Behind the red brick façade of an early 20th century building, is a contemporary piece of architecture that is home to Anna Deacon and John Taylor, artists and designers with a prolific creative output and an extensive collection of art, part of which is on display to their bed and breakfast guests. 

One wall in the dining room is dominated by a large picture by Phil Wise, now a Royal Academician

One wall in the dining room is dominated by a large picture by Phil Wise, now a Royal Academician

the kitchen, designed by local architect Robert George, leads out into the u-shaped central courtyard

the kitchen, designed by local architect Robert George, leads out into the u-shaped central courtyard

Displays in the L-shaped dining and sitting room are evidence of the couple’s love of 1950s and 60s design

Displays in the L-shaped dining and sitting room are evidence of the couple’s love of 1950s and 60s design

A Danish teak sideboard, dining table and chairs set the tone

A Danish teak sideboard, dining table and chairs set the tone

Light floods into the spacious master bedroom

Light floods into the spacious master bedroom

Anna’s studio is conveniently located in one corner of the airy bedroom; she is currently in the process of creating a vibrant floral rug. The design is based on the classic 1960s ceramics called “Elizabethan” by Portobello

Anna’s studio is conveniently located in one corner of the airy bedroom; she is currently in the process of creating a vibrant floral rug. The design is based on the classic 1960s ceramics called “Elizabethan” by Portobello

the master bedroom’s en suite

the master bedroom’s en suite

The B&B’s colourful entrance hall

The B&B’s colourful entrance hall

An intricate wire and glass chandelier, made by John, hangs above the staircase on the first floor

An intricate wire and glass chandelier, made by John, hangs above the staircase on the first floor

The guests’ sitting room displays a huge painting in vibrant colours by Maisie Kendall, RA

The guests’ sitting room displays a huge painting in vibrant colours by Maisie Kendall, RA

In the kitchen the crockery has been designed by the couple and mugs, plates and bowls sport witty words made from Scrabble letters or simply say “Made in England”

In the kitchen the crockery has been designed by the couple and mugs, plates and bowls sport witty words made from Scrabble letters or simply say “Made in England”

Brightly painted steps lead up to the bedrooms on the second floor.

Brightly painted steps lead up to the bedrooms on the second floor.

A second Zoe Murphy chair complements a blue and brown quilt, whilst one wall is covered in strips of different wallpapers

A second Zoe Murphy chair complements a blue and brown quilt, whilst one wall is covered in strips of different wallpapers

The bed in the front room is dressed with an Orla Keily quilt. An original G-plan chair has been covered in fabulous citrus oranges and fuchsia pinks by Zoe Murphy

The bed in the front room is dressed with an Orla Keily quilt. An original G-plan chair has been covered in fabulous citrus oranges and fuchsia pinks by Zoe Murphy

In the B&B the corridor leading to the shower-room displays a collection of pencil and pastel drawings, some of which are by Anna’s aunt, Selina Bott-Slack

In the B&B the corridor leading to the shower-room displays a collection of pencil and pastel drawings, some of which are by Anna’s aunt, Selina Bott-Slack

The view from the master bedroom balcony

The view from the master bedroom balcony

A corner of the paved courtyard,, decorated with mirrors and frames

A corner of the paved courtyard,, decorated with mirrors and frames

John at work in his studio

John at work in his studio

  • words:
  • pictures: David Merewether
  • styling: Lucy Fleming

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