‘WE’RE A TEAM’
The Henrys loved life during lockdown
Alison Henry, mother of four and interior designer, central London (alisonhenry.com):
I’ve always liked the idea of multigenerational living and for the past two years I’ve been busy creating the perfect home for my extended family.
My parents live in New Zealand, so when they come to stay it’s always for a long stint, and I want my four daughters, aged from 11 to 20, to live at home for as long as they want. Being a widow, I’ve brought them up to know that we’re a team and we support each other in good times and bad – but with so many of us, we require a home that suits both the older and younger generations. I didn’t want anyone feeling shut off for the rest of the family but everyone needs their own space.
In the new house, everyone has their own bedroom and bathroom, and there’s a kitchenette and a dance studio. With its island and long dining table, the kitchen is the main hub of the house, and there’s also a reception room with a piano. The audiovisuals were also a priority; when my mother is staying, she needs to be able to work the television and the lights and connect to the
internet herself without calling for help.
Lockdown put the house to the test; we were all here plus the dogs and a rabbit and it turned out to be a very special time – even when three of us have been on Zoom calls and the others practising ballet or drums or doing an online HIIT workout. I didn’t have to ask anyone to unload the dishwasher or put the washing in the dryer, and we took it in turns to cook – my kids are all enthusiastic cooks, although they might not always be the best at cleaning up. There were times when I needed extra support; I Skyped my father in New Zealand to ask how to work the barbecue, but the experience proved to me how amazing it is to have a family base where we can spend time together.
I’d like to think this is my forever home but then I said that about the last family home we lived in. Right now, there’s no need for us to go anywhere – until the girls decide they want to fly the nest.
‘The experience proved to me how amazing it is to have a base’