laughing, and falling onto a sofa with a glass of wine and one of the dogs. That is my idea of heaven.’

BEDROOM

Vintage furnishings and accessories add character. Find a similar vintage brass bed at Coast to Country

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C H A R AC T E R BUILDING Antiques dealer Ann-Sophie De Stoop has created the perfect setting for her family and latest collections FEATURE JULIET BENNING | PHOTOGRAPHY CHRISTOPHE ROUFFIO/HEMIS

EXTERIOR The De Stoopsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; farmhouse sits on land divided into formal gardens and wilder pastures

c o u ntry | 25bh DINING AREA An old Indonesian table and wirework stools offer a stylish yet practical option for the vigour of family life. KM05 low wire stools, £388 each, Pastoe at Viaduct. Try vintage cylindrical pendant lamp in copper, €225, Design Market

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I home truths T H E P R O P E R T Y Early 20th-century farmhouse L O C AT I O N Brussels R O O M S Hallway, sitting room, dining room, kitchen-diner, study, five bedrooms, five bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2011 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘Before moving here, we lived in an apartment in the north of Brussels,’ says Ann-Sophie.

KITCHEN ‘I wanted a scheme that felt as if it could be from the original farmhouse,’ says Ann-Sophie. The Falcon Deluxe dual-fuel range cooker is comparable, £3,699, Appliance People

t wasn’t long ago that several of the rooms of Ann-Sophie De Stoop’s Belgian home hosted various farm animals. Now transformed into an elegant and restful family retreat, the property’s past is still evident in many of the details, and in its overall character. ‘When we first saw the photos of the house it was in a very bad condition,’ says Ann-Sophie. ‘It hadn’t been lived in for five or six years, and was more or less abandoned.’ But as she and her husband, Charles, had been looking for ‘the right’ rural property for some time, they were eager not to pass up the opportunity despite its many challenges. The couple’s previous home was an apartment in a residential neighbourhood in the north of Brussels, and the move was prompted both by a need for more space for their three children, Arthur now 19, Emilie, 17, and Henri, 13, and also for Ann-Sophie’s antiques business, Authentic and So. ‘I studied history of art

and have also spent many years working for Christie’s,’ she says. ‘About five years ago, I decided to become a consultant for them so that I could set up my own business.’ Ann-Sophie wanted to use the farm and outbuildings to showcase her stock of ever-changing art and antiques. ‘The entrance hall, for example, changes a lot as I buy new pieces and sell them on.’ But before the family – or AnnSophie’s treasures – were able to move in, a substantial amount of work had to be done. To help the couple achieve their country vision, they summoned the expertise of their long-standing friend and architect, Benoit Viaene. ‘He has an amazing talent for giving old buildings a new lease of life,’ says Ann-Sophie. Over two-and-a-half years, the project saw the restoration of all the outbuildings, as well as the removal of all internal walls in the farmhouse. ‘We wanted to create a new layout that would flow in a practical way to enable us to use every room every

H A L LWAY This area provides a dramatic backdrop for Ann-Sophie’s new arrivals. Furniture selection, price on request, Authentic and So

POOL The clean, contemporary lines seen inside the property are reflected in this sleek swimming pool and manicured garden

DINING ROOM The organic-shaped acacia wood table was specially made for Ann-Sophie. Erik Christensen chairs, £2,774 for six, Pamono, would work

STUDY A bespoke bookshelf displays exotic souvenirs from the couple’s travels. Pamono sells a range of vintage Arne Vodder desks

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i n s p i r at i o n ‘The Belgian art dealer and decorator Axel Vervoordt has been my biggest design influence. He’s a genius at creating beautiful spaces and curating great objects’

single day,’ explains Ann-Sophie. Keen to preserve the rustic character of the farm, the pair opted for a raw and weatheredlooking finish with exposed original brickwork and walls in white lime plaster. ‘It’s almost like clay on the wall, which creates a very calm ambience throughout the whole interior,’ she adds. In terms of furnishings, Ann-Sophie has artfully combined old and new items. ‘It always works, as long as the pieces have soul,’ she observes. A strong focus has also been placed on the display of artwork. ‘We’re very lucky in Belgium to have so many interesting artists whose work I love to live with.’ Soft linens offer a counterpoint to the more contemporary or industrial-style furnishings, such as the black steel coffee table in the sitting room, custom-made by the architect. Similarly, in the informal dining area, wirework stools are combined with a worn wood table from Indonesia. The kitchen meanwhile, with

its walnut-panelled central island, has the authentic look of one from a working farmhouse from 100 years ago. The large range cooker complete with brass knobs adds to this effect. Throughout the house there’s a sense that Ann-Sophie embraces its imperfections and nuances, allowing more character to develop over the years. Most importantly, the entire family adore their countryside surroundings. The couple’s children love returning home from boarding school and university to relax in the idyllic gardens, which are more formal nearer the house and become wilder towards the outlying fields. Animals are another big factor in the De Stoops’ life. ‘We have two dogs, Scotch and Punch, as well as four sheep and five hens,’ Ann-Sophie reveals. Having spent so many years imagining and working towards this chic retreat, the family has no intention of ever leaving. ‘I want to spend the rest of my life here,’ Ann-Sophie concludes happily.

SITTING ROOM Old and new elements are expertly combined to give this space a contemporary yet comfortable appeal. Bespoke coffee table by Benoit Viaene. Pierre Paulin chair, price on request, Authentic and So

S TA I R C A S E ‘The sculptural staircase and rounded door frame are very characteristic of the architect’s work,’ says Ann-Sophie. For a similar concrete floor finish, price on application, try Puur

BEDROOM Walls have been finished in a textured, off-white plaster for a soft, chalky finish. For similar linen bedding, from €31 for a pillowcase, try Libeco. See Nordium angle desk lamp, £103, The Lighting Company

FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y

MASTER BEDROOM Ann-Sophie had this window lowered to enable her to see the view when lying in bed. Rex folding chair by Niko Kralj for Stol Kamnik, £424, Pamono

LANDING Untreated poplar wood floors feel warm underfoot. Try 1stdibs for a French antique console table like this one. Art by Michel Mouffe

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COLOUR CRUSH

New Zealand-born artist GrAzie channels her passion for colour and pop culture into striking contemporary artwork for online Runway Gallery

DESCRIBE YOUR ‘FACELESSPAINTING’ STYLE – WHAT’S THE STORY BEHIND IT? I take popular

people, imagery and icons and reinvent them with a modern twist, leaving out any features that indicate expression. I like the idea that what I depict can be recognised regardless of the fact there’s no personality on show. In reality, we don’t really know these people, as iconic as they are.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU THE MOST?

Fashion, music, pop culture and colour, as well as memories and other artists.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE PIECE?

Usually whatever I’m working on at the time. Right now I love Face, based on the iconic British magazine The Face – the irony being that there aren’t any! I find it quite funny, so hopefully others will, too. My paintings are tongue-in-cheek – they aren’t supposed to be taken too seriously. I also love my depictions of Kate Moss; I’m a bit obsessed with her, actually. She has the most wonderful poses that are instantly recognisable.

HOW DO YOU LIKE TO DISPLAY ARTWORK IN YOUR OWN HOME?

It depends on the size of the piece. If it’s very large, it’s likely to work best as a standalone. Personally, I love grouping artwork together. I don’t believe people should be too fussy about sticking to a particular theme. Mixing different styles, eras and genres shows more of your personality. I love the idea of pulling favourite colours from the painting and using them in your decor – I have an electric blue sofa at home that complements my pieces perfectly.

mine use antiqued gilt frames before now, which worked surprisingly well. They made for an interesting contrast between traditional and modern. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE BUYING ART? Buy what

you like. Runway Gallery offers a unique opportunity to browse a diverse collection of artwork within the comfort of your own home, so there’s no pressure. To buy stylish and affordable artwork by both GrAzie and other artists, visit runway-gallery.com

WHERE IS YOUR WORK BEST HUNG?

I strongly believe art should feature in every room, including bathrooms. It’s to be enjoyed anytime, anywhere, and shouldn’t be confined to any one particular place. I would advise hanging on a dark wall. We’re naturally drawn to white as it’s often used in galleries, but dark walls complement the intense colours in my work and really make the colours jump out at you.

WHAT ABOUT FRAMES? I work on

stretched canvas so frames aren’t necessary. In fact, they end up detracting from the paintings. They’re bold by nature, not designed to be constrained in any way. Having said that, I have seen clients of

COMING NEXT MONTH Wildlife photographer Jake Mosher from rural Montana talks about Metamorphosis, his latest collection for Runway Gallery. It’s inspired by the intricate patterns on butterflies’ and moths’ wings.

Owning a piece of art is as easy as clicking a button with new online venture Runway Gallery. Showcasing contemporary, fashion-focused works, runway-gallery.com enables you to snap up original prints for your home. 64 | 2 5 B H S EP TE M B ER 2019

ARTWORK, FROM LEFT: AFTER MARILYN, £2,950; CHANEL IS KARL, £2,950, BOTH GRAZIE AT RUNWAY GALLERY

aving trained at the Ilam School of Fine Arts in New Zealand, Runway Gallery artist GrAzie moved to north London 14 years ago. Experimenting with spray paint, acrylic, diamond-dust and water-based paints, she brings canvases to life with colourful portrayals of popular imagery and icons using her trademark ‘faceless-painting’ technique. She describes her style as a distinctive blend of street, pop and abstract art. ‘I like to think my work bridges a gap with the street art movement,’ she says. ‘Even though it’s displayed in galleries, it could just as easily feature on the sides of city buildings and walls.’

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LIVING AREA

Making full use of the room’s height, the floor-to-ceiling bookshelves are also a nod to the property’s past. Try rolling library ladder, £375, Ladder Store. Similar Ercol daybed, £995, Vinterior

home truths THE PROPERTY Detached Victorian former schoolhouse, built in 1896 L O C AT I O N Cornwall R O O M S Hallway, sitting room, kitchen-diner/living area, four bedrooms (one en suite), two bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2007 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in an old railway worker’s cottage that we had renovated nearby,’ says Katy.

