After years of rural living, seasoned property renovators Catherine and Rupert decided to move their growing family to a spacious Victorian townhouse in the heart of Sevenoaks. After extensive modernisation, in a very short timeframe, they have succeded in creating the ideal space to accommodate the needs of their family including the bespoke kitchen Catherine has always dreamed of...

Monochrome Home – Remarkable Rebuild

After years of rural living, seasoned property renovators Catherine and Rupert decided to move their growing family to a spacious Victorian townhouse in the heart of Sevenoaks. After extensive modernisation, in a very short timeframe, they have succeded in creating...

After years of rural living, seasoned property renovators Catherine and Rupert decided to move their growing family to a spacious Victorian townhouse in the heart of Sevenoaks. After extensive modernisation, in a very short timeframe, they have succeded in creating the ideal space to accommodate the needs of their family including the bespoke kitchen Catherine has always dreamed of...

Victorian Townhouse with a Modern Twist

After years of rural living, seasoned property renovators Catherine and Rupert decided to move their growing family to a spacious Victorian townhouse in the heart of Sevenoaks. After extensive modernisation, in a very short timeframe, they have succeeded in creating...

When jeweller Catherine Hills and her family decided to relocate from the hustle and bustle of Islington to Tunbridge Wells they happened upon a Victorian villa tucked away down a peaceful street. Several years later, and with a wonderful new boutique in The Pantiles in which to showcase her creations, Catherine and her husband James continue to evolve their home, re-working rooms as projects arise...

Harry Potter Jeweller’s Magical Home

When jeweller Catherine Hills and her family decided to relocate from the hustle and bustle of Islington to Tunbridge Wells they happened upon a Victorian villa tucked away down a peaceful street. Several years later, and with a wonderful new...

When Nina and Nick found Chilverbridge House, a stunning 17th century, Grade II-listed manor house with a semi-converted granary and coach house in Arlington, they knew it was exactly what they had been looking for. Over the last eight years they have poured their hearts and souls into the property, transforming it from a total wreck to a luxurious B&B within convenient reach of Glyndebourne...

Luxury Coach House B&B

When Nina and Nick found Chilverbridge House, a stunning 17th century, Grade II-listed manor house with a semi-converted granary and coach house in Arlington, they knew it was exactly what they had been looking for. Over the last eight years...

Blending soaring ceilings with middle-eastern furniture finds, the success of Lorraine Kerr’s barn conversion lies in her ability to inject a little quirkiness into a traditional, beamed interior to create a stunning family home...

Barn Conversion with Moorish Charm

Blending soaring ceilings with middle-eastern furniture finds, the success of Lorraine Kerr’s barn conversion lies in her ability to inject a little quirkiness into a traditional, beamed interior to create a stunning family home.

When Jenny Tudor and her husband moved into their spacious double fronted Victorian house they knew they had found a home to settle in. After a few careful moderations this sizeable property is now perfectly suited to accommodate the couple’s large and active family, plus their three chinchillas, providing them with an ideal space for the activity they love the most, entertaining...

The Forever Family Home

When Jenny Tudor and her husband moved into their spacious double fronted Victorian house they knew they had found a home to settle in. After a few careful moderations this sizeable property is now perfectly suited to accommodate the couple’s...

Using her keen eye for vintage and unusual design, Sam, with the help of her husband Richard, has tranformed her family’s award-winning sixties-built home into a haven for unique and fascinating finds...

Vibrant 60s Design Home

Using her keen eye for vintage and unusual design, Sam, with the help of her husband Richard, has transformed her family’s award-winning sixties-built home into a haven for unique and fascinating finds.

When Christine and her partner Kevin decided to downsize they chose to design and tailor the perfect space to meet their new requirements. Through careful planning and a knack for maximising on space, they have transformed a small courtyard cottage from cramped and compartmentalised into stylish open-plan living...

Courtyard Cottage Open-Plan Living

When Christine and her partner Kevin decided to downsize they chose to design and tailor the perfect space to meet their new requirements. Through careful planning and a knack for maximising on space, they have transformed a small courtyard cottage...

When Katie and Richard yearned for a change from their 1960s family farmhouse, they embarked on an epic project to realise their dream home from scratch. Twenty-one months, and 35 tonnes of Turkish marble, later the couple have created a stunning, technology-filled retreat with views out over the Kentish countryside to die for...

Contemporary Gadget-Filled Home

When Katie and Richard yearned for a change from their 1960s family farmhouse, they embarked on an epic project to realise their dream home from scratch. Twenty-one months, and 35 tonnes of Turkish marble, later the couple have created a...

