ROOM TO GROW

Carrie and Ed Steer added an extension to their Victorian villa to create a stunning home for their family

This handsome property in Kent was ripe for extending into a perfect family home

Although Carrie and Ed Steer were happy in their coastal home in East Sussex, they had a baby on the way and needed a more spacious property. ‘We loved living by the sea in Hove, but, we really wanted somewhere bigger, with an attractive exterior and a larger garden,’ says Carrie. Also on the couple’s wish list was to be near a decent-sized town and Carrie’s parents, who could help with childcare, so their search took them to Kent.

‘We particularly like the look of Victorian properties from the outside,’ says Carrie. ‘And, internally, they offer high ceilings, bay windows and original features, such as fireplaces and cornices.’

Carrie and Ed were delighted when they found their ideal house, but the purchase hit a major setback. ‘Brexit happened as the sale was going through, and at one stage the bottom of the chain collapsed – we ended up buying a flat at the bottom end to keep the chain alive,’ explains Carrie. ‘It was hard work and very stressful, which wasn’t helped by the fact Clementine was due four days after the move date. In the end, it all worked out and she arrived a lot later than expected.’

Fortunately, the villa was in an excellent state of repair. ‘The previous owners, one of whom was an interior designer, had renovated the property, creating the open-plan kitchen-diner and living area,’ says Carrie. ‘We also liked the colour palette they had used.’ At first, the couple had no plans to develop the property, but changed their minds after six months. ‘We realised that we wanted our bedroom to overlook the garden, instead of the road at the front,’ explains Carrie. ‘I also wanted a large bathroom and a dressing room.’ To facilitate this, the couple built a two-storey extension, with a utility room and pantry on the ground floor.

When it came to the interior, Carrie and Ed used contacts from their previous property, including Katie Knight of Katie Elizabeth Design. ‘Katie helped fine-tune our ideas and turn them into something that worked within our budget,’ says Carrie. ‘We went for calm, cool colours throughout the house to complement the existing schemes that we liked.’

Carrie and Ed’s next project is the garden. ‘We want a great entertaining space outside the open-plan kitchen-diner,’ says Carrie. ‘But in terms of the property as a whole, we absolutely love it,’

KITCHEN Wall lights and ornate shelves provide symmetry and interest in this large open-plan space. Lucia wall lights, £288 each, Hector Finch. Cabinets painted in Down Pipe estate eggshell, £62 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball

CLEMENTINE’S BEDROOM Charming accessories provide a touch of fun. Make a Wish star light, £17, Cult Furniture

EN SUITE Twin basins and a large tub create a luxurious feel. Chalice Minor bath, £1,200, Cuckfield Bathrooms

BATHROOM All this space required was a fresh coat of paint. Walls in Calamine modern emulsion, £46.50 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball

CLEMENTINE’S PLAYROOM The ‘Flamingos’ wallpaper has also been used in her bedroom. Wallpaper, £85 a roll, Cole & Son

LANDING Pops of colour brighten the new extension. Pick-n-mix lights, £375 each, Rothschild & Bickers

FLEUR’S BEDROOM Calming soft greys are ideal for a baby’s room. Cot, £850, Scumble Goosie