Ann Edwards opens the door of her East Grinstead late Victorian villa with something of a flourish. As she asks about my journey here, her face is animated and kindly enquiring and I get the distinct feeling that she is gently making an initial ‘diagnosis’ as she greets me. Ann owns and runs The Therapy Shed, and on her website and brochure, Ann’s philosophy is summarised in just three words: Rest, Relax, Rejuvenate.

The inviting glow of the colours used in the hallway combined with the stained glass panels, provides a warm welcome to Ann Edwards’ Victorian villa

The inviting glow of the colours used in the hallway combined with the stained glass panels, provides a warm welcome to Ann Edwards’ Victorian villa

The conservatory, Zanzibar the cat’s ‘summer residence’, has inviting views out into the garden and decked seating area

The conservatory, Zanzibar the cat’s ‘summer residence’, has inviting views out into the garden and decked seating area

Wicker chairs surround the wooden table in the kitchen area. Above it, metal shelves house Ann’s collection of cookery books

Wicker chairs surround the wooden table in the kitchen area. Above it, metal shelves house Ann’s collection of cookery books

A large wooden clock with bold Roman numerals that was bought from Maison in Tunbridge Wells hangs above the wide black cooking range

A large wooden clock with bold Roman numerals that was bought from Maison in Tunbridge Wells hangs above the wide black cooking range

The dining room walls are painted a warm terracotta with a Jocasta Innes copper wash over the top, giving them a kind of iridescent sheen. A Murano glass chandelier is hung with coloured glass fruit-like droplets

The dining room walls are painted a warm terracotta with a Jocasta Innes copper wash over the top, giving them a kind of iridescent sheen. A Murano glass chandelier is hung with coloured glass fruit-like droplets

The guest room seems rather different in style to the rest of the house, but it is known as Ann’s mother’s room, so the lilac toile wallpaper and white embroidered bedlinen makes a fittingly relaxing environment

The guest room seems rather different in style to the rest of the house, but it is known as Ann’s mother’s room, so the lilac toile wallpaper and white embroidered bedlinen makes a fittingly relaxing environment

A collection of amber glass candlesticks lines the mantelpiece in the dining room

A collection of amber glass candlesticks lines the mantelpiece in the dining room

The chrysanthemum wallpaper has a subtle pearlised sheen that is echoed by the silver wash used on the ceiling. The bedlinen is a mix of fine linen and silk but in the centre of the bed is a Union Jack cushion with a crown in the centre

The chrysanthemum wallpaper has a subtle pearlised sheen that is echoed by the silver wash used on the ceiling. The bedlinen is a mix of fine linen and silk but in the centre of the bed is a Union Jack cushion with a crown in the centre

The garden faces south and is divided into three sections, cleverly adding interest to what is essentially quite a long and narrow plot

The garden faces south and is divided into three sections, cleverly adding interest to what is essentially quite a long and narrow plot

At the very end of the garden is Ann’s Therapy Shed, formerly a carpenter’s workshop

At the very end of the garden is Ann’s Therapy Shed, formerly a carpenter’s workshop

Inside, Ann’s Therapy Shed is painted a gentle white and from the beams crossing its high ceiling hang two silver coloured Moroccan metal lanterns. There is a colourful kilim on the floor. “That’s from Hoopers in Tunbridge Wells” says Ann. “I have cotton kilims in here in the summer and woollen dhurries in the colder months. The wooden floor is used for yoga but the whole room is beautifully warm when we use the wood-burning stove.

Inside, Ann’s Therapy Shed is painted a gentle white and from the beams crossing its high ceiling hang two silver coloured Moroccan metal lanterns. There is a colourful kilim on the floor. “That’s from Hoopers in Tunbridge Wells” says Ann. “I have cotton kilims in here in the summer and woollen dhurries in the colder months. The wooden floor is used for yoga but the whole room is beautifully warm when we use the wood-burning stove.

Zanzibar strikes a pose on the garden table

Zanzibar strikes a pose on the garden table

Vibrant cranesbill geraniums line the path that leads from Ann’s house to the Therapy Shed

Vibrant cranesbill geraniums line the path that leads from Ann’s house to the Therapy Shed

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

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