Innehållsförteckning för August 2016 från 25 Beautiful Homes

Buying books is one of my few guilty pleasures. The only aspect that can and has stopped me in the past is the thought of where can I find more space on our bookshelves. Reading novels digitally obviously helps with that particular problem, but I have to admit it’s not the same as having the paper version, even if it is the perfect solution for my train journey in to work. I only tend to buy books that I have to read for my book club or by authors I know and I save my browsing experiences for bookshops, where I find it very hard to leave empty handed. The new book will then float around while I’m reading it, but eventually I’ll need to find a space for it,…

RESTORING TEAK FURNITURE The previous owners of our new house left behind some teak garden furniture that we would like to restore. It’s covered in dirt and mildew – do you have any advice on how to revive it? MARY KINGSLEY, STAFFORDSHIRE I spoke to James Tyrie, director of the world’s oldest manufacturer of teak furniture, Barlow Tyrie (01376 557600, teak.com). He told me that teak is a hard wood with a high oil content that makes it resistant to rotting. So a scrub using a stiff brush and soapy water might do the trick but if not, Barlow Tyrie stocks a Teak Cleaner, £17 per litre, that will remove contaminants and restore it to its original colour. Teak weathers to a silvery grey, but you can treat it with…

UNIQUE HOME TRUTHS THE PROPERTY Listed 1930s apartment LOCATION Holland ROOMS Dining room, sitting room, kitchen, garden room, bedroom, bathroom, plus adjoining shop PURCHASED 1994 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘I lived in a smaller apartment on the outskirts of town,’ says Robert. Back in 1994, Robert Lubberhuizen was living on the outskirts of Nijmegen in Holland when he began to think of moving to a larger property that would allow him to live and work under one roof. ‘I had started a business selling Portuguese pottery and Moroccan ceramic tiles, and wanted to open a shop,’ explains Robert. ‘After house hunting for a while, I was told about a former greengrocer’s with an adjoining apartment in an amazing location in the heart of the city, and the moment I saw it I…

INSPIRING HOME TRUTHS THE PROPERTY Georgian tenement flat LOCATION Edinburgh ROOMS Hall, sitting room, kitchen-diner, utility room, four bedrooms (one en suite), bathroom PURCHASED 2014 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We also have a main family house in Fife,’ says Lucy. Lucy Stanistreet and her husband David had a good reason for buying their spacious apartment in Edinburgh. ‘Our youngest son Fred, now 14, started at a secondary school in the city,’ says Lucy, ‘which also gave us an excuse to live here during the week and return to our Fife home each weekends.’ The top-floor flat in Edinburgh’s New Town is situated close to the school and to the local shops and restaurants on a popular high street. ‘We wanted somewhere high up as there’s usually less noise and more natural light,’…

DISTINCTIVE HOME TRUTHS THE PROPERTY Rural townhouse LOCATION Suffolk ROOMS Sitting/dining room, kitchen, TV room, seven bedrooms (one en suite), bathroom PURCHASED 2004 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We moved to this place after selling our Victorian farm cottage a few miles away,’ says Jackie. After living in a remote spot in rural Suffolk for 15 years, Jackie Bell and her husband Allan eventually decided the time had come to move. ‘We love the country life but it was too quiet and isolated there, so we were keen to move into the idyllic market town nearby where Allan was born and I had lived as a child,’ says Jackie. Allan had always been attracted to one particular property, which combined a shop and the house of a former town reeve. ‘The place had…

UNIQUE HOME TRUTHS THE PROPERTY Detached house, built in 1740 LOCATION Kent ROOMS Hall, drawing room, sitting room, kitchen-diner, utility room, cloakroom, conservatory, four bedrooms (one en suite), bathroom PURCHASED 2012 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We had a flat in London before buying this house,’ says Francesca. Three years ago, Francesca Rowan-Plowden and her husband, Piers, were in the middle of what had been an exhausting search for a new home. One day, after making their way through the gate at the top of a long drive, navigating cattle grids and bumps in the road, they first set eyes on a Grade II listed Georgian hilltop house in the middle of the Kent countryside. After many months and viewing more than 30 properties, Francesca was overwhelmed with relief. ‘After seeing inside the…

