The Upside Of The Downs

The medieval oak framework with its distinctive diagonal ‘dragon beam’ and large fireplace contrast with the simple white shelving displaying a variety of Ghanaian pots and figures

Nestled in the lea of the South Downs and surrounded by seductive views, Crispin and Grita Rose-Innes have infused warmth, light and harmony into their delightful home

HOME TRUTHS

LOCATION: Near Lewes, East Sussex

THE OWNERS: Graphic designers Crispin and Grita Rose-Innes

THE PROPERTY: A 15th century Grade II listed, flint cottage, that was once the dwelling of farm workers

Crispin and Grita Rose-Innes sit in a sheltered spot in front of the south facing kitchen window enjoying uninterrupted views of the Downs

The south facing facade with handmade stepping-stones inlaid with mosaics of broken crockery in the foreground Beyond its Mrs. TiggyWinkle exterior, an ancient oak structure envelopes a surprisingly light and modern interior which is now the home of graphic designers, Crispin and Grita Rose-Innes.

Their home is a pretty 15th century Grade II listed, flint cottage. Crispin’s parents, Jasmine and Reg, bought the house some 40 plus years ago, when it was sold to raise money to put a cattle drinking trough on top of the Downs. Originally the cottage served as a farm worker’s dwelling, “Only half of the building remains, and this was probably divided into two cottages in the 18th century, hence the flint garden wall which divides the garden into two,”

Crispin explained. “We were also interested to find out that in 1937 artist Eric Ravilious, who was a frequent visitor to the area, painted a picture of the cottage.”

Some years after Crispin’s mother died, his father moved into sheltered accommodation, which meant it was crunch time for the couple to make a decision. “It was 2007 when we decided to move from London to live and work here,” Crispin recalled. “Neither of us likes clutter so the move seemed an ideal (but agonising) opportunity

to be ruthless about paring down our worldly possessions,” said Grita. “The idea of living in the country was harder for Crispin, whereas I didn’t find it so difficult, as I grew up in the country in Holland.”

The building needed to be substantially improved but the main concern for Crispin and Grita was that it shouldn’t lose its charm or form. “We wanted to make the cottage more comfortable while creating a harmonious balance between old and new. Primarily it needed new windows, better insulation, an efficient central heating system and more natural light,” said Crispin. Their priority was to find a sympathetic builder. “It had to be someone who would understand and respect the inherent fabric of the building – also someone we could trust and happily work with,” Grita

An efficient new oil-fired Rayburn range, also provides all the central heating and hot water

Each window is blessed with its own unique and spectacular view which is forever changing according to the season, the time of day and the weather

Crispin found the chest of drawers on the landing abandoned in a neighbouring Londoner’s overgrown back garden

“Our most treasured piece is the huge wooden framed baroque mirror, which originated from a posh London squat that Crispin briefly lived in during the seventies and which would have otherwise been destroyed. The only wall big enough to hang the mirror and take the immense weight, was in the stairwell.”

The door knocker was bought in a hardware store on Amorgos – Crispin’s and Grita’s favourite Greek Island

Favourite things

The black leather and chrome cantilevered dining chairs are a Dutch design in the thirties vernacular which the couple bought in London. “The round breakfast table was always here, and I have always loved it,” said Grita

“A slightly smaller mirror with a heavily tarnished gilded frame that used to sit on our mantlepiece in our London home now fits snugly between the floor and the ceiling in the dressing room.”

“Part of my childhood was spent in Ghana, so we have many African objects,” said Crispin. “Amongst these, is a carved wooden lion from Dahomey that sits at the bottom of the staircase.”

A view across the firstfloor landing with one of Crispin’s film posters (on the left) designed when he was a student at the Royal College of Art

explained. “We had admired the fabric and building work in a wonderful shop in the nearby town of Lewes. When we asked the owner Helene for the name of her builder, it turned out to be her husband, Konrad!”

A vital requirement in the renovation was to introduce as much daylight into the building as possible. Happily planning permission was obtained to remove an unsightly dormer window which was replaced with an expansive glass roof light.

A natural pond is frequented by moorhens in the summer months

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“This allowed us to open up a new stair well to bring in a great deal of natural north-facing light.” The existing cottage had very little storage space and very few walls for hanging paintings.

For warmth, huge amounts of natural hemp insulation were crammed in between all the floors and thick insulation installed into the roof above the attic. The 40 year old Rayburn was replaced with a modern efficient one to provide unlimited hot water and run the central heating system. Reconditioned cast iron radiators took the place of unsightly, electric night-storage heaters and a wood-burning stove became a cosy focal point within the vast walk-in fireplace in the main room.

The flint wall of the old outdoor privy with a rusty cart wheel found buried in neighbouring wasteland

The north facing facade with the new partially glazed roof above the interior stairwell

The garden was full of broken crockery. During the seventies Crispin’s mother, Jasmine and visiting friends transformed the china pieces into mosaic designs which decorate the porch and surrounding paved area

The building needed to be substantially improved but the main concern for Crispin and Grita was that it shouldn’t lose its charm or form

Cast figures of West African musicians add a touch of animated drama to the top shelf

“We used a mix of materials: slate tops in the kitchen and stainless steel, Portland stone and glass on the staircase,” Grita explained. “The floor in the hallway actually came from the roof of a demolished London church, it was sandblasted in situ and then treated with sugar soap.” To keep the landing as light and airy as possible the wide floorboards were painted a very pale grey to achieve a calm space akin to an inner courtyard. The floorboards in the bedrooms were levelled, sanded and then treated with Softwood Lye and Master Oil to prevent them from yellowing. “We designed and built integrated wardrobes along the length of one wall in two of the first-floor bedrooms.”

“What we have achieved here has far exceeded our expectations and much of that is down to our builder and friend, Konrad,” said Crispin. Grita added, “It’s a very nice place to be – to write, to think and to design. Each window is blessed with its own unique and spectacular view which is forever changing according to the season, the time of day and the weather.” l

The cosy master bedroom in the attic has glorious views to the South Downs