Learning

CURVE

Katy and David Green took a hands-on approach to make this neglected schoolhouse feel like home FEATURE KATIE TREGGIDEN | PHOTOGRAPHY BRUCE HEMMING

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KITCHEN

‘The Aga was our best investment – it heats the whole house,’ says Katy. Three-oven Aga, from £11,020, Aga Living, is a match. Aintree classic engineered oak flooring, £47.95sq m, Havwoods, would work here. Similar vintage lighting, from a selection at English Salvage

uriosity led Katy Green and her husband David to go along to the auction of this old schoolhouse. ‘David was wearing a bobble hat so every time he nodded to bid the bobble would bob up and down,’ says Katy. ‘Finally the man said, “Sold for £150,000 to the man in the bobble hat!”’ An immediate deposit was required, and a few frantic calls to the bank secured a loan – and the house. But what they bought was a far cry from either the original school or the home they now live in. Outside, there were three prefabricated huts spanning 30 metres, plus a huge car park. Inside, the space had been carved up with stud walls and false ceilings, hiding the original architecture. Despite all of that, Katy immediately saw its potential. ‘It had an institutional feel, which I actually really liked,’ she says. ‘And I liked the weird scale, too – from the front it’s this cute little house, but once you get

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d e c o r a t i n g t i p ‘Choose reclaimed materials over new for a more authentic feel’

SITTING ROOM

A sympathetic renovation has kept this schoolhouse’s history alive, with modern comforts making it ideal for family living. Similar reclaimed doors, from £25 each, DDS Reclamation Yard. Zinc Express corner sofa, £1,499, DFS

inside, its full size comes as quite a surprise.’ Although they managed to secure planning permission, because it was a ‘change of use’ they couldn’t get building regulations sign-off – or a mortgage – until the end of the project. Luckily, a bridging loan from their family saved the day. Once funds were in place, the couple got to work ripping everything out – right back to the original stone walls. ‘Anything we could do ourselves, we did,’ says Katy. To keep costs low they even lived in the prefabricated huts on site throughout the 18-month build – without a shower and with only camping stoves to cook on. They commissioned a timber-frame to sit inside the external walls and added insulation between the two. They also had all of the windows replaced and the joists at the back of the building cut, raising the floor level to add height to two new bedrooms in the basement. A damp-course membrane and concrete 2 5 B H S EP TE M B ER 2019 | 67

MASTER BEDROOM

By choosing shutters instead of curtains, Katy has kept the look simple and streamlined. Similar shutters, from £215sq m, DIY Shutters. Organic ticking stripe duvet cover set, £120 for a double, Wallace Cotton, is a match

GLADYS’ BEDROOM

Make a feature of pretty dresses. Try rainbow coat rail, £35, Toughook

68 | 2 5 B H S EP TE M B ER 2019

floor were added, while masons punched windows into the stone walls of the basement, adding granite lintels to match those used elsewhere. ‘It was a scarily big job,’ says Katy. At the same time, they were re-roofing – replacing the modern cement tiles with traditional slate and reclaimed ridged tiles Katy sourced for the top. ‘I enjoy hunting things down, but finding a 12-metre run of reclaimed ridged tiles is really hard,’ she says. They sandblasted and repointed all the stonework, replaced the fascias and removed a contemporary door from the front of the storm porch. But not all of the work went to plan. ‘Not long after the plastering was finished the ceiling suddenly cracked,’ says Katy. ‘We had to take the whole lot down.’ Thankfully, no setback could destroy Katy’s passion. Having scoured the country’s reclamation yards, online auction sites and car-boot sales throughout the build to find furniture and accessories

c o u ntry | 25bh BATHROOM

‘I love Art Deco and used this space as an excuse to go to town,’ says Katy. The Burlington Classic basin with chrome washstand, £652.80, Victorian Plumbing, is a similar style

to suit her industrial mid-century style. Katy’s finds then formed the basis for the internal design. ‘I bought a school-bench shoe rack for the entrance hall and that dictated the width of the bookcase on the other side,’ she says. ‘And the doorframes were made to fit the second-hand doors I found. I love those little details.’ Most of the interior came together instinctively as Katy collected things she liked, taking care to keep the overall look simple. ‘We limited the colour palette to white and wood, with the odd accent of grey or red,’ she says. Now that it is done, was it worth all the risk and hard work? ‘Had I known then what I know now, I might have been a bit less gung-ho,’ says Katy. ‘But I’m glad we did it. It is a really warm space, which we get to enjoy with our four-year-old daughter Gladys, and there’s plenty of room to have all of our friends over, too. We’re really happy here.’ FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y

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THE WOW FACTOR By giving each room star treatment, Jenni Mitchell brought bold style and character to her Victorian townhouse FEATURE JO LEEVERS | PHOTOGRAPHY ALEXANDER JAMES

SITTING ROOM The dark-painted ceiling adds a real sense of drama to this scheme. Ceiling in Black Blue estate emulsion, £46.50 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball. Adelaide mirror is similar, £360, Laura Ashley. Try the Calabash Venetian red table lamp, £175, Oka. 45 armchair by Fin Juhl, £7,836, Twentytwentyone

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KITCHEN Gleaming brass pendants lend a glamorous touch to this minimalist scheme. Bronze Beat Fat pendants, £335 each, Tom Dixon. Cabinetry, price on application, Roundhouse. Similar dresser, price on request, Original House

t is often said that first impressions are important – and that was certainly the case for Jenni Mitchell when she viewed this Victorian townhouse in South London. ‘The moment we walked in, I loved the original hallway tiles and stained glass,’ she says. Jenni and her husband, Danny, agreed that the house needed cosmetic renovation. ‘We liked the ground floor layout and the way the rooms work in a circuit,’ she says. ‘The kitchen flowed into the rear dining space, and then circled back to the grand living room, but the decor in each room needed updating.’ And so the ground floor makeover became the starting point of a full renovation. The couple’s approach was based on creating a statement feature in each room. ‘Every space deserves one amazing focal point that your eye is drawn to as soon as you walk in,’ says Jenni. Beginning in the sitting room, she made the ceiling the star by painting it a dramatic shade of blue-black. ‘The colour highlights the original mouldings, and we deliberately left it free of light fittings,’ she says. ‘A pendant or chandelier would detract from its impact.’ Next, she focused on the kitchen and dining area, where she made the original antique dresser, added when the house was first built, the main attraction. ‘I really love that it’s still here,’ says Jenni. She deliberately kept the rest of the kitchen decor plain and simple, so that the dresser

H A L LWAY ‘I loved this house as soon as I walked in - the Victorians knew all about creating impact,’ says Jenni. The Enid chandelier is comparable, £275, Laura Ashley

DINING ROOM Jenni left the internal window and brick wall exposed. ‘I’m fascinated by the different textures and it’s a good reminder of the house’s original structure,’ she says. Try the Durham table, £599, John Lewis & Partners. Eames DSW for Vitra chairs, £314 each, Heal’s. Nelly table lamp is similar, £100, Pooky

home truths

THE PROPERTY Victorian townhouse L O C AT I O N South London R O O M S Hallway, sitting room, dining room, kitchen, cloakroom, playroom, five bedrooms (two en suite), dressing room, bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2012 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We had another house in London before moving here,’ says Jenni.

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c it y | 25bh MASTER BEDROOM The shimmering teal headboard creates the focal point in this relaxing space. Bespoke bed, Savoir Beds. Vadim wall light, £895, Maison Sarah Lavoine. Murnau Aqua throw would work here, £100, Designers Guild

EN SUITE ‘My love of brass fittings was just getting going when we re-did this room,’ says Jenni. Cristalplant bath, £4,069; freestanding bath tap by Vola, £3,542, both West One Bathrooms. Try Georgica Pond marble tiles, £89.75sq m, Fired Earth

DRESSING ROOM Crittall-style glazing divides this area from the master bedroom. Glazing, price on request Govette Windows. Bespoke wardrobes and cabinetry, The London Joinery Co

would stand out. ‘I chose flat-fronted handleless cabinets and a smooth resin floor,’ she says. ‘I felt the pattern of parquet flooring or even tiles would vie for attention.’ A small internal courtyard was sacrificed to make way for a new dining area, but Jenni retained the original wall and window. ‘I wanted a contrast between the texture of the raw brickwork and the new walls,’ she says. Extra light was introduced into the extended space with a large skylight. Jenni’s style also involves adding luxurious touches to each room. ‘I wanted the bedrooms and bathrooms to be opulent, but with three children – James, Alexander, and Isla – practical storage was also a must,’ she says. A joinery company created bespoke pieces, including floor-to-ceiling cupboards in the dressing room, a bed for Isla and brass-trimmed wardrobes in the guest room. Interior designer Sarah Chambers then helped Jenni source curtain fabrics and other interesting finishes. Jenni and Danny’s house is a masterclass in combining vintage and antique pieces with contemporary furniture and fittings. ‘It’s an ever-evolving collection,’ she says. Now the renovation is complete, the couple feel their reworked home is a great success. ‘We have people over most weekends or, if the evening starts in a local restaurant, at the end of the night one of us usually says, “Who’s coming back to ours?”’ says Jenni. ‘The space works for us so well.’ FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y

HILLSIDE HAVEN In her mission to leave a light footprint, Simone Penn has used natural materials and pre-loved pieces to revive this home in the hills FEATURE RACHEL LEEDHAM | PHOTOGRAPHY CHRIS WARNES/WARNES & WALTON/LIVING INSIDE

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DINING AREA Simone designed the American oak table, which has a limewash finish. The family opted for foldaway doors to give the option of keeping the kitchen out of sight. Similar vintage bench, from £97, The Hoarde

home truths THE PROPERTY Italianate house, built in 1873 L O C AT I O N Tasmania R O O M S Hallway, sitting room, kitchen-diner/living area, TV room, utility room, cloakroom, four bedrooms (one en suite), two bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2009 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘Before this, we lived in a cottage on three acres of land 15 minutes from here,’ says Simone.

estled on a hillside overlooking the Tamar Valley in Launceston, north Tasmania, it isn’t hard to see how this Victorian home first enchanted Simone and David Penn. Built in 1873, it has a timeless elegance, thanks to a handsome stucco façade, wellproportioned rooms and soaring ceilings. ‘We knew we loved it the minute we walked through the gate,’ says Simone. ‘The bones and the structure were all there – it was just waiting for someone to massage it back into shape.’

Back to nature

Simone, who is an interior designer and artist, and David, an orthopaedic surgeon, moved to Tasmania from mainland Australia in 2006 with their two children, Josie, now 16, and Roy, 14. ‘Tasmania is a wilderness, so you always feel close to incredible nature here,’ says Simone, who fell in love with Launceston because of its strong sense of community. ‘It is incredibly welcoming and family friendly,’ she explains. Because the house is cut into a hillside, its layout is unusual. The entrance is on the top level,

LIVING AREA The chesterfield sofa separates this cosy space from the dining area, while a beautiful bamboo tray is used as wall art. Try the Harrington sofa, £1,361, Darlings of Chelsea. Stool Three in oak is similar, £225, Another Country

H A L LWAY An old meat chest stores linens. It has a mesh lining that lets fabric breathe. Antique meat safes, from £135, eBay. The double-framed black mirror, £379, The French Bedroom Company, is similar

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design tip ‘Open shelving in a kitchen can be incredibly useful for easy access, and you also don’t lose as many things or forget what you have’

KITCHEN The shelving was built with recycled steel and Simone loves the industrial look it gives. The Houston metal bar stool, £119, Cult Furniture, is similar

SITTING ROOM Simone has created a corner where she can paint with an easel and a console to store her materials and display her work. The woven basket lampshade, £40, Design Vintage, is similar

where the four bedrooms are situated, with the main living spaces located on the floor below. For Simone, the starting point to any house renovation is working out how to pull natural light into an interior. ‘Invariably, kitchens in these old properties are situated in the southwest corner of the house, which in this part of the world is the darkest end,’ she says. ‘I knew we needed to move the kitchen to the north side, as this is where we would enjoy maximum light as well as the view and the connection to the garden.’ With the help of local architect Jack Birrell of Birrelli Architecture in Launceston, plans were drawn up to reconfigure the layout, moving the kitchen to what was once a living room and linking it to a relaxed dining/ seating area. A former storeroom was dug out further into the hillside to create a utility area, and new windows, doors and skylights were added on the upper level to further increase the amount of natural light.