DISTINCTIVE HOME TRUTHS THE PROPERTY Edwardian apartment LOCATION North London ROOMS Hall, sitting room, kitchen-diner, study, three bedrooms, bathroom PURCHASED 2000 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘Before buying this place, I lived in a rented flat in the area,’ says Kiko. Designer Kiko Randon wasn’t really thinking of putting down roots when he moved from Italy to England more than 30 years ago to study at the London College of Fashion. But a successful career in haute couture, which included making clothes for the Queen Mother, made him rethink his plans. ‘I rented various flats around north London, which is my favourite area, then thought I ought to get on the property ladder,’ says Kiko, who subsequently found himself a split-level apartment. Kiko could see lots of potential in the property. ‘It’s got…

Design ideas CURTAIN SCREEN A simple cotton curtain with a decorative leading edge has been hung from metal hooks and attached to the slanting ceiling of Tara Watson’s attic bathroom. An effective design idea, the curtain acts like a screen and serves to soften the room scheme, making it feel more cosy. This ingenious touch is a good way to divide and add decorative interest to a long thin room. It could also be used to separate and demarcate two distinct zones within one large space. Here, neutral, harmonious tones throughout make it easier for the eye to appreciate the fixtures and fittings. An alternative idea for the bathroom would be to create a freestanding screen made from bamboo or to hang a beaded curtain. SPIRAL STAIRCASE Robert Lubberhuizen installed…

DISTINCTIVE HOME TRUTHS THE PROPERTY Terraced house, built in the 1920s LOCATION Dublin ROOMS Sitting room, dining room, kitchen, utility room, two bedrooms, bathroom PURCHASED 2014 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘Before I bought this place, I was renting nearby,’ says Shannon. When Shannon Rushe began house hunting for her first home, her funds were limited so she had modest expectations of what she would get. ‘I was amazed when I heard there was a suitably priced period terrace close to Dublin’s city centre,’ says Shannon. ‘There was a reason for that, though, as I found when I viewed it – it was a complete mess.’ Originally, it was part of a development of small brick properties that were constructed in the early 1900s by Dublin Artisan’s Dwelling Company. ‘It was well built…

All homes benefit from adequate storage. Start with a thorough clear out and get rid of anything you don’t use. Marie Kondo’s book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying suggests that grouping belongings by type and designating one place for each helps with organisation. Opting for tailor made Bespoke furniture comes into its own in small spaces. You can fill every niche and alcove, get the best from awkward crevices and build around architectural features. Slim units are ideal for narrow areas, and cupboards can be extended all the way to the ceiling. A specialist furniture company should offer a full design service including site visits, drawings and internal fittings, but it’s worth considering a joiner, too, especially if they come recommended. Most homes suffer from bottlenecks, so think laterally about…

A   Ace Glass 01273 686968, aceglasssouthern.co.uk Aga 0845 712 5207, agaliving.com Alexander & Pearl 020 8508 0411, alexanderandpearl.co.uk Alex Chamberlin 07881 816667, alexchamberlin.co.uk Amara 0800 587 7645, amara.com Ambientedirect.com 0870 005 2275 Annie Sloan 01865 713089, anniesloan.com Apostrophe Woodcraft 01835 863120, apostrophewoodcraft.co.uk Archive Furniture 020 8985 3223, archivefurniture.co.uk Arusha Gallery 0131 557 1412, arushagallery.com Aston Matthews 020 7226 7220, astonmatthews.co.uk Atelier Authentique atelier-authentique.nl Atlantic Shopping 0121 230 1644, atlanticshopping.co.uk Atomic Interiors 0115 965 7920, atomicinteriors.co.uk Avoca 00 353 1 274 6996, avoca.com Ayers & Graces 01582 536760, ayersandgraces.com B   B&M Stores 0151 728 5400, bmstores.co.uk B&Q 0333 014 3098, diy.com Bathrooms & More Store 0151 647 4392, bathroomsandmorestore.co.uk Bathstore bathstore.com BC Designs 01206 827100, bcdesigns.co.uk Bed Frames UK 01202 720777, bedframesuk.co.uk Bells of Suffolk 01986…

INSPIRING HOME TRUTHS THE PROPERTY Two converted farmhouses LOCATION The Ardèche, south of France ROOMS Sitting room/ kitchen-diner, office, two bedrooms, bathroom, and two self-contained apartments, plus a guesthouse next door PURCHASED 2014 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘Before moving here, we lived in a three-bedroom semi near Leiden in Holland,’ says Marjon. Marjon Bakker had always vowed that by the time she reached 55, she would be living a more relaxed life. ‘I was 53 when we came here,’ says Marjon of the beautiful farmhouse in the south of France that she shares with husband Peter. ‘We were previously living in the Netherlands, and working in the screen-printing company I owned with my brother was very stressful. I didn’t want to be run ragged until I was old, so when the opportunity…