Over a relatively short period of time, Sandra Dowse has grown her idea of creating personalised homewares and accessories into an incredibly successful online business with orders coming from all over the world. John Graham-Hart finds out how she and her husband Richard juggle working from home alongside raising their young family...

The Home of Pickle Pie Gifts

Over a relatively short period of time, Sandra Dowse has grown her idea of creating personalised homewares and accessories into an incredibly successful online business with orders coming from all over the world. John Graham-Hart finds out how she and...

When John Aspinall acquired Port Lympne in the 1970s, he rescued the impressive mansion from decades of neglect. Flanked by endangered species on all sides, this grand building opened as a hotel and wedding venue in 2014, and offers a remarkable opportunity for guests to enjoy a unique break, where it’s possible to meet some of the rarest animals in the world ...

Port Lympne’s Dramatic Restoration

When John Aspinall acquired Port Lympne in the 1970s, he rescued the impressive mansion from decades of neglect. Flanked by endangered species on all sides, this grand building opened as a hotel and wedding venue in 2014, and offers a...

When Anna Deacon and John Taylor decided to downsize, Hastings’s art scene lured them to the coast where they have transformed a hillside property using their enviably creative approach to interiors...

Artists’ Vibrant Hastings Home

When Anna Deacon and John Taylor decided to downsize, Hastings’s art scene lured them to the coast where they have transformed a hillside property using their enviably creative approach to interiors.

After five years of painstaking restoration, chef, writer and photographer Alastair Hendy has succeeded in returning his Grade II listed 16th century merchant’s house in Hastings Old Town to its pared-back Tudor glory...

The Christmas House – Tudor Restoration

After five years of painstaking restoration, chef, writer and photographer Alastair Hendy has succeeded in returning his Grade II listed 16th century merchant’s house in Hastings Old Town to its pared-back Tudor glory.

Inspired by the Charleston principle – to seek out only the most beautiful or interesting pieces to furnish their interior – Matthew Fox and his partner Chris have transformed a dilapidated antiques shop on Burwash High Street into an enviably unique destination, the ideal base from which to explore all that Kent & East Sussex has to offer...

Pelham Hall – Opulent Burwash B&B

Inspired by the Charleston principle – to seek out only the most beautiful or interesting pieces to furnish their interior – Matthew Fox and his partner Chris have transformed a dilapidated antiques shop on Burwash High Street into an enviably...

When creative London couple Roni and John decided to relocate to the country, they initially set their sights on a Kentish Georgian property. But once they’d happened upon a pretty 17th century cottage they knew they had found what they had ultimately been looking for...

Creative Couple Relocate to the Countryside

When creative London couple Roni and John decided to relocate to the country, they initially set their sights on a Kentish Georgian property. But once they’d happened upon a pretty 17th century cottage they knew they had found what they...

Seagulls & Stripes Hastings B&B

Following the birth of their first child, Jon and Sara decided they would like to return to England from Stockholm to begin a new life. Having always talked about starting their own business, the couple decided on Hastings to begin...

Over the years Tina Atkins has turned her love of homemaking into a successful business, Liberty Bee. Taking inspiration from her travels across the UK and Europe, Tina has steadily grown her brand whilst maintaining a busy family lifestyle...

Beautiful Butterfly Cottage

Over the years Tina Atkins has turned her love of homemaking into a successful business, Liberty Bee. Taking inspiration from her travels across the UK and Europe, Tina has steadily grown her brand whilst maintaining a busy family lifestyle.

When Luke Hannam and his wife Tess decided to relocate from their South London home to a sleepy village near the South Coast, they found the perfect place for their young family to grow and stumbled upon an ideal opportunity for Luke’s career as a painter to blossom...

Artist Luke Hannam’s Residence

When Luke Hannam and his wife Tess decided to relocate from their South London home to a sleepy village near the South Coast, they found the perfect place for their young family to grow and stumbled upon an ideal opportunity...

“Wherever possible we’ve tried to use local artists and craftsmen – there’s such a wealth of talent in this part of the world, ” says Louise

Triumphant Burton Home Restoration

When Louise Convert and her family bought their seaside home they’d already tackled the renovation of three local properties. The building they had settled on – a Burton, in a lovely secluded position – had been converted into three flats,...

Sally and Rob yearned for a change of scenery, making the decision to move from bustling city to tranquil countryside. After a two year search, they finally found their dream home and embarked on a considerable renovation which would see them start their own farm...

Lidham Hill Farmhouse Near Rye

Sally and Rob yearned for a change of scenery, making the decision to move from bustling city to tranquil countryside. After a two year search, they finally found their dream home and embarked on a considerable renovation which would see...