All change The family gamely opted to live in the house throughout the works – something that, with hindsight, Simone would not recommend. ‘When the openings were made in the wall for the new double doors in the dining area, the only thing between us and the Tasmanian winter was a single flapping piece of plastic,’ she remembers. ‘We lived like that for weeks, picking up and moving

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from one space to the next as we swapped rooms with the builders.’ Simone has always embraced a simple, natural way of life and ever since she developed an autoimmune illness over a decade ago this has become increasingly important to her. ‘I am very sensitive to chemicals, so we have focused on using green materials and eco-friendly finishes,’ she explains. For example, the cabinet fronts in the new kitchen are made of FSC plywood, renowned for its environmentally friendly credentials, while the raw steel shelving, which Simone designed to run the width of the room, has a varnish with low levels of VOCs (volatile organic compounds).

Relaxed living Mismatched chairs and a rustic bench from Asia create relaxed seating around the dining table, while the armchairs and sofas have been reupholstered in simple linens or robust denim fabrics to give them a new lease of life. The walls are painted snow white throughout to enhance the natural light. ‘I think this contributes to the calming feel of the house,’ says Simone, whose own artworks are displayed in the separate sitting room. Outside, the terrace was extended to create a large area for sitting and dining, providing the perfect spot to enjoy the garden’s verdant panorama. When Simone discovered some aerial shots of the house in the local museum, she realised that the layout of the garden hadn’t changed much in 100 years. ‘We decided to embrace it as it is – the sloping lawn can be a challenge, though,’ she says. What Simone particularly loves about the house is that it still feels connected to the town at the foot of the hill, yet it represents a peaceful sanctuary for her and her family. ‘I love walking up here from the town and closing the front gate behind me – then I really feel that I’m home. It’s amazing.’ FOR STOCKISTS GO TO WHERE TO BUY

MASTER BEDROOM The bed was positioned in the centre of the room to make the most of the amazing views from the bay window. Eileen Gray E1027 side table, £580, Aram. Tolomeo table lamp, £263, The Conran Shop

B AT H R O O M Space was stolen from an adjacent room to create a generous shower area. Ampurius tiles in Light Grey are similar, £26.33sq m, Topps Tiles

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DINING AREA ‘These chairs are a design classic and we wanted a large table as we love to entertain,’ says Robyn. Dining table, £895, Loaf. Philippe Starck for Kartell Masters chairs, £173 each, John Lewis & Partners

home truths

THE PROPERTY An end-of-terrace house built in the Eighties L O C AT I O N Surrey R O O M S Kitchen-diner/living area, cloakroom, four bedrooms (one en suite), two bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2016 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘Before we moved here, we lived in a smaller modern house nearby,’ says Robyn.

OUT OF AFRICA

When it came to renovating her house in the home counties, Robyn Hancock took inspiration from her native land FEATURE STEPHANIE SMITH | PHOTOGRAPHY DAVID GILES

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tow n | 25bh STUDY AREA Robyn created a simple workspace under the stairs. Desk, £100, Simply Plastics. Huckleberry has handmade African baskets like this one, from £55

KITCHEN From the front door you can see all the way through this space and out into the garden. The family use the island breakfast bar for relaxed meals. Clerkenwell Super Matt White handleless units, £3,600, Howdens. Pure White engineered quartz worktop, from £410m, Caesarstone

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eing used to the generous spaces of her native South Africa led Robyn Hancock to choose a house she could open up. ‘Obviously, there’s a lot more room over there, and the houses tend to be bigger, with land, but it was more the light flooding in and the open-plan living I craved,’ she says. Robyn and her husband, fellow South African Bevan, started searching in their favourite part of Surrey. ‘We’ve always loved this area, as it has plenty of shops and restaurants,’ says Robyn, ‘plus it has easy links to the capital.’ With two small daughters, India, nine, and Savannah, five, the couple had been looking for a bigger property they could develop. ‘We weren’t bothered about what era the house was, it was more about what we could do with it,’ says Robyn. ‘When we saw this end-of-terrace property built in the Eighties, we knew it would work for us, and it was within budget.’ The couple moved in in late 2016 and set about making plans. ‘We didn’t rush it, as we knew we needed to get it right,’ says Robyn. ‘Bevan was a great help as his construction company, Elev8 Interiors, does high-end residential and commercial renovations in London and he knew exactly what was and what wasn’t structurally possible.’ As a result, most of the downstairs interior walls were removed,

creating one big space, zoned into different areas, extending out into the garden, which was growing wild but is now laid to lawn. Planning permission went through quickly and the bulk of the work took three months to complete. ‘It wasn’t easy, given that we had two toddlers at home and because what we were doing was so radical,’ says Robyn. As well as the downstairs, they also decided to tackle the loft room and make it into a master suite. Once the basic build was finished, it was over to Robyn to add a touch of magic with the interiors. ‘I used to work as a fashion buyer, but I’ve always been interested in interiors and show off my work through my Instagram @robynhancockinteriors,’ she says. ‘The kitchen-diner was the key area. I love whites and greys and wanted those to be the base, with tiny pops of colour.’ Upstairs, a lot of thought also went into the new master en suite. ‘I wanted it to be luxurious and a place to relax at the end of a busy day,’ she continues. And Robyn has made sure there is plenty that is South African in her newly transformed house. ‘We’ve got animal masks, artwork and lovely handmade baskets,’ she says. ‘I’m very minimal, but when you see the pieces on a white wall, you really notice them. This house is our little slice of Africa.’

LIVING AREA Robyn likes having space around the sofa, rather than everything crammed in. The artwork was painted by India when she was three. The Moon Jumper armchair, from £795, and Skippy footstool, from £495, both Loaf, would work here

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tow n | 25bh EN SUITE Robyn fell in love with the wall tiles and they provided the starting point for this sophisticated scheme. Bianco Paonazzetto Matt stone-effect porcelain wall tiles, £71.88sq m, Original Style

MASTER BEDROOM The paintings of protea flowers above the bed are the work of a South African artist based in Hermanus and were done in colours chosen to match the tiles in the couple’s en suite. Coco upholstered bed in weathered oak, from £945, Loaf

S AV A N N A H ’ S BEDROOM A giraffe is the first thing you see when you pop your head around the door. Giraffe mural in Gold, £25, eBay

I N D I A’ S B E D R O O M ‘The wallpaper design is so dramatic and reflects India’s love of animals,’ says Robyn. Bien Fait wallpaper panel, £396, Made In Design

FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y

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BOLD APPROACH

Sarah and Nick Southwell have used colourful and eclectic pieces to furnish their family home in their own unique style FEATURE DILLY ORME | PHOTOGRAPHY RYAN WICKS

c it y | 25bh SITTING ROOM Flamboyant accessories in tonal shades are grouped together for extra impact. Flamingo and Cactus neon lights, both £49.99 each, England At Home, and Salina drinks trolley, £349, Swoon, are all a good match. Distressed velvet cushion, £50, John Lewis & Partners

SITTING ROOM A riot of colour and pattern, this room doesn’t overpower thanks to the neutral backdrop of the walls. Sutton two-seater sofa in Indigo Velvet , £1,449, Swoon. West Elm Terrace coffee table, £399, John Lewis & Partners

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LIVING AREA Sarah created the canvas, then picked out matching colours for the cushions. Similar zebra rug, from £319, City Cows

LANDING The vibrant striped runner leads the eye up the stairs. Fitzroy runner, from £903 for one flight of stairs, Roger Oates Design

DINING AREA Statement oversized light bulbs hang over the table and are reflected in the large grid mirror, which creates a greater feeling of space. Voronoi III bulbs, £300 each, Heal’s. Try the Noah Industrial mirror, £399, Cult Furniture

nterior designer Sarah Southwell and her husband, Nick, a film director, looked at around 40 houses before finding one they wanted to make an offer on. Sarah had recently given birth to Rufus, now 18 months, and they already had Raffy, now two, so it was definitely time to upsize from their two-bedroom cottage. ‘I had a very specific idea of what I wanted,’ says Sarah. ‘It was a property where the kitchen side return had already been extended into and done to our taste, as it wasn’t practical to take on any big projects at this point in our lives. We wanted a blank canvas, which I could then put my artistic stamp on with

colourful cosmetic changes. After looking at so many options, I actually fell in love with this house when I saw the beautiful original ceiling mouldings in the sitting room. I hadn’t even seen the fantastic kitchen! It’s a long, wide, open space with amazing natural light, and I knew immediately it would be a perfect for the boys to run around in.’ A tight budget was then set to furnish and paint the whole interior, as well as laying a stair runner and installing shutters, so Sarah set about coming up with some creative solutions. ‘I found a local decorator, who was very reasonable and painted the whole house, including the woodwork and floors,’ she says. ‘It

c it y | 25bh KITCHEN-DINER This spacious openplan area is ideal for a growing family. The house is rented out for photo and film shoots through JJ Media. The Real Shaker kitchen, £600 for a 600mm unit, deVol. Dunsen grey floor tiles would work here, £21.99sq m, Soak

home truths

THE PROPERTY Victorian terrace L O C AT I O N South London R O O M S Sitting room, living area/kitchen-diner, cloakroom, cellar, four bedrooms (one en suite), one bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2018 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We had a two-bedroom cottage in southwest London,’ says Sarah.

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25bh | c it y RUFUS AND RAFFY’S BEDROOM A painted graphic mural of mountains creates a striking focal point in the boys’ room. Mini cot, from £89.95, Mokee. Jeeves pendant light is a good match, £186, The French Bedroom Company

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MASTER BEDROOM The elegant French-style bed gives this room a sophisticated feel. Delphine upholstered king-size bed, £1,750, Graham and Green. Avezzano bedside table is similar, £425, Oka

EN SUITE Striking palm wallpaper enlivens Sarah and Nick’s bathroom. Palm Jungle wallpaper, £95 a roll, Cole & Son

took him a few months but it was worth the disruption. Then I visited antiques markets for furniture and rather than paying a fortune for artworks, I had photographs printed onto large canvases.’ Sarah’s passion for original items gives her home a unique finish. ‘I like to find pieces that nobody else has,’ she explains. ‘The vintage leather chairs and sofa in the living area, and the dining table and large mirror all came from Sunbury Antiques Market. They were worth getting up at 5am for.’ While she likes to be creative, Sarah also has to be practical with two toddlers. With this in mind, she chose a dark colour for the hallway. ‘The boys are always

touching the walls with their sticky hands,’ she says, ‘and this shade also makes a dramatic contrast between the walls and the white cornicing.’ Sarah repeated this effect in the living room to highlight the original Victorian ceiling details, but with a lighter grey on the walls to make the room feel as spacious as possible. Now the house is complete, Sarah can reap the rewards of finding her perfect property and furnishing it with her treasured pieces. ‘I adore our home and feel incredibly lucky to live here with my family,’ she says. ‘The space is ideal for our needs, and I love the feel of the place, particularly the bright colours and unique finishing touches.’

B AT H R O O M A vivid fruit wallpaper is a fun choice. Barneby Gates Pineapples wallpaper, £87 a roll, Jane Clayton & Company

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Second time lucky

After missing out on a manor house by the sea over 20 years, Victoria Miles finally got it and gave it a top-to-toe makeover FEATURE JANE BOWLES | PHOTOGRAPHY SANDRA VAN AALST/GAP INTERIORS

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SITTING ROOM

Neutral walls and upholstery give this space a distinctly Scandi feel. Shalfleet Manor is available for rentals (shalfleetmanor.com). Grey Bluebell sofa, from £575, Sofa.com. Walls in Egyptian Cotton matt emulsion, £20 for 2.5L, Dulux

home truths

THE PROPERTY Grade II-listed manor house, built in 1639 L O C AT I O N Isle of Wight R O O M S Hallway, sitting room, living room, dining room, snug, kitchen, conservatory, six bedrooms, four bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2017 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘The last house I owned was in London,’ says Victoria.