UNIQUE HOME TRUTHS THE PROPERTY Edwardian townhouse LOCATION South London ROOMS Hall, sitting room, dining room, kitchen, family room, office, three bedrooms (one en suite), two bathrooms PURCHASED 1997 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We owned a Victorian terrace also in south London before buying this place,’ says Helen. The south London home Helen Harlow shares with son Harry, 17, is a melange of hand-printed wall coverings, avian artistry and vintage treasures, spiced up with a tropical palette of orange, purple and pink. ‘I like to take elements from different eras and influences, and mix them together,’ enthuses Helen. Her favourite design era is the 1950s. ‘The fabrics and furnishings in those days were amazing,’ says Helen, ‘and I’ve got a real weakness for kitsch. Some might call it tacky but I love…

NEW-BUILD HOME TRUTHS THE PROPERTY Stone villa LOCATION Ithaca, Greece ROOMS Hall, sitting room, two kitchen-diners, study, seven bedrooms (all en suite) BUILT 2013 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘Before this, I lived in a terraced house in west London,’ says Ingrid. Three years ago, Swiss-born Ingrid Gottschalk, who is used to moving around Europe, decided it was time to leave the UK and find somewhere new. ‘After my divorce, I discovered the benefits of yoga,’ says Ingrid. ‘Greece seemed the ideal place to buy a plot of land where I could build my own home and yoga studio. The island of Ithaca caught my eye as it’s relatively unspoilt, being only accessible by ferry or taxi boat.’ Finding a site with building permission proved to be quite difficult, and Ingrid was also…

UNIQUE HOME TRUTHS THE PROPERTY Victorian villa and boathouse LOCATION Suffolk ROOMS Hall, sitting room, dining room, kitchen, gallery, study, six bedrooms, six bathrooms, plus boathouse and lookout tower PURCHASED 2011 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘Before moving here, we lived in a Georgian townhouse in south London,’ says Caroline. Art dealer Caroline Wiseman never intended to move to Suffolk until she spotted an old lookout tower during a trip to the seaside. ‘I was walking on the beach one morning when I saw a small sign saying the building was to let,’ recalls Caroline. ‘While swimming, I started thinking of what the building could become, then I came up with the answer: a centre of artistic creativity.’ Caroline and her partner Francis Carnwath ended up acquiring the tower, along with its corresponding…

1 PERFECTLY PACKED Marine picnic basket, £190, Amara 2 GET HOOKED Nautical fish, £10.99, Nautical Living 3 COASTAL COOL Lexington poplin striped blue duvet cover and pillowcases set, £139, Lexington 4 CAFÉ OLÉ! Short coffee cup in red stripe, £8.95, Decorator’s Notebook 5 ON A ROLL Henley outdoor mattress, £150, The White Company 6 RISE AND SHINE Breton bowls, £10 each, Yonder Living 7 LATERAL THINKING Nautical blue-and-white stripe storage set, £25.99, Harbour Living 8 REST EASY Drake chair, £260, Wayfair 9 DINE IN STYLE Salcombe 24-piece cutlery set, £65, Neptune 10 UNDER COVER Wide stripe throw, £35, Marks & Spencer…

INSPIRING HOME TRUTHS THE PROPERTY Detached house, built in the 1600s LOCATION East Sussex ROOMS Hall, drawing room, sitting room, dining room, kitchen, office, utility room, cloakroom, six bedrooms (three en suite), two bathrooms PURCHASED 1975 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We used to live in a bungalow a few miles away,’ says Sarah. Sarah Jempson and her husband Jonathan knew the time had come to upsize from their small bungalow in East Sussex. Sarah’s children, Tom, who was 11 at the time, and Alice, 7, were clearly in need of more space. Then the couple discovered a 17th-century timber-framed property on top of a hill with far-reaching views. ‘As soon as I saw it I fell in love with it,’ says Sarah. With a loan from his father, Jonathan bought the house…

