The full ENGLISH
When this international couple made the move to Britain, they embraced English decorative style with relish. Now their period family home o≠ers an elegant contemporary variation on a quintessential theme
Amid the tumult of change, it can be tempting to cling to the familiar. This was not the case, however, for Kathreen and Mark Hunt and their two teenage sons, who moved to Britain early in 2013, shortly before they bought a classic Georgian townhouse in London. To this quintessentially English building they could have imported their cosmopolitan style – a reflection of their dual nationalities and extensive travel – but instead, they looked more locally for inspiration.
ON THE HUNT
“We knew we wanted to be close to central London, but we weren’t sure where,” says Kathreen. After a three-month search, they settled upon this elegant five-storey building in the south west of the city. “It’s nicely proportioned and light with high ceilings, and we liked the garden, which is unusually large for this area,” explains Kathreen.
However, there were elements of the house they found disconcerting. “Where we lived before, all the apartments were on one level and it took a while for us to get used to living on multiple floors,” says Kathreen. “Having the kitchen in the basement also seemed strange. One of my sons told me ‘You’ll spend all your life underground’ and, as I love cooking, it’s true, I do.” Given the opulence of the semisubterranean lower-ground floor, Kathreen’s hours spent here are not so bad, surely? She laughs and replies: “We loved our previous apartment, but we enjoy these novelties.”
TAILORING THE SPACE
While respecting the living arrangements that they had inherited when they bought the property, the family could not ignore the fact they needed to make some alterations to make the house work e≠ectively for them. With the help
A few adjustments opened up and simplified the ground and lower-ground floors, making them more practical for family life.”
of Dry Architects, an infill extension was created on the ground floor, giving the Hunts a dramatic, double-height sitting room with a conservatory roof, while French doors o≠er excellent views of the garden, which was such an important part of the property’s appeal.
These significant structural changes were complemented by a series of smaller adjustments that opened up and simplified the ground and lower-ground floors, making them more practical for family life. “There were a number of odd corridors and small rooms. The new configuration is a much better use of space,” says Claire Collett, of Dry Architects.
A CERTAIN ENGLISHNESS
“When we moved, we wanted to start from scratch, so we didn’t keep anything from our previous apartment,” says Kathreen. “We wanted the decoration to have an English spirit but as we researched English style, we realised that it is many things, and that it can be very traditional and very modern.” In the end, they settled on a lighter, more modern look, as they felt it was more suited to their way of living, and turned to interior design company Helen Green Design to help them bring it to life. “Their design schemes balance the old and the new in a way we like; they’re classic but with new angles.”
The design process was an exciting learning opportunity for Kathreen. “I was impressed by the level of craftsmanship in Britain, and the focus on detail. It could be very subtle, such as the trimming on a cushion, but I’ve learned that that level of attention can make an object very special. Before, I thought a cushion was just a cushion. Now I know otherwise.” Not only has the Hunts’ move to Britain brought them a beautiful new home, it has also provided the opportunity to explore their version of English decoration, which has given them a new outlook on creating the perfect home.
When we moved, we wanted to start from scratch, so we decided not to keep anything from our previous apartment.”
As we researched English style, we realised that it is many things, and that it can be very traditional but also very modern.”