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KITCHEN

Simply repainting the cabinetry gave this room a whole new lease of life. Lamp Room Gray estate eggshell, £62 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball, is a good match for this colour

LIVING ROOM

A burst of orange adds vibrant contrast to the wooden panelling. Bluebell footstool in Ganges velvet, from £550, Sofa.com. The Howarth chair, £725, Laura Ashley, would suit this space

DINING ROOM

‘Philippe Starck dining chairs add a contemporary edge here, says Victoria. Louis Ghost chairs, £260 each, John Lewis & Partners. Gustavian dining table, from £1,825, Susie Watson Designs

Inspir ation ‘Carole Lambert at

Bayliss & Booth was a great source of one-off antiques and ornamental items – she has a wonderful eye’

hen Victoria Miles first glimpsed the Isle of Wight manor house she would eventually come to own, it took her breath away. ‘I fell in love with its dreamy location on the edge of a pretty creek, and also with the architecture of the building and its beautiful mellow stone,’ she says. ‘The house came up for sale in the late Nineties, when I was about to move to New York, so I figured it wasn’t meant to be.’ But by a happy twist of fate, it came back on the market a few years ago. The 17th-century property is Grade II listed, so Victoria decided against making any major structural changes, but decided instead to refurbish it from top to bottom. She embarked on a full programme of painting and redecorating, laying wooden floors and installing new lighting. ‘My builders came down from London and were fantastic,’ she says. ‘They slept in a cottage in the grounds, as they were afraid of ghosts in the main house!’ The kitchen was in a reasonable condition so Victoria decided to simply repaint the cabinets. ‘I then modernised the bathrooms and, to respect the fabric of the house, I installed roll-top baths and also kept the beams in the attic

MASTER BEDROOM

The button-back theme adds a classic feel to this space. Claremont upholstered headboard, £349, Biggie Best. Jeanne mirror, £274, Maisons du Monde, would work here

BATHROOM

A pale decor maximises the natural light in here. Canterbury freestanding bath, £1,800, Fired Earth, is similar. Marlborough curved single basin vanity unit, £2,094, Laura Ashley

GUEST BEDROOM

This spacious attic room is a colourful, fun retreat for younger guests. Newport beds, £345 each, Maisons du Monde. Stars and stripes cushions, £20 each, John Lewis & Partners

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CONSERVATORY

‘This light-filled space is a great place to relax and enjoy the garden views,’ says Victoria. Bluebell linen chaise sofa, from £2,140, Sofa com. Teal-and-gold cushions, from £70, Designers Guild

POOL

Set amid greenery, this is the perfect suntrap. For elegant-looking sunloungers, try the Sienna, £799, Holloways

FAVOURITE featur e ‘I just love the house’s façade with its honey-coloured stonework and mullioned windows’ rooms,’ she says. ‘Where my budget allowed, I also used marble and mosaics to introduce a note of luxury.’ Taking Scandinavian style as her inspiration, Victoria then set about replanning the decor. ‘I knew exactly how I wanted the colours to look,’ she says. ‘The main base colour was a silver grey with a warm greenish undertone that complements pretty much any hue.’ She then teamed these paint colours with cream or neutral fabrics, glass lights and various kinds of reflective surfaces and also added carefully chosen accents in light coastal shades, with occasional splashes of bright colour, as in the living room. Working to a tight budget, Victoria sourced many of the larger pieces of furniture from auction houses, flea markets or eBay. Having saved money elsewhere, she then splashed out on a handful of bespoke or luxury items, including the specially commissioned grey dining table by Susie Watson, which seats up to 16 people. Now the project is complete, Victoria spends as much time here as her work schedule and school commitments permit. ‘This house is a complete refuge from the demands of life elsewhere,’ she says. ‘I love its combination of history and grandeur with cosiness and modern comfort. It’s my favourite place in the world to wake up.’

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TERRACE

The greenhouse is set on wheels so it can be easily moved around depending on whether the plants need shade or sun. Greenhouse, POA, Snedkermanden. Mid-century garden seating set, £1,150, The Old Cinema. Find bamboo lanterns at La Redoute, from £20 each. The Lara bamboo basket, $72, Looks Like Summer, is similar. The stone Buddha head, £85, Rouge, is a match

PERFECT PLANNING Anitta Behrendt’s eye for detail has turned a bland Copenhagen townhouse into an exotic oasis filled with colour and nature both inside and out

FEATURE KAREN JENSEN-JONES | PHOTOGRAPHY ANITTA BEHRENDT/LIVING INSIDE | STYLIST RIKKE GRAFF JUEL

hen photographer Anitta Behrendt and her partner Daniel bought their newly-built townhouse in Copenhagen four years ago, they knew it needed work to turn it into a

stylish family home. ‘The house was very sparse and simple, but we could see the possibilities for creating our personal style,’ recalls Anitta. ‘It’s also quite small and open-plan, so it was important to be innovative with our planning and clever

with the storage solutions.’ Having photographed many interesting and unusual houses, Anitta knew exactly the style of home she wanted to create for her family. ‘Our idea for the sitting room was to combine the shelves and the sofa to 2 5 B H S EP TE M B ER 2019 | 93

SITTING ROOM

A customised shelving unit exploits the entire wall and includes open shelves, seating and cupboards for storage. Be My Guest bench (used as table), €1,049; Haven pouffe, €529, both Warm Nordic. The Pink Gertie sofa, £399, Made.com, is similar

home truths THE PROPERTY New-build townhouse L O C AT I O N Copenhagen P U R C H A S E D 2015 R O O M S Hallway, sitting room, kitchen-diner, three bedrooms, two bathrooms PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We had an apartment nearby,’ says Anitta.

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DINING AREA Plants in hanging baskets bring character to the space and soften the imposing stairs. The Eero Saarinen Tulip table, from £449, Pash Classics, is a match

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MASTER BEDROOM

The birch veneer wardrobes were stained black to create an aged look. To let light stream in from above, Anitta hung a curtain below the top of the window. Balloon glass vase, €270, Louise Roe. The Super Star mirror, €1,013, Reflections, would work. The Scandi quilted bedspread, £70, John Lewis & Partners, is a similar style

KITCHEN

Dark tiles contrast with the elm kitchen, which Anitta updated using carcasses recycled from the original kitchen. Try the Vellamo tap, £109.99, Tap Warehouse. Petite Chevrons Dark tiles, £17.40 for a 25x31cm sheet, Porcelain Superstore, are similar

BATHROOM

Mixing metals gives a unique look. For a similar wall colour, try Stiffkey Blue estate emulsion, £46.50 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball

maximise the space,’ says Anitta. ‘I realised that with customised shelving I could display my collection of knick-knacks, which I’ve gathered throughout the years.’ With daughters Ingeborg, 15, and Nola, two, and son Virgil, 10, good storage was essential, so the doors at the bottom of the unit are used to hide Nola’s toys at the end of the day. ‘We chose the green colour to make a visual link with the nearby terrace.’ Anitta was keen for the kitchen to be beautiful as well as practical. ‘We’ve used

elm for the cabinet fronts and recycled the original bases – we love natural materials and our idea was to create a warm look.’ Throughout Anitta’s home, there is something unusual to catch the eye in every room. ‘Our inspiration for the wardrobes in our bedroom was a china cabinet,’ explains Anitta. ‘The doors are windows from an old hospital and I had a carpenter build the wooden frame to accommodate them.’ As well as transforming the inside of the house, Anitta has created an oasis of

tranquillity on the terrace. ‘I was inspired by our travels to Bali, where everything is fertile and green. I’ve used bamboo, lush planting and stone figures to bring an exotic touch,’ says Anitta. ‘We have an outdoor kitchen and a mini greenhouse for herbs and veg on wheels so we can move it around.’ There is nothing Anitta hasn’t considered both inside and outside and now that everything is complete, the whole family are reaping the benefits of her planning and natural sense of style. 2 5 B H S EP TE M B ER 2019 | 95

THINKING INSIDE THE BOX With plans for a family and equipment-heavy hobbies, Kitty Kittley knew storage would be key in her London cottage FEATURE AMY MAYNARD | PHOTOGRAPHY RICHARD GADSBY

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c it y | 25bh DINING AREA Kitty put drawers and cupboards on both sides of the peninsula unit to increase storage. Etsy has a giant world map, £48.30. Radius dining table, £995, Habitat. Chairs, £139 each, Swivel UK

LIVING AREA The grey palette creates a restful feel. Ritchie sofa in Pearl Grey with coloured buttons, £599, Made.com. Walls in Cornforth White estate emulsion, £46.50 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball

itty Kittley and soon-to-be husband Chris were living in a top-floor, mansion-block flat a stone’s throw from the Thames in London when they decided that if they were going to start a family they didn’t want to be faced with three flights of stairs every time they came home. Added to that was the couple’s love of hiking, scuba diving and cycling in the great outdoors – pursuits that require a lot of equipment. They had a few other requirements, too. ‘We wanted our next home to have a garden,

on-street parking and plenty of storage,’ says Kitty. When they saw a small terraced cottage in the same area, they were impressed with the layout and clever use of space. ‘The previous owners had already done a lot of remodelling and a loft conversion, adding in plenty of under-eaves storage,’ says Kitty. ‘But we could also see the potential for further built-in cupboards and had the idea of building a studio in the garden to replace the small shed.’ Fired up with ideas, the couple sold their flat and secured their new home. Fast-forward eight

home truths THE PROPERTY Victorian worker’s cottage L O C AT I O N Southwest London R O O M S Hallway, sitting room/ study, kitchen-diner, cloakroom three bedrooms (one en suite), one bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2011 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We were living in a flat not far from here,’ says Kitty.

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KITCHEN-DINER White cabinets and Corian worktops give a streamlined look. Try the Knoxhult kitchen, from £130 for a base cabinet with doors and drawer, Ikea

f a v o u r i t e f e a t u r e ‘I love how the garden becomes an extension of the house in summer months’

years and they are now married and have a son, Billy, age two. What’s more, their house plans have come to fruition and they have added an innovative office pod in the sitting room, built-in wardrobes and a vanity unit in the master bedroom and a studio room in the garden. The house is now painted in a calming palette of greys and features a sleek and modern open-plan kitchen-diner with huge bifold doors leading to the garden. For a seamless transition between indoors and out, the kitchen-diner’s slate-coloured flooring continues out onto the patio. The house has a downstairs cloakroom and a small sitting room-cum-study, where Kitty and Chris enlisted a joiner to build a 98 | 2 5 B H S EP TE M B ER 2019

foldaway desk unit. There are also alcove shelves and a large storage cupboard. Billy’s nursery sits on the first floor, alongside the family bathroom – complete with a standalone bath and walk-in shower – and the master bedroom. The top floor consists of a spare bedroom and en suite, not to mention that all-important under-eaves storage, which runs all the way down one side of the room. The space, with its delightful bunk beds and bright star-motif rug, has been decorated for Billy when he progresses from the nursery on the first floor, but is used for guests in the meantime. Throughout the house, dark floorboards tiling and carpets offset the paler walls and crisp white woodwork. Kitty has then added

splashes of vibrant colour in her choice of accessories and furnishings – from the bright kitchen appliances to bold patterned rugs and throws. With larger houses in the area out of their budget, Kitty and Chris are delighted that the Victorian worker’s cottage has managed to tick all the boxes when it comes to their space requirements. No nook or cranny in the house has been left unused – open a cupboard and you’ll find a washing machine or pantry, poke your head around a corner and you’ll see some shelves tucked away. ‘I love how neat this house is,’ says Kitty. ‘We could be living in a much bigger property somewhere else, but I doubt it would have such effective storage.’

c it y | 25bh SITTING ROOM The space doubles as a study thanks to the built-in storage with fold-down desk. Swoon has grey occasional chairs in this style, from £359

MASTER BEDROOM A striped blanket pops against white bedlinen. Dasher blanket, £120, Loaf. Islay headboard, from £369, The Headboard Workshop

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B AT H R O O M Different tones of grey warm up the classic white suite. Hampshire mirror, from £165, Brissi

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Unwind on our magical river cruise and enjoy an escorted tour to imperial Budapest, the Pearl of the Danube. See Bratislava, Esztergom, Melk, Salzburg and unforgettable Vienna along the course of Eastern Europe’s mightiest river.

