TWICE AS NICE

With great vision and patience, Euan Maclennan and Deian Rhys have expanded their apartment from one level to two, doubling its space and style

When you know, right to your very core, that you’ve found the home you want to buy, you pull out all the stops to see it through. No one understands this commitment to a property better than Euan Maclennan and his husband Deian Rhys, who decided that this penthouse apartment in southwest London with amazing views, had to be theirs.

At the time, the flat looked nothing like it does now. In fact, half of it didn’t even exist. But the couple were adamant that it would be theirs. ‘Well, I did need a little bit of convincing,’ admits Euan, who is herbal and sustainability director at Pukka Herbs, ‘as I was desperate to live somewhere with outside space. Back then, this flat was just a single floor. But Deian is pretty visionary and he could see the property’s full potential.’

The secret to unlocking this potential lay in a dusty attic space, which was jammed with water tanks for the entire five-storey house. Although an attic might not seem like a great buy, this one offered the possibility to add an extra level to the flat. So Euan and Deian approached all the other residents in the building, asking if they could buy the attic and design an alternative hub for the water tanks.

In theory, it was an exciting proposition, but the reality wasn’t quite as straightforward. The couple lived in the flat for five years, while continually pushing for permission to extend. They barely touched a paintbrush, knowing that if the plans went through they would want to radically makeover the property. It really was an exercise in patience and perseverance.

Then in 2013, a few months before the planning permission was about to expire, the residents finally signed on the dotted line. ‘From that point it was full steam ahead,’ says Deian. ‘We interviewed three architects and David Money

KITCHEN-DINER Bespoke sunshine-yellow units paired with marble worksurfaces bring a retro look to this space. The 1960s chairs also add a touch of mid-century style. For a similar marble splashback and worktop, try Marble & Granite. Foscarini Aplomb pendant lights, £238 each, Lights.co.uk. Try the oak aged parquet oiled flooring, £66sq m, The Natural Wood Floor Co

COURTYARD Doors on all sides of the upper level open onto this central patio, which acts as a private suntrap high above the London skyline. Jumbo planters in White, £307.99 each, Primrose.co.uk, are similar. Habitat’s Tam Tam stools, £18 each, have this look

SITTING ROOM The mirrored wall panel enhances the open-plan feel of the space and makes a contemporary contrast to the period fireplace. Furnishings, such as a vintage Heal’s cabinet, provide a mid-century look, while the high ceilings and beautiful parquet flooring are reminiscent of a chic Parisian apartment. Rough Old Glass sells mirrored glass. The Profile sofa in Nuit Blue, from £4,640, Roche Bobois, is a good alternative. For a similar vintage turquoise sofa, try Two Columbia Road. Opplyst coffee tables, £1,495 a pair, Oka. Try Hayloft Mid Century Design for a vintage cabinet. Find travel posters like these, from £12.50 each, at Travelpostersonline.com