WILTSHIRE APPLE HOUSE

Now clad in smart black corrugated steel, this former army hut and apple house has become an extra living space

❝ I BUY VINTAGE PIECES WHEN I SEE THEM AND ALWAYS SEEM TO FIND A PLACE FOR THEM❞

Idyllic, yet slightly run-down, the Georgian house that Clare and Barnaby Faull bought in 2006 has a fascinating history. It was previously owned by a former World War One prisoner of war, while the dilapidated apple house with a stable at the bottom of the garden was originally a World War One army hut first used by Australian soldiers, then by the Home Guard in World War Two, before being used to store apples from the orchard behind it.

Having renovated the main house, Clare turned her attention to the apple house and stable in 2014. With local architect and friend John Comparelli, she planned to demolish them to create a party room for family gatherings. ‘John lectures in conservation architecture and was very sympathetic to the original building,’ says Clare. ‘He designed the new build on the original footprint using similar materials. We collaborated happily, bouncing ideas off each other until I saw a shape I liked.’ What started as a party room soon developed into something more versatile.

Clare project managed the design. ‘The builders thought I was quite mad but I kept saying to myself, it can’t be that hard. It was actually enjoyable compared to my last job nursing in a hospital, when I would sometimes lie awake at night worrying about the patients. I was helped immensely by a wonderful chap, Dave

Swift. He did all the ground work and his mantra was “there are no problems – only solutions”, which kept the vibe positive’.

Reflecting elements of the original apple house structure, Clare and John chose two exterior claddings, black corrugated steel and a larch that was sourced locally. ‘The roof is standing seam steel, which is cheaper than the zinc I really wanted,’ says Clare. ‘Since it can’t really be seen because of the solar photovoltaic panels, it was the perfect solution.’

The original idea of a party room grew into a wonderful home-from-home, complete with two bedrooms and bathrooms, a dressing room, a scullery, utility room and an open-plan kitchendiner/living area in the longest part of the L-shaped building.

Clare and Barnaby now plan to move into this property when they retire, but at present they rent it out through i-escape.com.

Clare has a real eye for putting together interiors. ‘My preferred style is a global mix of repurposed items from local auctions with a bit of high street and Ikea,’ she says. Clare chose neutral walls as a backdrop for her eclectic combination of soft furnishings, furniture and accessories. For example, demi-lune tables on either side of the black-framed French doors in the dining area were heirlooms from Barnaby’s mother, while high-street mirrors were hung above them to create an elegant, balanced focal point.

The kitchen was made by a local carpenter for a fraction of the price a designer version would cost. Clare went for off-white cabinets and teamed them with an island painted in an on-trend deep blue that has a worktop made from a salvaged barn door.

The apple house’s interior continues to evolve. ‘I buy vintage pieces when I see them and always seem to find a place for them, in either this house or the main house,’ says Clare. ‘Knowing when to stop is the real challenge now!’

❝MY PREFERRED STYLE IS A GLOBAL MIX OF REPURPOSED ITEMS FROM LOCAL AUCTIONS, WITH A BIT OF HIGH STREET AND IKEA❞

Clareõs style tip...

CREATE A GENTLE GLOW FOR TABLE TALK WITH LOW-HANGING AND OVERSIZED PENDANT LIGHTS IN NATURAL TEXTURES

Exterior Reflecting its origins as an Army hut and apple store, the reimagined building is clad in smart black corrugated steel

Kitchen Using a salvaged barn door as a worktop on the island gives it a cosy, unique finish. Island in Hague Blue, Farrow & Ball. For a similar splashback, try B&Q. Pendant lights, Amara. For a mix of stools in this style, try Vinterior

Scullery An extra utility area that’s separate from the open-plan kitchen provides plenty of practical hidden storage. Similar salvaged stone sink, Authentic Reclamation. Ranarp pendant lights, Ikea

Dining area Oversized pendant lights emphasise the high ceiling and are deliberately hung low over the dining table to create atmosphere. Pendant lights, Ikea. Dining table, John Lewis & Partners

Hall The property’s interior gets much of its character from the array of secondhand and vintage pieces Clare finds at auction houses. For a similar paint colour, try Squid Ink by Paint & Paper Library

Main bedroom A four-poster bed instantly gives a room a luxurious feel. Clare has layered hers with pretty voiles and Indian shawls to soften the grand frame. For a comparable bed, try Get Laid Beds. Bed linen, Soak & Sleep