On this incredible journey through the Balkans, discover extraordinary scenery, and explore the architectural and cultural heritage of towns and cities that are steeped in history and tradition, once beyond the Iron Curtain.

● Guided tours of Budapest, Vienna, city of Strauss and home of the Habsburgs ● Visits to Bratislava and Melk Abbey

● See Kalocsa cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace and Paprika Museum ● Guided tours of Bucharest, historic Pecs and Budapest

● Cruise through the scenic Wachau, Austria’s premier wine region ● Visit to medieval Dürnstein where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned whilst returning from the Crusades ● Tour of Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart and one of Austria’s most beautiful cities ● Explore the amazing basilica at Esztergom

● Take a scenic drive to the spectacular rock formations at Belogradchik and into the ‘Puszta’ ● Tour the historic city of Belgrade seeing the magniﬁcent Kalemegdan Fortress ● Cruise through the Iron Gates Gorge and pass through the Djerdap locks ● Visits to Pleven, Constanta, Lepenski Vir and the fascinating Veliko Tarnovo

It’s all included in the price Spacious and beautifully appointed suites or cabins with hotel-style beds and river views Exceptional cuisine with full board throughout Extensive and inclusive touring programmes Return ﬂights from a choice of regional airports or standard

class reserved seat on Eurostar from London St Pancras (supplements may apply) Return rail connections on selected dates and cruises from over 50 regional stations (supplements may apply) The services of an experienced cruise director and concierge

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HALLWAY

The original features have been beautifully incorporated into the modern scheme. Bordeaux Argento flagstone flooring, £58.80sq m, Lapicida

FRESH START

When their newly revamped Grade II-listed property was badly flooded, Jo Howat and Graham Senior had to begin a new round of renovations FEATURE VIVIENNE AYERS | PHOTOGRAPHY BRENT DARBY

BOOT ROOM

Carefully curated accessories and an antique bench provide a classic country feel. Ledbury umbrella stand, £195, Howat & Hutchinson

KITCHEN

Jo’s beloved cabinets survived the flood and have been reinstalled in the new space. Kitchen cabinetry, island and bar stools, all price on request, Chalon

W home truths

THE PROPERTY Converted 18th-century watermill L O C AT I O N North Yorkshire R O O M S Hall, sitting room, living area/kitchen-diner, garden room, boot room, snug, games room, study, six bedrooms (two en suite), two bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2002 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in London for several years,’ says Jo.

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SITTING ROOM

Tweed and leather upholstery combine elegantly, providing warmth and texture. Lexington One footstool, £759, Footstools & More, is similar

hen Jo Howat and her husband, Graham Senior, decided to relocate from London to the peace and tranquillity of the countryside, they agreed they wanted to return to their northern roots. ‘We’re both originally from North Yorkshire and knew the area, so it made sense,’ says Jo. Finding their dream home was surprisingly straightforward. ‘We love old houses, and this converted watermill was the second property we looked at,’ she says. ‘The view of the building from across the road sold it to us. As we approached, we had to cross a stream with a little bridge – we were blown away.’ Inside, the mill offered plenty of space. ‘It had a house attached and was big but cosy,’ explains Jo, ‘and, with the original water wheel at its centre, it had bags of character, too.’ When they moved in, Jo and Graham made plans to renovate the interior, but decided to wait before starting any major structural work, as their son, Archie, was still a small baby. Their first priority was to renovate the family bathroom, so they installed new fittings and tongue-and-groove panelling to create a classic country look. Next, the couple turned their attention to the kitchen. ‘I wasn’t happy with its location and it felt small,’ says Jo. ‘So we decided to move it to where the

dining room was. I’d always wanted a Chalon kitchen, and now I could finally have one.’ Then, in 2012, disaster struck when the house was flooded. ‘It had never happened before,’ says Jo. ‘The weather was so bad that the bridge was washed away and the garden was destroyed. The water entered the ground floor and ruined everything. It was incredibly traumatic.’ The family moved into rented accommodation while the property was repaired and flood defences were installed to prevent any reoccurrence. Meanwhile, Jo and Graham decided on a new round of renovation and building work to enhance the sense of light and space, so an orangery was added to the back of the house. ‘We wanted an open-plan kitchen-diner where we could entertain and dine as a family, and have somewhere to sit and read the papers, too,’ explains Jo. Fortunately, the Chalon cabinets survived the flood, so were reinstalled in the new space. A study, games room and boot room were also added. The whole process took 18 months to complete, but the family moved back in after eight months. ‘We lived in a building site for a while,’ says Jo. ‘At one stage we were doing the washing-up in the bath!’ With the work all finished, the family can enjoy their house once again. ‘It truly is home,’ says Jo. ‘We love spending time here.’

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DINING AREA

Bifold doors in the orangery allow fantastic views of the garden. Chair seat and chair upholstered in Astasia, £74m, William Yeoward at Jane Clayton & Company

MASTER BEDROOM

Jo and Graham had the beams whitewashed to lighten the look. Palais bed, £6,465, And So To Bed. Metal Window mirror, £125, John Lewis & Partners, is a good match

FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y

GUEST BEDROOM

A leather trunk provides a modern contrast to the floral wallpaper. Summer Palace wallpaper, £40 a roll, Laura Ashley. Wycombe leather chest, £650, Howat & Hutchinson

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GARDEN A summerhouse and playhouse allow the family to make the most of their outside space. Wooden summerhouse designed by architect Anna-Carin Sundberg

NORTHERN LIGHT Pared-back interiors in a pleasing neutral palette sit beautifully in the leafy surroundings of Karin Tegnestedtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Stockholm home FEATURE RACHEL LEEDHAM | PHOTOGRAPHY JOHAN SELLEN/LIVING INSIDE

c it y | 25bh SITTING ROOM Pink velvet cushions and voile curtains bring delicate touches to this bright, inviting space. Charles sofa, from £4,540, B&B Italia. Kvist six-arm pendant lamp in Rough Copper, £1,589, Skandium

home truths THE PROPERTY Detached 1920s villa L O C AT I O N Bromma district, western Stockholm, Sweden R O O M S Hallway, sitting room, dining room, kitchen, cloakroom, four bedrooms (one en suite), two bathrooms, study P U R C H A S E D 2015 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in an apartment in the centre of Stockholm,’ says Karin.

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DINING ROOM The pendant strikes a sculptural note, while chairs in caramel leather lend a luxurious feel to the simple oak table and bench. Neb table in white waxed oak, £2,790; Neb bench, £1,350; Neb chairs in vegetable tanned leather, £1,755 each, all No Early Birds at Eporta

SITTING ROOM Throughout this area, worn flooring was replaced with oak parquet, which is a warm counterpoint to crisp white walls. JJ armchairs, £3,862 each, Chaplins. Try Pink velvet cushion, £32, Feather & Black

ituated in west Stockholm, Karin Tegnestedt’s villa comes into its own during the long summer days. ‘We love the way the house connects with the garden,’ says Karin. ‘We throw open the French doors and dine alfresco. It’s like being in the countryside.’ This was exactly what Karin and her husband were looking for when they moved from their apartment in the city. ‘We wanted to give our three children a different lifestyle,’ she says. Their elegant house sits on a generous plot that had originally been destined to be the site for a girls’ school. But when in 1927 the local boys’ school became mixed, the plan was abolished and the villa was built in its place. When the Tegnestedts bought the house, however, it was in need of a complete refurbishment, so they appointed architect Anna-Carin Sundberg to help with the plans. To create a better link between the spaces, the opening between the kitchen and dining room was widened, and a second set of French doors was installed to gain access to the terrace from the kitchen. The terrace was also redesigned, and now integrates beautifully with both the garden and the house. On the first floor, a walk-in closet was turned into an en-suite bathroom for the master bedroom, while on the top floor a bathroom to serve the guest bedroom was added. For the kitchen, Karin chose Shaker-style cabinets topped with marble and a large island with a walnut worktop. ‘We 106 | 2 5 B H S EP TE M B ER 2019

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d e s i g n t i p ‘I love the new kitchen design – one of the best choices we made was to have two separate sinks’

KITCHEN Karin chose classic painted units enhanced with worktops in elegant Carrara marble and rich timber. For similar cabinetry, try Harvey Jones. CH56 bar stools by Hans J Wegner, from £680 each, Twentytwentyone. Oluce Lanterna 477 pendants, £560 each, David Village Lighting

25bh | c it y d e s i g n t i p ‘I introduced pink accents with cushions so if I tire of the colour, it is simple to change’

GUEST BEDROOM Gentle blush shades and mushroom grey decorate this space beneath the eaves. For a similar large plain-pink cushion, try the rectangular design in Rose linen, €79, TineKHome

CHILD’S BEDROOM Floral wallpaper works well with more grown-up French-style painted furniture. Similar wallpaper, Paradise in Pink by Little Greene, £156 a roll, Wallpaper Direct. Hemnes day bed with mattress, from £370, Ikea

STUDY Pale pine flooring and a classic Arne Jacobsen chair give this top-floor room a distinctly Scandinavian feel. Arne Jacobsen Series 7 leather armchair, from £1,269, Fritz Hansen. Pear tripod lamp by George Nelson, $463, Herman Miller

FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y

MASTER BEDROOM The neat studwork on the headboard brings depth and detail to this scheme. For a bespoke upholstered studded headboard, try The Sofa & Chair Company

love the island,’ says Karin. ‘It makes the space so sociable.’ The relaxed seating in the adjoining dining room teams leather upholstered chairs with a simple bench that matches the white waxed oak table. ‘The great thing about having so much space is that we can easily entertain friends,’ she adds. When the family lived in the city, their style was resolutely contemporary, but with this project Karin notes that her aesthetic has shifted. ‘We still have lots of modern designs, but we also have some classic French country pieces,’ she explains. For example, in the sitting room a gilded French mirror is juxtaposed with streamlined Italian seating and a bold contemporary pendant light, while floaty voile curtains lend a soft, romantic air. ‘I wanted the house to feel cosy and welcoming,’ Karin says. The colour palette spans shades of chalk, caramel, biscuit and mushroom, and in the guest room and the sitting room this is punctuated with hits of dusty pink. ‘I love this shade; it perfectly picks out the colours from the painting in here,’ says Karin. She has also chosen a variety of textures, from velvet and linen to sheepskin and leather, to bring comfort and interest to the interior. Outside, a new summerhouse enhances their enjoyment of the garden. ‘It’s a lovely place to sit and read,’ says Karin. ‘This and the children’s playhouse get lots of use. They allow us to extend the summer season for as long as we can.’ 2 5 B H S EP TE M B ER 2019 | 109

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KITCHEN-DINER Hidden storage lies behind floor-to-ceiling doors clad in panelling, chosen to create a feeling of height. MDF primed beaded panels, H183xW61cm, £23 each, Wickes, will give you this look. Gloss square white tiles, £7.04sq m, Tile Giant

C R A F T E D C O T TA G E Seasoned renovators Caroline and Dan Pearce restored this dated, gloomy property, turning it into the charming home it deserved to be FEATURE FELICITY HAYLES | PHOTOGRAPHY STUEYB

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DINING AREA Caroline’s colourful decor pops against the plain white furniture. Bramante dining table, £499, Made.com. Artwork, price on request, Ann Marie Whaley

home truths THE PROPERTY Detached cottage built in 1907 L O C AT I O N Surrey R O O M S Hallway, sitting room, living room, kitchen-diner, study, cloakroom, four bedrooms (one en suite), family bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2014 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in a Thirties semi not far from here,’ says Caroline.

