area was designed to include a large, street-facing window that allowed for an abundance of natural light, providing
a cheerful workplace. Walls were replastered, boards were removed to reveal Victorian doors with original molding,
the bathroom was remodelled, and the floorboards sanded and painted – a white wash downstairs and dark paint up.
It was important for the couple, too, to retain other original features. While they stripped the interior back to its bare
bones, they reinstalled the Victorian marble fireplace, echoing the property’s era. They also ditched part of the staircase,
but restored the handrail. “The staircase had suffered many years of neglect and the mahogany-wood carved handrail
was blackened with use,” Sara explains. While they found a vintage cast-iron railing at an antique fair – also in keeping
with the period of the house – they fixed the handrail, using fine-grade steel wool, turps and beeswax.
Given her predilection for the art of subtlety, stripped-back style, lashings of neutral colours infused with quirky details
and the earthy charms of salvaged materials, Sara has created a cosy, rustic haven filled with classic touches. She
describes her decorating style as “an eclectic mix of minimal Scandinavian functionality juxtaposed with English
eccentricities and Victorian pieces”. Her style could have been partly due to her nomadic childhood – she was born in
Spain to a British mother and Swedish father and lived all over the world, including Sweden, Malaysia and Switzerland.
Along with Andrew, she has created a beautiful, characterful retreat, which will continue to change and evolve. R@reallivingmag