The feeling of space is enhanced by the enormous mirror in the sitting room, that despite its size – “People said we’d never get it in,” Pippa laughs – works really well

Treasure Trove in Tenterden

Having downsized from a large Georgian property where they ran an award-winning bed and breakfast, Pippa and Mike Carter decided to move to a small cottage just down the road in order to buy a place in France. Having devoted...

Vicky and James have converted a cluster of former farm buildings into a superb, eco-friendly 21st century family home that won them the Ashford Borough Council 2009 Design Award for Building Conservation...

Fantastic Eco Conversion

Vicky and James have converted a cluster of former farm buildings into a superb, eco-friendly 21st century family home that won them the Ashford Borough Council 2009 Design Award for Building Conservation.

Fashion insider Lionel Copley’s home is testament to his unique eye for design. The Georgian property is the latest in a succession of transformative projects that Lionel has undertaken across Hastings Old Town as well as being a wonderful showcase for the talented local suppliers and businesses that he is keen to support...

Fashion Insider Transforms Georgian Hastings Property

Fashion insider Lionel Copley’s home is testament to his unique eye for design. The Georgian property is the latest in a succession of transformative projects that Lionel has undertaken across Hastings Old Town as well as being a wonderful showcase...

Philippa MacKinnon has employed her enviable organisational skills to sensitively transform her Victorian grange from a dilapidated space, untouched since the 1960s, to a chic and functional family home with ingenious storage solutions...

Victorian Grange Transformation

Philippa MacKinnon has employed her enviable organisational skills to sensitively transform her Victorian grange from a dilapidated space, untouched since the 1960s, to a chic and functional family home with ingenious storage solutions.

Keen to embark on a new challenge, Dawn Rose has capitalized on her experience as former head of Home Buying for both Selfridges and House of Fraser to launch her own homeware and soft furnishings business, Ragged Rose, which she runs from her vibrant Georgian home..

Vibrant Georgian Home of Ragged Rose Furnishings

Keen to embark on a new challenge, Dawn Rose has capitalized on her experience as former head of Home Buying for both Selfridges and House of Fraser to launch her own homeware and soft furnishings business, Ragged Rose, which she...

The starting point for the design of Phoebe’s sitting room was the painting by artist Emma Green which is now mounted above the fireplace

Interior Designer’s Tunbridge Wells Home

Interior designer Phoebe Oldrey and her husband Miles moved out of London in search of somewhere that could offer growing space for their two young boys.

Carmel and Mick have transformed their seaside home into a flamboyant and creative space perfect for their family to pursue their musical talents...

Flamboyant and Creative Seaside Family Home

Carmel and Mick have transformed their seaside home into a flamboyant and creative space perfect for their family to pursue their musical talents.

The vibrant yellow of the kitchen walls, radiators and SMEG fridge is broken up with accents of forest green and rich red

Georgian Farmhouse Transformed into Colourful Family Home

Much is written of the Georgian house – its perfect proportions, its soaring rooms, its windows that allow light to flood into every nook and cranny.

In order not to waste space under the sloping ceilings at the end of the garage, Caroline incorporated a sizeable inglenook that runs the full width of the room

Humble Garage to Gorgeous Guesthouse

Converting a building that was never designed for human habitation into an attractive home can be a rewarding challenge.

In the formal drawing room beautiful dark oak panelling, originally from a monastery and dating from the mid-1700s, covers the walls

Medieval Hall House

The most iconic building in the Weald is, of course, the oast and it’s understandable that, once their commercial lives had come to an end, so many were converted into family homes.

The drawing room was probably once the pub’s main room. One wall has been stripped back to the sandstone and brick and in the old fireplace stands a lovely antique Godin stove

Stunning Renovation

The drawing room was probably once the pub’s main room. One wall has been stripped back to the sandstone and brick and in the old fireplace stands a lovely antique Godin stove

The pièce de résistance of Amy and Adrian’s conversion is the coach house. At one end of the room are the original hay feeders and mangers, now, like all the woodwork, sandblasted and pristine

Heritage Conversion Success Story

Taking a building that has lain derelict or neglected for decades, perhaps centuries, and breathing new life into old stone and brick can be a hugely rewarding experience.

The drawing room is divided into cool elegant formal and cool elegant casual and is her main show room

Victorian Townhouse Doubles As Antique Showroom

An American catching sight of a friend’s particularly fine painting, sculpture or piece of furniture would have no hesitation in paying the appropriate compliment and casually adding ‘Waddyagiveforit?’

Holly found the elegant blue and white striped sofa at one end of the drawing room from Balmain & Balmain. The lamps and fox terrier toy, interspersed with groupings of family photographs, are from Holly’s company Duck & Dog

Renovated Period Cottage

Renovating a period cottage is always a challenge. The lives we lead are very different both from those of the 17th century villagers and farm workers for whom these homes were originally built and from the families who have updated...