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SITTING ROOM A calming, neutral backdrop has allowed Caroline to be bold with pattern in her textile choices. Walls in Green Blue estate emulsion, £46.50 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball. Footstool in Eden in Verbena, £81m, Romo Black Edition

l e s s o n l e a r n t ‘I wish we had lived with some things as they were while we saved up, rather than settling for what we could afford at the time

LIVING ROOM Fill a disused fireplace with candles to give a room a cosy glow. Try Godafton LED candles, £9.95 for set of three, Ikea. Gracie three-seater sofa in Pink velvet, £849, Made.com H A L LWAY By upcycling items – such as this pink bench – Caroline’s given her home lots of character. Try Rust-Oleum chalky matt furniture paint, £13 for 750ml, B&Q

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lthough Caroline and Dan Pearce had only recently completed the renovation of their Thirties home, their passion for doer-uppers drew them to a viewing of a dilapidated house that was for sale nearby, just out of interest. But while they were there, the couple noticed a small cottage further down the lane, which looked empty. ‘I was intrigued by it,’ says Caroline. ‘I asked the agent if he knew anything about it, and he told me it was due to go on the market and he’d just picked up the keys.’ Eight weeks later, their home sold, Caroline, Dan and their children Zach, 11, and Darcey, 10, were preparing to move again. ‘It was very surreal,’ says Caroline. ‘I never imagined we’d actually get the cottage, or indeed move so quickly from our new home as we had only been there 13 months, but it just felt right. Despite its size and shabbiness, I completely fell for the cottage with its traditional features and secluded location.’ The property needed updating, but the couple were determined to retain its character. A reclamation and interiors enthusiast, Caroline couldn’t wait to get started, sourcing materials and planning the layout and room schemes. ‘An architect friend helped us with our plans, and spent evenings over dinner with us, sketching and discussing how best to create a good-sized family home,’ she says. ‘We all agreed we’d need to entirely gut it and extend from both sides.’ The new layout would provide them with two more bedrooms, an en-suite bathroom and a generous kitchen-diner. But they were determined to do it on a budget. ‘Dan and I would sit down of an evening and compete to see who could find the best deal for a particular item,’ says Caroline. ‘It was actually a lot of fun.’ Their thriftiness paid off and they

successfully sourced reclaimed stained-glass windows, doors, bathroom tiles and parquet flooring. ‘I wanted to create a bespoke kitchen island surface, inspired by a coffee table I’d seen online,’ says Caroline. ‘The builders thought I was crazy when I presented them with a pile of rather dirty salvaged parquet blocks, but we patiently pieced it all together into our template, laboriously scrubbing it clean and finishing it off with a layer of varnish. It completely surpassed my expectations and the builders even brought their wives over to show them what we’d managed to achieve.’ Inspired by a photo she had seen on Instagram, Caroline chose to tile the kitchen walls, from surface to ceiling, with small white square tiles, giving the space a fresh look. ‘The simplicity of the clean lines really appealed to me,’ she says. ‘I love a grid – it’s a pattern in its own right.’ Although a walk-in pantry had been on the wish list, Dan felt it would cause them to lose valuable space. ‘We didn’t want a mass of cupboards either,’ says Caroline. ‘So Dan came up with the idea to cover the entire far wall in tongue-and-groove panelling, integrating discreet storage behind it.’ The south-facing sitting room, with its soothing pastel scheme, enjoys an abundance of natural light. In contrast, for the living room space, Caroline chose deep, inky blue walls. ‘I had originally wanted to paint the chimney breast to match, but after sandblasting it, we discovered the brickwork wasn’t great, and so we rendered it and left it unpainted, embracing its off-set look,’ she says. ‘It’s my favourite feature now.’ Despite enduring six months of renovation work, the cottage still has the same spirit that first drew the couple to it, but now it’s cheerful and bright, too.

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DARCEY ’S ROOM Splashes of neon pink draw the different design elements together. Recreate this look with Pink gloss spray paint, £10 for 400ml, Sprayster

B AT H R O O M Make a statement with a mix of tiles in varying shapes and sizes. Underground white wall tiles, £11.99sq m, Tile Mountain. Odensvik/ Hemnes two-drawer double basin washstand, £320, Ikea

MASTER BEDROOM One of the most soothing colours, blue is ideal for bedrooms. Walls in Blue Ground estate emulsion, £46.50 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball

ITALIAN ESCAPE

Discovering an abandoned farmhouse on an Umbrian hillside was a life-changing event for artist Andrea Tana FEATURE AMANDA HARLING PHOTOGRAPHY ANDREAS VON EINSIEDEL

home truths

THE PROPERTY 16th-century stone farmhouse L O C AT I O N Umbria, Italy R O O M S Sitting room, kitchen, dining room, cloakroom, studio, three bedrooms, two bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2005 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘Our family house was in London and then we owned a flat in Paris,’ says Andrea.

c o u ntry | 25bh DINING ROOM

Andrea’s hand-painted plates and jugs provide welcome pops of colour in the neutral scheme. Try Exeter Antique Lighting Company for similar decorative designs

SITTING ROOM

Pale walls allow the original fireplace and exposed beams to take centre stage. The Alderney loveseat in Pumice, £790, Sofa.com, is similar

Favourite Room ‘The view from the sitting room is the best, and on an autumnal day when the fire is lit, it’s heaven’ KITCHEN

A vintage dresser lined with crockery creates a homely, traditional feel. Cottage Antiques has a selection of antique kitchen dressers

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Located on the ground floor, this room has French doors that open directly onto the garden. One of Andrea’s colourful paintings hangs on the wall. Recreate the look with the Victoria bed frame in satin black, £390, Happy Beds, and Cox & Cox’s teak bench, £775

Favourite item ‘I love the angel painting in my bedroom. I find going to sleep at night, with an angel watching over me, very soothing’ BATHROOM

Ornate accessories and an elegant roll-top bath bring a luxurious feel to the space. The Dulwich bath, £619, Victoria Plum, is a good match

MASTER BEDROOM

An antique painting of an angel adorns the wall by Andrea’s bed. Try Surface View for artwork featuring angels. Oka’s hand-made Neve bedspread, £125, is similar

t was 15 years ago when American artist Andrea Tana first set eyes on a dilapidated farmhouse in Umbria. She was staying with her friend, lighting designer Richard Taylor. ‘Richard owns a beautiful old house in the hills above Città di Castello,’ says Andrea. ‘One weekend when I was visiting, we went for a walk and, after a mile or so, we rounded a bend and before us, in the rolling countryside, was a ruined stone building and barn. ‘We picked our way through the property, which had clearly been abandoned for decades and was missing a roof. There was a fireplace on the first floor and an old stone sink, but no running water – that came from a well.’ Struck by the sense of openness and the magical views, Andrea decided there and then that the farmhouse was the place she wanted to live and work. A native Californian, Andrea had lived in London since the Seventies, but now felt ready for a change of location. ‘As soon as we got back to his house, Richard called one of his contacts and discovered that the 16th-century building had been bequeathed to the parish. This meant we needed to discuss a possible purchase with the local priest,’ says Andrea. ‘He happened to be charming and friendly, and by the time I flew back to London, sale terms had been agreed.’ Once the purchase had gone through, Richard’s network of contacts became indispensable. ‘Most important of all was the geometra, a role that combines being the contractor, structural engineer and surveyor. It was important to me to retain the historic integrity of the building and, although hot water, electricity and central heating needed to be installed, I wanted to make as few changes as possible to the exterior,’ she explains. ‘The geometra was left in charge during the initial stage of the project and he lowered the floor at ground level, put a skylight in the kitchen and installed plumbing for a dishwasher – even though I said I didn’t want one. But a houseful of guests soon changed my mind about that!’ For financial reasons, the restoration was completed in stages. ‘I started with the upper level of the house, where the main living areas, master bedroom and bathroom are located. Next was the guest accommodation on the ground floor and then the barn, which is now my studio,’ says Andrea. ‘As an artist, I’ve been welcomed here, and the luminous quality of the Umbrian light has been attracting painters for hundreds of years. Inspiration is everywhere – in the landscape, the people, the fruit on the trees… I’ve never been busier or happier.’

FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y

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Expanding vision A generous extension and a smart minimalist look mean Denise Snel and Frank Kesselaar’s home is no ordinary terraced house FEATURE JILL SHEARER | PHOTOGRAPHY BARBARA GROEN | STYLING BARBARA NATZIJL

SITTING ROOM

Layered tones of white and grey have a relaxed, chic feel. Urban sofa, from €2,998, Melchior Interieur. Steel water buffalo sculpture, Ron Moret. The Zuiver Cupid coffee table has this look, £159, Naken Interiors

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home truths THE PROPERTY Mid-century end-of-terrace L O C AT I O N Netherlands R O O M S Hallway, sitting room, kitchen-diner, utility room, cloakroom, three bedrooms, bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2017 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived five minutes away in a mid-century house,’ says Denise.

