A WHIMSICAL SPACE THAT ENJOYS BREATHTAKING VIEWS OVER THE STRAIT OF GIBRALTAR
SUNROOM BY VEERE GRENNEY
1. This room is essentially an extension of the drawing room in my house in Tangier. It’s an entry point into the house so could be a hall and, back in New Zealand where I grew up, it might be known as a sunroom. It’s rather an extravagance of a space but I’ve always thought that any beautiful house should have this kind of room.
2. THE HOUSE FACES due north, towards Europe, affording the room wonderful sunlight in the mornings; I often sit here to have coffee to enjoy the views through the French doors, which are often open throughout the summer. They lead out to a marvellous balcony with a decorative iron railing.
3. Inspired by Elsie de Wolfe, who began a vogue for treillage rooms in the early 20th century, I clad the walls and ceiling with intricate trellis work using the skilled local craftsmen. Today, you might see this approach in Florida. The walls all have borders in a different trellis design to add another dimension and interest.
4. IN THE MIDDLE of the room is an original Jansen table, which I bought at Christie’s 20 years ago: it’s extremely heavy with a Belgian blue marble top and iron legs, but the overall look is softened by the fact that they are covered in faux bamboo. When there’s a large lunch party, I remove the indoor plants and transform the space into another dining room as the table seats 10 people.
5. The one thing I’ve added recently is a lovely big Moroccan lantern, which lends the room another atmosphere at night. With the curtains closed, it’s cosy and atmospheric but on a still night, I leave them open and watch the light of the boats on the Strait twinkling on the sea.
Leading decorator Veere Grenney has a reputation for leaving his crisp, tailored and unfailingly elegant decorative imprint on projects across the world. Veere Grenney Associates, 020 7351 7170, veeregrenney.com