The focus of the sitting room is still the original impressive fireplace, stripped back to the bare wood

Promenade Paradise

There are things in this world that go effortlessly together. Things that seem made for each other. Bagels and cream cheese, Bogey & Bacall, Champagne and caviar, Farrow & Ball – and it’s the same when we walk into one...

What is now the kitchen was the original kitchen/dining room which means it’s a great space not only for cooking but entertaining, too

Coach House Conversion

Arriving at Alli Williams’s home on the Kent-Sussex border, it’s almost impossible to remember that you’ve come to write about a house and not merely draw up a garden chair, pour yourself a glass of something crisp and white and...

In the drawing room, above the grand white faux marble fireplace finished by Hastings specialist painter Alan Kent, is a massive gilt mirror in which is reflected the room’s pièce de résistance

An Enduring Legacy

Decimus Burton was quite a gent. Born in 1800, the son of James Haliburton, one of the most significant builders of Georgian London, he studied under John Nash and designed his first major public building – Colosseum in Regent’s Park...

The state-of-the-art kitchen has been well thought out. It’s light and spacious, boasting two sets of French doors, one leading onto a balcony, the other onto a small terrace, both with a wonderful Wealden view

State-of-the-Art Country House Apartment

It’s an impressive approach to David and Louise’s apartment, through large gates and into immaculate country house style grounds. It’s situated on the third floor of a large, elegant block so we take the lift. There are stairs, of course,...

Diana removed a wall in the kitchen to create a bright and welcoming kitchen/dining room

Remodelled Victorian Home

As a six-year-old child, I had just one ambition. Not to be a train driver or super-hero, not to slay dragons and rescue damsels in distress, not to ride into the western sunset with the Lone Ranger

The double aspect drawing room runs the depth of the house and features bookshelves that span the length of one wall

Wow-Factor Wealden New Build

Philippa and Stephen’s new house in East Sussex re-ignites – should it need any re-ignition – the important debate surrounding the question of how and what should we in the Weald be building for the future

Hannah’s shop is packed with an extensive collection of vintage goodies

Kitsch & Chic Family Home

Hannah Gee’s house is set back from the road, much further back than all the others, hanging back, in case anyone notices that it doesn’t look like the rest, that it isn’t a period house

In the dining room the sizeable table was sourced from eBay

17th Century Farmhouse

Stella Hayes initially fell in love with the property's glorious garden. She has gone on to create a beautiful home.

Rob’s home is packed with interesting finds including a Philippe Starck coat stand and a kitchen table which once belonged to the chef Joël Robuchon

Art Collector’s Inspired Hastings Home

It takes many of us a lifetime to discover that treasure lies closer to home than we think, but when Robert Amstad was trying to find a property to live in a few years ago, he realised that a building...

During the summer months the open fireplace nestles behind a duck egg blue screen that Patricia has painted. She has also made the striped blinds from a Laura Ashley fabric

Boutique Bouquet

Brought up in the tropics, I have never lost my awe of the beautiful chameleon landscape in which I now find myself nor have I lost my admiration for those who work within this landscape to create gardens so at...

The living room alone is filled with countless examples of Kaffe’s work, set against the most enchanting mural, which fills the entire end wall

Kaffe Fassett’s Colourful Home

Without doubt, a visit to the Hastings home of internationally renowned contemporary craft artist Kaffe Fassett and his partner and studio manager Brandon Mably, would bring joy to even the most downhearted of people

A collection of postcards, artwork, pottery and found objects is arranged on a chest in the drawing room; the kitchen extension is a stunning, light filled room with a vaulted ceiling up to the roof

Rural Retreat

It’s a steamy and umbelliferous (as in lots of floaty cow parsley) morning in the Weald as we arrive at Wendy’s secluded house, which is tucked away from view down a narrow leafy lane. We’re warmly greeted with a “Mind...

Nick and Bella have opened up a new entrance from the kitchen to the drawing room

Walnuts Farm: Film Location and Family Home

There must be those among you that occasionally, in a quiet moment, stroll through your homes and think that, yes, after all the planning, plotting and hard work, you’ve at last got it right – on a good day this...

Next door to the kitchen, in a room that was once the dining room, a whole wall is covered with white built-in shelving filled with tins and jars, teapots, crockery, candles and glasses

Delightful Modern Country Cottage

Building new houses in traditional Wealden villages has always been a problem and one with which architects are still grappling today. Just how do you design a home that satisfies the varied needs of a modern family while ensuring it...