Wealden Times | WT171 | May 2016 | Restoration & New Build supplement inside

Above and right: The master suite, painted in Little Greene’s French
Grey comprises three rooms that feel wonderfully luxurious; the bedroom,
dressing room and bathroom Right: A volcanic limestone double-ended
bath is large enough to accommodate Victoria and both children
even know it was here until we discovered the architect’s
plans from 1915 that showed oak floors throughout.”
We pause at the sitting room. “When we bought
the house, almost every room was papered and every
ceiling too. It had been beautifully done, but it wasn’t
really our taste. We kept this one as it was though,”
explains Victoria, “It’s covered in green and gold spotted
silk and in the evening, when the fire is lit, and the
silk curtains are also drawn, it creates a wonderfully
cosy atmosphere. In fact, in future, I would always
have a room with a dark ceiling because it gives
such a lovely feeling of warmth and enclosure.”
On either side of the fireplace, the alcoves are papered
with Andrew Martin’s faux books and over the mantel,
Victoria has hung a gilt mirror from a heavy antique
chain that tilts the looking glass in a downward direction
so that it reflects more of the room. It’s a style that
is sometimes used in restaurants to create a greater
feeling of intimacy and here, it has exactly this effect.
The combination of Sanderson silk drapes and
crushed velvet cushions from The Danish Collection in
Sevenoaks creates a sense of luxurious comfort, while black
lacquered tables and an Andrew Martin spotted velvet
chair add to the glamorous, club-like atmosphere.
www.wealdentimes.co.uk
64