DISTINCTIVE HOME TRUTHS THE PROPERTY Edwardian semi-detached LOCATION North London ROOMS Hall, sitting room, kitchen-diner, studio, three bedrooms, bathroom PURCHASED 2014 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘Before moving here, we lived in a beautiful but tiny ground-floor flat nearby,’ says Jo. After five years in their one-bedroom flat, teachers Jo and Ben Mahoney were delighted to find a home with more space: ‘We snapped up this four-bedroom house and filled it up immediately,’ says Jo. The couple loved that the property had been well looked after by its previous occupants but the dark grey walls throughout and a poky galley kitchen were high on the Mahoneys’ list of things to change: ‘The kitchen had a quirky, dramatic, Moroccan theme with almost black walls,’ says Jo. ‘It was very narrow, too dark, and difficult…

INSPIRING HOME TRUTHS THE PROPERTY Terraced house, built in the 1930s LOCATION Delft, The Netherlands ROOMS Sitting room, dining room, kitchen, playroom, office, workshop, four bedrooms, three bathrooms PURCHASED 2011 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in a typical Dutch house nearby before moving,’ says Ana. When Ana Cabrita and her husband Bas Jansen were searching for a family home, they discovered a waterside property close to the centre of Delft in The Netherlands. ‘It had an unusual layout as it used to be three smaller properties, but it had been converted into one,’ explains Ana. ‘The location swayed our decision – the idyllic canal views make it such a serene place to live.’ The couple, who share a love of retro fashion, have slowly transformed the interior to create a unique…

DISTINCTIVE HOME TRUTHS THE PROPERTY Terraced house, built in 1882 LOCATION Fife ROOMS Hall, sitting room, kitchen, TV room/snug, study, cloakroom, three bedrooms (two en suite), bathroom PURCHASED 2001 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in Hong Kong before buying this house and moving back to the UK,’ says Linda. Unbelievably, Robert and Linda Gault have had 24 homes around the globe. ‘Due to Robert’s work, we lived in many different countries, including 12 years in the Middle East and the same length of time in Hong Kong,’ says Linda. ‘But I knew at some point we would return to the UK.’ The couple were still living abroad when they bought their beautiful harbour house in a pretty coastal region of Fife. ‘This area has always been special to us,’ says Linda,…

UNIQUE HOME TRUTHS THE PROPERTY Terraced house, built in 1870 LOCATION South London ROOMS Hall, sitting room, kitchen/snug, TV room, office, conservatory, two bedrooms (both en suite), shower room PURCHASED 2015 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘I lived with my parents before buying this place,’ says Tara. Walking around Tara Watson’s beautifully decorated house, it’s hard to believe the recently qualified interior designer has completed her first major refurbishment at the tender age of 23. Having already decided she loved the hustle and bustle of south London, Tara bought a tired-looking Victorian gem she found in the area and wasted no time in stamping her style onto it. ‘Although the house was in good repair, I felt it needed opening up to let in the light,’ says Tara. ‘So the wall between the…

INSPIRING HOME TRUTHS THE PROPERTY Victorian townhouse LOCATION Brighton ROOMS Hall, kitchen-diner/ sitting room, office, three bedrooms, bathroom PURCHASED 2006 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We were living in a one-bedroom rented flat in London, before moving here,’ says Stephanie. A move to the coast had long been on the cards for Stephanie Leclere and her partner Paul. ‘We had been living in London for the past 12 years, and I was working in a bank and stuck inside an office every day,’ says Stephanie. ‘For the last few years, Paul and I had hankered to live in the seaside resort of Brighton because it’s quieter but still has the energy of a small city.’ After 18 months of house hunting, the couple, who have a son, Arthur, 6, spotted this Victorian terrace.…

REPLANNED HOME TRUTHS THE PROPERTY Detached Georgian farmhouse LOCATION Kent ROOMS Sitting room, kitchen-diner/garden room, office, larder, utility room, cloakroom, six bedrooms (two en suite), two dressing rooms, bathroom PURCHASED 2010 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We used to live in an Edwardian terrace in London,’ says George. Sitting on the outskirts of a picture-perfect village in Kent, George and Christopher Stephenson’s home couldn’t be more different to the one they left behind in London. The couple decided to up sticks in 2010 with their three children, Lucy Rose, now 15, Herbie, 14, and Florence, 9, swapping their cramped terrace in Clapham for a spacious six-bedroom farmhouse. While her husband originally hails from the countryside, George is a born-and-bred Londoner but was nonetheless excited about the lifestyle change. ‘I loved the idea of…