KITCHEN-DINER

Denise and Frank added a chic polished-concrete floor with underfloor heating. Polished-concrete flooring, price on request, The Concrete Flooring Contractors

KITCHEN-DINER

This corner is the perfect spot for the girls’ play desk. Try the Fleming study desk, £172, Great Little Trading Company

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he charming city of Alkmaar in the Netherlands is a popular tourist spot. With its medieval streets flanked by gabled houses reflected in canals, and an ancient cheese market that still runs every Friday, it is picture perfect. And for Denise Snel and Frank Kesselaar, it is an equally idyllic place to live. ‘I grew up in Amsterdam, then moved to Surrey, and Frank was born and raised here,’ says Denise. ‘With our two daughters, Robin, four, and Sam, one, we were drawn to this part of Holland because of its beautiful green surroundings. We live right by the park and we’re just 20 minutes away from the seaside.’ The couple moved to their house two years ago. They had been living nearby but wanted more space for their growing family and this mid-century house on a corner plot offered plenty of potential to expand. The sizeable garden had more than enough space for a generous open-plan kitchen-diner extension at the rear of the house. Frank designed and built it in steel and glass, incorporating a striking central chimney with a double-sided inset fireplace, which is flanked by full-height windows. These connect the house with the garden and let the natural light flood in. Both Frank and Denise have a keen eye for design. Frank runs his own metalwork company, Special Metals and has included plenty of metallic details throughout the house to complement the clean, minimalist look Denise favours. The interior is far from clinical, however – natural materials such as jute, lime-washed oak and woven rattan add softness and texture, while a feature wall with an exuberant flamingo wallpaper design adds a light-hearted, quirky touch to the dining area. ‘I like to use simple, natural materials and

c it y | 25bh KITCHEN-DINER

Frank designed and made the island workspace, together with the practical ceiling-hung utensil rack. Anaxagore hanging shelving unit is similar, £89, La Redoute. Michael Thonet bar stools, £263, Swivel UK

design inspir ation ‘I’m drawn to a clean, smart aesthetic that’s uncluttered, yet practical for a young family’

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DINING AREA

An exotic flamingo wallpaper brings colour and character into the light-filled extension. Arte Flamingo wallpaper, ÂŁ151.98 a roll, Jane Clayton & Company

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The couple’s eldest daughter’s bedroom is decorated in cheerful bird and spot wallpapers. Try Epping wallpaper, £12.99 a roll, World of Wallpaper. Irregular polka dots wall decals are similar, from £19.23, MadeofSundays at Etsy

SAM’S BEDROOM

Baby Sam’s room is decorated in cosy pinks and white, with a grey wash on the floorboards. Try Roasted Red paint mixing flat matt, £29.16 for 2.5L, Dulux, for walls

shapes that aren’t too trendy for a neutral, timeless look that won’t date,’ says Denise. The polished-concrete floor in the kitchen extension was Denise’s idea. ‘I envisaged a pale sand colour to evoke a warm, beachy look, but when the builders started to pour the concrete I was in shock – it looked like a motorway.’ Obviously this was not something that could be easily corrected so, ever practical, Denise went back to the drawing board and adjusted the kitchen colour scheme to work with the new deep-grey floor, adding black tiles and calm green-grey paintwork to create a muted scheme that wouldn’t feel too industrial. Natural accessories, and metallic gold accent tiles softened the industrial look. Upstairs, the girls’ bedrooms are decorated in warm pinks and pretty wallpapers. Frank made the metal bed frame for Robin, while rich-raspberry walls and a rustic jute rug create a cosy cocoon-like space for Sam. Denise and Frank’s bedroom nestles beneath the sloping eaves of the attic roof with simple tongue-and-groove detail to create a bedhead. ‘We are thinking of putting a dormer window in the roof to add more space,’ says Denise, ‘but it’s comfortable and snug.’ The family often like to invite friends over for relaxed evenings on the patio, enjoying warmth in chillier months from the doublesided fireplace. ‘We have an outdoor kitchen and love to barbecue a lot, and the garden furniture can be left outside all year round. ‘For me, this is the first house where I am completely at home, and Frank feels the same,’ says Denise. ‘We love the area – it’s a great place for our children to grow up. When I lived in Surrey, I was surrounded by fields and woods and I love to see my own children being able to play outside with their friends.’ FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y

MASTER BEDROOM

A painted tongue-and-groove panel behind the bed doubles as a headboard. Try Denim Drift paint mixing flat matt, £29.16 for 2.5L, Dulux. Arstid lamps, £16 each, Ikea, have this look

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Emerging

PAT T E R N Buying a run-down Thirties semi gave Susie Ember the chance to rethink the layout and introduce bold motifs FEATURE STEPHANIE SMITH | PHOTOGRAPHY DAVID GILES

LIVING AREA ‘I love this new space, which leads through to our light-filled kitchen-diner,’ says Susie. Similar DSW chairs, from £45 each, Cult Furniture

home truths THE PROPERTY Thirties semi L O C AT I O N Northwest London R O O M S Hallway, sitting room, kitchen-diner/living area, cloakroom, four bedrooms (one en suite), bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2010 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘ We moved from a two-bedroom flat in south London,’ says Susie.

DINING AREA Vibrant wallpaper reveals Susie’s talent for layering patterns. Using colours of the same intensity makes it work. Marimekko Ikkunaprinssi wallpaper, £38 a roll, Wallpapers and Borders

KITCHEN The island defines the cooking area of the open-plan living space. Borrowdale kitchen, from £180 for a 600mm base unit, Benchmarx Kitchens

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SITTING ROOM Susie’s varied and colourful collections enhance this beautiful scheme. For a similar wall colour, try Palm Springs matt emulsion, £14.50 for 1.25L, Crown

c it y | 25bh MASTER BEDROOM ‘I tried my hand at distressing the dressing table in blue,’ says Susie. The Oliver bed, £385, Feather & Black, is similar. Orla Kiely Scribble Stem double duvet cover, £75, John Lewis & Partners, has this look

GUEST BEDROOM A metal bed brings an instant retro feel. Oak Lava flooring, £58sq m, Kährs, is similar

B AT H R O O M ‘I used brick tiles for a classic feel,’ says Susie. The Brampton heated towel rail, £935, Hudson Reed, has this look

usie Ember had a good reason for moving house – her second baby was on the way and she and her husband Nick needed more space. ‘We were living in a lovely flat in south London,’ she says. ‘It was great for two busy parents and one baby, but just not right for a family of four. We also wanted a garden and were thinking ahead in terms of schools and places with shops in easy walking distance.’ While exploring areas of northwest London in their price range, Susie and Nick were taken with the kerb appeal of a Thirties house in need of some attention. ‘We loved the idea of there being a park just over the road,’ says Susie. ‘And once we got inside, we could see that the house had huge potential.’ The size of the FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y

rooms impressed the couple and, while lots of work would need to be done, they realised the renovation, including a loft extension, could be carried out in stages as and when they could afford it. ‘I was six months pregnant and we were desperate to be settled, so we agreed a price there and then,’ says Susie. ‘For the next few years we were full-on with the kids – Betsy, now 11, and Gabriel, now eight – and work until finally, in 2015, we started to create the home we wanted.’ But what began as a simple plan for a bigger kitchen, grew into a major project. ‘The downstairs didn’t work with three separate rooms,’ says Susie, ‘so we knocked down walls and put doors out to the garden, creating a U-shaped, open-plan space.’ The work took more than a year to complete,

with both bathrooms replaced, the loft converted into a master bedroom suite and all the rooms redecorated. During the worst of the building work, the family either went on holiday or stayed in an Airbnb. Moving back in was sheer joy for Susie, who spent the next couple of years slowly doing up the house in the way she always dreamed. ‘I’ve been sympathetic to the age of the house, using Thirties colours and styles, rather than a contemporary look, particularly in the bathrooms,’ she says. ‘I’ve also personalised it with original artwork and my ceramic collection.’ The house has received a big injection of character and colour. ‘Everyone loves it,’ says Susie, ‘Even our two cats are much happier. It feels like it’s indisputably our house now.’ 2 5 B H S EP TE M B ER 2019 | 125

RURAL restoration After a decade-long property search, Jo and Chris Ogden took on the renovation of a neglected 17th-century farmhouse FEATURE SHARON SMITH | PHOTOGRAPHY COLIN POOLE

HALLWAY

The granite-paved passage that runs all the way from the front to the back of the house is Jo’s favourite feature. Walls painted in Clay Pale intelligent matt, £50 for 2.5L, Little Greene

home truths

THE PROPERTY Detached farmhouse built in 1610 L O C AT I O N East Cornwall R O O M S Hallway, sitting/ dining room, kitchen, TV room, utility room, five bedrooms (two en suite), two bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2008 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We also have a Georgian townhouse in London,’ says Jo.

c o u ntry | 25bh DINING AREA

Modern lighting is a counterpoint to the antique furniture here. Pendant ceiling lights, ÂŁ200 each, Twentytwentyone. The Rajasthan mirror, ÂŁ180, John Lewis & Partners, is a modern version of this vintage sunburst mirror

2 5 B H S EP TE M B ER 2019 | 127

c o u ntry | 25bh

inding their dream retirement home took Jo and Chris Ogden 10 years. ‘Chris had been looking for a property that would be our holiday home and where we’d eventually retire to,’ says Jo. ‘He looked all over the country and was keen to find something with character, and which we could renovate ourselves.’ The couple were twice gazumped on properties before Chris found a farmhouse in Cornwall in 2008 sitting in 50 acres on the River Tamar and enjoying stunning views. It sounded wonderful, and when Chris took Jo and their children, Isabel, now 27, and Otis, now 20, to view the property, Jo loved its idyllic location, but she didn’t feel quite the same about the house. ‘It was very rundown and dark inside because the owners had planted a lot of fir trees all around it as a windbreak,’ she says. ‘My first impression was to wonder if we could turn it into the beautiful house we wanted and whether it would be worth our while.’ INITIAL CHALLENGES

It did not help that part of the house was inaccessible. ‘Half of the sitting room floor had been flooded in the past and the floorboards had disintegrated,’ says Jo. ‘And Chris wouldn’t even let me see the master bedroom. To this day, I still don’t know why!’ But Chris’s enthusiasm won the day, aided by the breathtaking setting and by Jo knowing that purchasing the house would bring to an end their 10-year search. Once they’d secured the property, the couple invested in an American Airstream-style caravan so that they could travel down from their London home as often as possible to oversee the renovation work. The plan was to return the Grade 11-listed house to its former glory by removing all the inappropriate additions that had been added over time and restoring the period features wherever possible. To kick off the process, Jo and Chris found a local landscaper, who in turn recommended an architect who specialised in the style of property found in this part of Cornwall. While waiting for planning permission, the couple tackled the garden. ‘We uprooted firs, eucalyptus and kiwi trees and replaced them with orchards of apples, pears, quince, plums and mulberries,’

1 SITTING AREA The damaged floorboards were replaced with granite flagstones to match the original floor in the dining area, with mid-century furniture adding a contemporary touch. Try Twentieth Century Antiques for a Robin Day sofa, around £2,000. For Sixties ex-airport armchairs, from around £500 each, try Danish Design Classics. For a Jacobsen coffee table, around £500, and Danish leather recliner chair, around £1,200, try Vinterior

2 & 3 KITCHEN Jo chose a good-quality handcrafted design with a pared-back look for her country kitchen. Painted oak kitchen, price on application, Plain English. The Sleek Flat pendant, from £89, Industville, is a match 4

GUEST BEDROOM

The unusual chest of drawers is a vintage piece. Chinese bedside cabinet in blue and black decorated with gold butterflies, £285, Vinterior, would work

2 5 B H S EP TE M B ER 2019 | 129

1 2 INSPIR ATION ‘The house itself – we removed the unnecessary additions and restored the features that had been covered up, moved or removed’

says Jo. Next, they put the renovation project out to tender and chose Heritage Cornwall, a local firm recommended by their architect. Planning permission came through and in early 2009 work began on the house. ‘It was a case of restoring it back to its 17th-century roots, but with some concessions to modern living,’ says Jo. Tasks included unblocking fireplaces, repairing a chimney in the kitchen and moving another fireplace back to its original location. They also replaced the Seventies windows with more suitable alternatives, and used lath and plaster on the ceilings and lime plaster for the walls. S Y M PAT H E T I C R E S T O R AT I O N

Where the original features were too damaged to save, Jo and Chris replaced them with materials in keeping with the style and era of their home. In the half of the sitting room that had been damaged by flooding, they laid granite flags to complement the existing floor. Upstairs, they stripped and painted the floorboards. As well as rewiring and plumbing throughout, they installed a new kitchen and four bathrooms, extending the master en suite to return it to its original layout. As the rooms in the house are small, Jo and Chris chose white walls throughout and added antique furniture to match the age of the house mixed with the mid-century pieces they both like. The two-year project ran smoothly – after Jo and Chris had accepted that Cornish time differs to that of a city. ‘We weren’t used to the slower pace of life here and at first we found it strange,’ confesses Jo. ‘But we hadn’t set a deadline so all that mattered was the end product.’ She admits the final result has taken her by surprise. ‘When it was finished I felt relieved and also delighted that it has exceeded my expectations. Of course, Chris never had any doubts that it would all turn out well.’

