Blossoming apple timber in entrance of a half-hidden home have been what first intrigued Sarah Williamson-Jones, proprietor of floristry and homewares enterprise Pod & Pip, and her husband David.
‘We have been dwelling close by and infrequently drove previous, but it surely was troublesome to get greater than a glimpse of the particular property,’ Sarah says.
Once they did cease to take a correct peek, they have been so taken with the nation home they wrote to the house owners explaining that ought to the home ever be offered, they might have an interest.
‘We received a letter again from a woman who defined her mom lived there, but when issues modified, she would get in contact. Ten months later, that’s precisely what occurred,’ says Sarah.
The household went alongside to view the property and the second they entered, they have been offered. ‘We had little doubt this was the household home we’d been on the lookout for,’ says Sarah. ‘It simply felt proper.’
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However first, the household have been vetted by the previous woman herself, who was shifting to a residential dwelling after dwelling in the home for nearly 60 years.
‘She wished to make certain we might like it simply as a lot as she and her household had,’ recollects Sarah. ‘She was additionally a eager plantswoman, and once I advised her that I too had a ardour for flowers, we clicked.’
By the point the household moved in a number of months’ later, bold plans have been already in place, together with a brand new wing, an expanded entrance corridor, and a delicate re-configuration of the unique structure to make it extra sensible and cohesive.
‘In every single place wanted an entire overhaul – from new home windows to wiring, heating and plumbing, and naturally, the décor. That basically meant dwelling on a constructing website for a number of months, however we determined to robust it out!’
That proved to be an understatement when, within the winter of 2018, the Beast from East introduced blizzards and freezing temperatures.
‘We mainly arrange camp within the present kitchen and the one warmth got here from the trusty previous Aga.’
Because the months glided by, the brand new bones of the home began to take form.
Kitchen
The principle thrust of the work was a model new wing in contrasting flint stone for an expansive kitchen and dwelling house, with a beneficiant master bedroom above.
Operating the whole size of the brand new wing’s floor flooring, the kitchen features a separate walk-in larder and cooking house, eating and seating space. Bespoke Shaker-style cupboards are painted blue.
A casual seating space on the far finish of the kitchen incorporates a woodburning range to maintain the entire room further toasty through the winter months.
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Eating room
Alongside the imposing new wing, the expanded entrance corridor was given an additional dimension by merely eradicating an inside wall separating it from the oak-panelled eating room with its fantastically worn oak floorboards so it may be totally admired from the hallway.
‘The panelling is such a beautiful function, we wished it to be appreciated every single day,’ says Sarah.
Lounge
The pared-back scheme emphasises the room’s elegant proportions.
See: Lounge concepts – intelligent methods to brighten dwelling areas
Cosy
This house – initially the kitchen in the principle home – is a comfortable retreat for all of the household. Favourite previous chairs have been reupholstered to enrich the scheme.
Again corridor
Masculine oak furnishings is tempered with classic flower prints, a snug wing chair and fairly floral cushion.
Foremost bed room
Situated on the higher flooring of the brand new wing, this house has a splendidly indulgent really feel, with a beneficiant en suite and separate dressing room. Two function partitions have been papered in a basic William Morris design,
Inserting a superbly proportioned chaise longue from Laura Ashley instantly beneath the window is a intelligent means to attract the attention to the leafy vista past.
See: Bed room concepts – designs and inspiration for lovely bedrooms
Visitor bed room
A muted palette creates a chilled scheme.
Rest room
An outsized mirror emphasises the house, with its assertion roll-top tub.
En suite
A specifically made double basin cupboard shops toiletries and necessities.
See: Rest room concepts – fashionable decor concepts for all loos
When the work was accomplished, Sarah was capable of flip her consideration to the décor. ‘It needed to be in tune with the unique home, however with a number of modern touches,’ she explains. ‘My goal was to make it really feel calm and cohesive, with a number of pictures of sample and color to offer it persona.’
This has been achieved with a refined palette, basic patterns and tactile materials. A mixture of vintage finds, household heirlooms and treasured objects sits comfortably collectively, and Sarah has executed her greatest to include as most of the property’s unique options as doable, from the previous scullery sink, now within the utility room, to the servants’ bells within the corridor.
‘We wished to create a house with a nod to the previous and those that lived right here earlier than. It was essential to honour that heritage.’
She and her household couldn’t be extra content material. ‘We’ve put our personal stamp on this home,’ she says, ‘however I believe it has the identical heat ambiance we felt on the day we walked in. This can be a joyful home, and it’s a pleasure to dwell right here.’
Discover out extra about Pod & Pip.
Images/ Richard Gadsby
Textual content/ Sharon Parsons
