RISING TO THE CHALLENGE
Ruth Stolerman wasn’t about to let a few unexpected obstacles get in the way of achieving her perfect abode
This property was in a poor state of repair, but that didn’t faze the owner, who transformed it into her perfect home
There came a time in Ruth Stolerman’s life where she felt the need to have two things – a house and a rescue dog. ‘My husband Stolly and I were living in a flat in west London, which we loved, but found this lovely railway worker’s cottage about three miles further north, close to where I’d grown up,’ she says. ‘Because these properties are so small, you can get a house for the same price as a flat.’
The house was in a rather forlorn state, so it took a leap of faith and imagination to envisage its potential, but this is where Ruth’s talents came in. After starting her career as an interior designer while living in Hong Kong, Ruth returned to the UK where her business, Ruth Stolerman Design, went from strength to strength. ‘Except now I tend to oversee the whole project, including building work,’ she says.
And building work was certainly required. The place was in such a bad state of repair, structurally, that you could see daylight through gaps in the walls. ‘As well as having no central heating, it was also riddled with wildlife – there were mice
everywhere and about 50 pigeons living in the loft space, and it was also home to a fox,’ says Ruth who nevertheless made a successful offer on the spot before calling Stolly to say, ‘We’ve just bought a house!’
The couple moved into rented accommodation while the house underwent its revamp. ‘Downstairs there were a series of small rooms which we decided to open into a single front-to-back area,’ says Ruth. To further maximise the space, they built out into the side return, incorporating a light well to increase the feeling of openness.
One of the biggest transformations occurred at the top of the house where, with pigeons duly evicted, the loft was transformed into a stunning en-suite main bedroom that is now awash with light. Ruth created an all-important characterful feel by leaving a section of the wall as exposed bricks, onto which she hung a charming gilt mirror that had always been in her family. An antique painted bed tucked under the eaves completes the feeling of magic.
The process wasn’t without its hiccups, however. ‘Shortly after the project began, Stolly and I caught a tropical disease while abroad on our honeymoon and we were very poorly,’ says Ruth. ‘This included me having little or no short-term memory, which proved tricky at times.’ To compound the couple’s frustration, partway through the build they were robbed by a gang who had been targeting build sites locally.
But the indefatigable pair refused to be downcast and as a self-proclaimed ‘obsessive planner’, Ruth ensured everything went to schedule and even under budget. ‘Being an interior designer means I know where to source the best items and at trade prices,’ she says.
Ruth and Stolly couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome of their new home. ‘I’d wanted it to be cosy and inviting, with modern accents,’ she says. ‘I love colour and pattern as well as a sense of fun.’ It was also important to the pair that they incorporated much of the furniture they bought while living in Hong Kong, knowing each piece has a wonderful story and special character. Ruth and Stolly also got the other element on their wish list – their rescue dog Toothless, who’s now become part of the furniture.