1 OTIS’ EN SUITE

Screened from the rest of the bedroom by a half-wall behind the bed, the space contains the tiniest bath Jo could find. For a similar wooden towel ladder, try Nomad, £325, Skandium 2 LANDING The steps that lead up to Otis’ bedroom are topped with granite.

MASTER EN SUITE

Jo and Chris installed the granite-framed window to make the most of the views. Bocci pendant light, £450, Twentytwentyone. Try Swale bath, £2,875, Drummonds 4 MASTER BEDROOM

A neutral scheme allows the beautiful bed cover to take centre stage. For a similar handmade bedspread, £400, try Etsy

FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y

c o u ntry | 25bh

OTIS’ BEDROOM

The bedspread is a handmade Amish piece and was a gift from Chris’ grandmother. Sheepskin rug, £80, Loaf. For a similar floor lamp, try a vintage theatre light, from £420, Any Old Lights. Oil painting by Barry Kamen. The house is available for holiday lets via Unique Home Stays

2 5 B H S EP TE M B ER 2019 | 131

25bh | s to c k i s t s

WHERE TO BUY Details of companies featured in the September issue

Aga agaliving.com Alfresia alfresia.co.uk And So To Bed andsotobed.co.uk Andrew Martin andrewmartin.co.uk Anna-Carin Sundberg sundbergarkitekter.se Annie Sloan anniesloan.com Another Country anothercountry.com Antiques Atlas antiques-atlas.com Any Old Lights anyoldlights.co.uk Appliance People appliancepeople.co.uk Aram aram.co.uk Argos argos.co.uk Artisans of Devizes artisansofdevizes.com Authentic and So authenticandso.com B&B Italia london.bebitalia.com B&Q diy.com Bayliss & Booth baylissandbooth.co.uk Bed Guru bedguru.co.uk Bella Figura bella-figura.com Benchmarx Kitchens benchmarxkitchens.co.uk Benoit Viaene benoitviaene.be Bert & May bertandmay.com Biggie Best biggiebest.co.uk Birrelli Architecture birrelli.com.au Black Swan Furniture blackswanfurniture.co.uk Brissi brissi.com Caesarstone caesarstone.co.uk Caravane caravane.fr Cat Dal Interiors catdalinteriors.com Chalon chalon.com Christopher Wray christopherwray.com City Cows citycows.co.uk Coast to Country coast-to-country.co.uk Cole & Son cole-and-son.com Cottage Antiques cottage-antiques.com Cox & Cox coxandcox.co.uk CP Hart cphart.co.uk Crown crownpaints.co.uk Cult Furniture cultfurniture.com Danish Design Classics danishdesignclassics.com Darlings of Chelsea darlingsofchelsea.co.uk David Village Lighting davidvillagelighting.co.uk DDS Reclamation Yard reclamation-yard.co.uk Design Market design-mkt.com Design Vintage designvintage.co.uk Designers Guild designersguild.com deVOL devolkitchens.co.uk DIY Shutters diyshutters.co.uk Drummonds drummonds-uk.com Dulux dulux.co.uk Dunelm dunelm.com eBay ebay.co.uk England at Home englandathome.co.uk English Salvage englishsalvage.co.uk Eporta eporta.com Etsy etsy.com Exeter Antique Lighting Company antiquelightingcompany.com

132 | 2 5 B H S EP TE M B ER 2019

1stdibs 1stdibs.com Fabric Shack fabricshack.co.uk Farrow & Ball farrow-ball.com Feather & Black featherandblack.com Ferm Living fermliving.com Fired Earth firedearth.com Footstools & More footstoolsandmore.co.uk Foundryman thefoundryman.com Fritz Hansen fritzhansen.com Furniture Village furniturevillage.co.uk Govette Windows govettewindows.com Graham and Green grahamandgreen.co.uk Great Little Trading Company gltc.co.uk Habitat habitat.co.uk Handmade Kitchens of Christchurch handmadekitchens-direct.co.uk Happy Beds happybeds.co.uk Hardwood Floor Store hardwoodfloorstore.co.uk Harvey Jones harveyjones.com Havwoods havwoods.co.uk Healâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heals.co.uk Heritage Cornwall heritagecornwall.co.uk Herman Miller hermanmiller.com Hicks & Hicks hicksandhicks.com Holloways holloways.co.uk Homes Direct 365 homesdirect365.co.uk House of Bath houseofbath.co.uk House of Hackney houseofhackney.com Howat & Hutchinson howatandhutchinson.co.uk Howdens howdens.com Huckleberry huckleberryuk.com Hudson Reed hudsonreed.co.uk Hunter Jones hunterjonesvintage.com Ian Mankin ianmankin.co.uk Ikea ikea.co.uk Industville industville.co.uk Jane Clayton & Company janeclayton.co.uk John Lewis & Partners johnlewis.com Jonathan Adler uk.jonathanadler.com Jonathan Sainsbury jonathan-sainsbury.com Julian Chichester julianchichester.com KĂ¤hrs kahrs.com Kirkby Design kirkbydesign.com La Maison Chic la-maison-chic.co.uk La Redoute laredoute.co.uk Ladder Store ladderstore.com Lapicida lapicida.com Laura Ashley lauraashley.com Lewis & Wood lewisandwood.co.uk Libeco libeco.com Linwood linwoodfabric.com Little Greene littlegreene.com Loaf loaf.com London House Rugs londonhouserugs.co.uk

G H

I J

K L

Looks Like Summer lookslikesummer.com Louise Body louisebody.com Louise Roe louiseroe.dk LUMAS uk.lumas.com Made in Design madeindesign.co.uk Maison Sarah Lavoine maisonsarahlavoine.com Maisons du Monde maisonsdumonde.com Mandarin Stone mandarinstone.com Marblemosaics marble-mosaics.com Melchior Interieur melchiorinterieur.nl/eng MGLW mglw.co.uk Michel Mouffe michelmouffe.com moKee en.mokee.eu Naken Interiors naken.co.uk Neptune neptune.com Ocean Lighting oceanlighting.co.uk Ochre ochre.net Oka oka.com Only Home onlyhome.co.uk Original House original-house.co.uk Original Style originalstyle.com Paint & Paper Library paintandpaperlibrary.com Pamono pamono.co.uk Pash Classics pash-classics.com Peake Design peakeinteriordesign.co.uk Plain English plainenglishdesign.co.uk Pooky pooky.com Porcelain Superstore porcelainsuperstore.co.uk Puur puurfloors.com Reeves Design reevesd.com Reflections reflections-copenhagen.com Resi Architects resi.co.uk Rockett St George rockettstgeorge.co.uk Roger Oates Design rogeroates.com Romo romo.com Ron Moret ronmoret.nl Rouge rouge-shop.com Roundhouse roundhousedesign.com Rowen & Wren rowenandwren.co.uk Royal Design royaldesign.co.uk Royce Morgan roycemorgan.co.uk Savoir Beds savoirbeds.co.uk ScCountryMetal sccountrymetal.com Simply Plastics simplyplastics.com Skandium skandium.com Snedkermanden snedkermanden.dk Soak soak.com Soane Britain soane.co.uk Society6 society6.com Spark & Bell sparkandbell.com Special Metals specialmetals.nl Sunbury Antiques Market sunburyantiques.com Surface View surfaceview.co.uk Susie Watson Designs susiewatsondesigns.co.uk Swivel UK swiveluk.com Swoon swooneditions.com

N O P

Talisman talismanlondon.com Tap Warehouse tapwarehouse.com Thames Hedging thameshedging.co.uk The Concrete Flooring Contractors theconcreteflooring.com The Conran Shop conranshop.co.uk The Fabulous Fleece Company thefabulousfleececompany.co.uk The French Bedroom Company frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk The Headboard Workshop theheadboardworkshop.co.uk The Hoarde thehoarde.com The Lighting Company lightingcompany.co.uk The London Joinery Co thelondonjoineryco.com The Old Cinema theoldcinema.co.uk The Organic Farm Shop theorganicfarmshop.co.uk The Rugs Warehouse therugswarehouse.co.uk The Shutter Shop shuttershop.co.uk The Sofa & Chair Company thesofaandchair.co.uk The White Company thewhitecompany.com Tile Giant tilegiant.co.uk Tile Mountain tilemountain.co.uk TineKHome tinekhome.dk Tom Dixon tomdixon.net Topps Tiles toppstiles.co.uk Toughook toughook.co.uk Trade Furniture Company tradefurniturecompany.co.uk Tredup Interiors tredup-interiors.com Tudor Oak tudor-oak.co.uk Twentieth Century Antiques twentiethcenturyantiques.co.uk Twentytwentyone twentytwentyone.com Unique Home Stays uniquehomestays.com University Arms Hotel universityarms.com Vaughan vaughandesigns.com Viaduct viaduct.co.uk Victoria Plum victoriaplum.com Victorian Plumbing victorianplumbing.co.uk Vinterior vinterior.co Wallace Cotton wallacecotton.co.uk Wallpaper Direct wallpaperdirect.com Wallpapers and Borders wallpapersandborders.co.uk Warm Nordic warmnordic.com Wayfair wayfair.co.uk West Elm westelm.co.uk West One Bathrooms westonebathrooms.com Wickes wickes.co.uk Wildwood Designs wildwooddesigns.co.uk World of Wallpaper worldofwallpaper.com YES Glazing Solutions yesglazing.co.uk

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25bh | i d e a s to s h a r e Gilt-edged glamour is restored at this Great British hotel

ROOM ENVY

niversity Arms has for a time been forgotten by much of Cambridge, despite being the city’s oldest hotel. Mostly neglected and the victim of a peculiar Sixties extension, the building finally found a fresh lease of life last year after new owner-developers set about restoring the building to its former 19th-century glory. Interiors man of the moment Martin Brudnizki was tasked with overseeing the revamping of the property, and his inspiration appears to have been old-school English opulence. Check out this gorgeous, light-filled bathroom in the hotel’s Marlowe Suite, which is quintessentially British down to its finest details. Here, glimmering golden fixtures from a variety of companies, including Soakology, Vado and Lefroy Brooks, create an ultra-lavish look, 138 | 2 5 B H S EP TE M B ER 2019

while Reed Harris floor and wall tiles sit pleasantly against eau de Nil paintwork, providing contrast and tying the space together. But of course, practically anything would have worked in a room with not just one, but two floor-to-ceiling arched windows overlooking Parker’s Piece – a stretch of green in the heart of the city. Elsewhere, original features including mahogany fireplaces, stained-glass windows and decorative mouldings have been lovingly restored to help preserve the hotel’s collegiate aesthetic. Be sure to pop into Parker’s Tavern by talented chef Tristan Welch, an all-day eatery evocative of the most sophisticated of college dining halls. It’s proving a big hit not just with guests, but locals, too, who come for the home-made fishcakes, Norfolk duck and nostalgic rice pudding soufflés.

FEATURE PATRICK HAMILTON COURTNEY

Each month we bring you a hotel space that intrigues, inspires and dazzles

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