Welcome to my home
THE PROPERTY
An extended fivebedroom, detached villa (@theoakhousee), built in 1871, within half an acre in East Malling, Kent.
THE VALUE
Bought in 2017 for £525,000, now worth around £1.4 million.
Sophia and Nic Fanciulli decided to leave city living behind to take on a renovation project in the Kent countryside in 2017. ‘We were keen to find a home with land that we could extend and build on,’ says Sophia. The search focused around East Malling, an easy commute to London. ‘We saw this Victorian three-bedroom detached house with land and knew it was perfect.’ After a hasty viewing and an offer that went to sealed bids, it was theirs.
‘Nic and I had fallen in love with the architecture at Soho Farmhouse in Oxfordshire, particularly the Boathouse, which is designed to look like three barns joined together, and we wanted something similar,’ says Sophia. ‘Greig Hills, from Space Invaders Loft Conversions, helped us create the designs and they were drawn up by a local architect, keeping the original character and layout and adding a large, barn-style structure to the back. The initial plans were rejected by the planning department, and we went back and forth until approval was finally given for two double-height extensions with pitched roofs, either side of a central courtyard. It ended up being our favourite design, with open-plan living on one side and a main bedroom suite on the other, all opening out onto the garden.’ With the house needing refurbishment as well as the extension, the family stayed in London and managed the project from there.
In March 2020, with the extensive work on the house almost complete, the country went into the first lockdown. ‘It was a stressful time,’ says Sophia, ‘but on the upside Nic, who usually travels so much with work, was at home to help with all the final decisions. It was a struggle to get materials and labour to the property, but we moved in at the end of April regardless, and worked tirelessly to get the house finished before Luna was born in July. We simply love the place and I am so proud of what we have achieved here.’
“We designed the house knowing what would work for our family. Our vision has become reality” a perfect
Kitchen
The exposed ceiling, Shakerstyle units and ceramic sink have a modern rustic feel. Dark walls and woodwork provide an elegant contrast to white quartz worktops and brass fittings.
BUY THE KEY PIECES
Walls painted in Railings estate emulsion, £49.50 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Shaws Ribchester ceramic double-bowl fluted apron-front sink, £649, Tap Warehouse
Kitchen
The ceiling joists were exposed after the plasterboard was removed and the couple knew instantly they wanted them left that way. ‘It’s a feature that catches your eye the minute you walk into the room.’
BUY THE KEY PIECES
Vintage-style glass pendant ceiling lights, £23.99 each, Amazon. Large woven hanging planter, £72, House Doctor. Cabinetry painted in Railings estate eggshell, £62 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball
Living area
A high shelf made from the same reclaimed timber as the ceiling runs the length of the living area, adding character and a focal point to the space. It is ideal for displaying plants and treasured items.
BUY THE KEY PIECES
Try the gold mirrored drinks trolley, £199.95, Melody Maison, for a similar look. Find a similar hanging ceramic planter, £13.50, at notonthehighstreet.com
“We loved the high-pitched ceiling of the barn at Soho Farmhouse, and decided to bring that sense of scale into our own home”
Living area
Old scaffolding boards clad the walls and pitched ceiling, showcasing Sophia’s love of raw and natural materials.
BUY THE KEY PIECES
1950s chandelier, £795, Jack Darcy. Parquet flooring, £46sq m, Flooring Supplies. Bermuda chair, £285, The Rattan Company. Rattan dining chair, £240, Six the Residence. Plant stand, £119, H&M Home
Dining area
The dining area ceiling mirrors the whitewashed timber cladding and joists of the ceiling in the kitchen, linking the two areas together.
BUY THE KEY PIECES
Tradition heirloom chairs, £108 each, Maisons du Monde. Bespoke Farmhouse dining table and bench, £955, Elderflower Lane. Large woven jute rug, £179, Dunelm. Stockholm mirror, £45, Ikea
“We designed the key living areas around a central courtyard, inspired by all the hidden squares and outside terraces of Paris – my favourite European city”
Playroom
‘A separate playroom was a must to keep toys away from our other living spaces,’ says Sophia. ‘With a large, comfy sofa, it also provides a lovely family area, where we can relax with the children.’
BUY THE KEY PIECES
The Scott three-seater sofa in Blush Pink, £1,099, Made, is a similar style and colour. Poppy Field rug, £95, French Connection. Panelling painted in Inchyra Blue estate eggshell, £67 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball
Leo’s room
The large window seat and skylight fill Leo’s room with soft light and the gentle colour scheme gives a sense of calm.
BUY THE KEY PIECES
Walls painted in Borrowed Light estate emulsion, £49.50 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Greenaway bookcase, £90, Great Little Trading Co, is similar. Try Scandibørn for a similar teepee, from £94.95