Wealden Times | WT181 | March 2017 | Fashion supplement inside

Above: The extensive collection of plasterwork
on display in the hallway and landing would have
been designed for fancy French houses
Right: At the top of a small flight of steps on the landing, an
old timber ‘hobbit door’ hints at the house’s long history
of today’s popular illuminated letters is in fact from
an old railway station. “We bought it from another
dealer, so we’re not entirely sure of its origins,”
admits Paul. The louvred cupboards were here when
Paul and Martin moved in, but seemed to suit the
room’s understated style so were left in place.
Winkenhurst Manor really is a wonderful combination of
original, unspoiled features and tasteful modern additions –
all of which have had to comply with the tight restrictions
one associates with a Grade II* property... All except one.
“In the early 1960s, before the house was listed,
someone took all the walls out making three rooms into
one great big, enormous, 36’ by 30’ room,” says Paul.
This area now contains two vast seating areas as well as a
baby grand piano. “I was having lessons,” he continues,
modestly. “We use it when we are having functions
in the house but we usually bring in a pianist.”
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