lateral thinking

Philippa Mcknight and David Hoyes found a clever way to unite their private and working lives in their vibrant Cornish home

A sense of logic dictated how one couple in Cornwall created their multifunctional interior

When a flair for colour and impeccable taste in vintage furniture combine in a home, the result is always impressive. And Philippa Mcknight and David Hoyes’ house is all the more remarkable given that this chic space in Penzance was once a disused garage with no redeeming qualities other than its proximity to a beautiful Victorian terrace.

It was in 2010 when, after working as solicitors in London for 20 years, the couple decided to give up their jobs and move to Cornwall, in search of a less frenetic lifestyle and a more rural setting to raise their children, Isobel, now 13, and James, 11. They were viewing properties in which to open a bed and breakfast and nearly missed this period house – despite its central location, large garden and gorgeous original features – because it didn’t seem big enough. ‘Then the agent showed us the enormous garage, which was apparently once used to store racing cars, and we had a light-bulb moment,’ says Philippa. ‘David and I realised that we could convert the garage into our home and use the main house nearby for guests.’

First, the couple carefully restored the Victorian villa, adding en-suites to each of its five bedrooms, but otherwise ensuring that it remained, essentially, a large family home. Then, with advice from a local architect, they developed the garage, transforming it into a two-storey annexe with a light-filled sitting room and three

bedrooms. ‘It was a case of virtually taking it down to the ground and rebuilding it,’ says David. ‘The foundations had to withstand having another storey built on top and we also put in central heating, new windows and a bathroom. We did it in two stages, a couple of years apart, to avoid disruption to our neighbours, and each stage took about three months to complete.’

Now floor-to-ceiling glass doors open on to decking and a glorious subtropical garden, which David – a keen gardener

– designed to be viewed from inside, and has planted with tree ferns, hostas, grasses, Japanese anemones and foxgloves.

The couple use the L-shaped kitchendiner in the main house for preparing their own meals, as well as cooking for guests. When the bed and breakfast is closed, they also use its elegant drawing room for entertaining, while friends and family occasionally stay in the guest bedrooms.

‘The annexe is our home, but the adjacent villa’s kitchen-diner is very much part of it,’ says Philippa. ‘It’s actually rather nice walking through the garden to it, and it only takes a few seconds. We love to use the rooms in the main house – some of the furniture came from our London home and we chose the rest with great care.’

With high ceilings, beautiful sash windows and ornate original fireplaces, the period property perfectly complements the selection of dramatic Farrow & Ball paint shades that Philippa and David have chosen for it, counterpointed by an interesting range of antique and modern designer pieces. In their own living space, the pair have stuck to white walls, which provide a gallery-like backdrop to a fabulous collection of 20th-century ceramics and glassware, including colourful mid-century Scandinavian vases and contemporary Cornish artworks. ‘ We love collecting art from this area and we follow a few artists who we like,’ says David.

In the annexe sitting room and main bedroom, vibrant colours pop out against the pale walls and dark floor. The eclectic theme continues, with furnishings the couple have picked up over the years,

including an antique Chinese desk and chair, a Turkish rug and a vintage sideboard.

While the main house is grand and spacious, the annexe is compact and Philippa and David are delighted with how it has turned out. ‘I always thought that I wanted a big house,’ says Philippa, ‘ but when we lived in London, we hardly ever used some of the rooms and we had so many pieces. Now our home is uncluttered and efficient, and has forced us to focus on having just those few items of furniture and artwork that we really love and can’t live without.’

guest sitting ROOM Modern furniture contrasts with period features for an individual look. Mistral four-seater sofas, from £2,099 each, heal’s. Matthew hilton Flipper coffee table, £895, SCP. Bruno rainaldi Ptolomeo bookcase, £1,150, the Conran Shop

family sitting ROOM the dark floor sets off the jewel-like colours of the antique and vintage furnishings. Floor painted in railings modern eggshell, £67 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball. Black and white jungle- print cushions, £24 each, rockett St George

family sitting ROOM Bright furnishings pop against the pale walls. hendricks sofa, £1,700, habitat. Find an eduardo Chillida print, from £39.99 unframed, at Art.co.uk

guest DINING Area A palette of greys, off-whites and natural wood gives this space a timeless feel. Lisboa side chairs in white, £57 each, Contract Furniture Store. For a similar glass pendant light, try the u glass pendant, £55, graham and green

guest KITCHEN- diner simple white shaker-style units provide a touch of rustic charm. bespoke kitchen, price on request, george robinson. Nero riven slate floor tiles, £18sq m, Mandarin Stone

guest BEDROOM the quirky wooden pendant and teal and orange accents lift this neutral scheme. orange/grey Ikat cushion cover, £52.84, Pillowme. Daisy lampshade in cherry veneer, £110, blink. hector dome wall lights, from £115 each, original btc

guest BATHROOM deep-blue walls add drama and make the white sanitaryware stand out. walls painted in Stiffkey blue estate emulsion, £ 45 for 2.5L, Farrow & ball. Metal star, £39, rockett St george

MAIN BEDROOM this fresh, clutter-free space makes a calm retreat. Angled desk lamp, £65, the Forest & Co. the yellow velvet cushion, £19.50, Marks & Spencer, is similar