Wealden Times | WT187 | September 2017 | Education supplement inside

Above: The landing. Scarves are tied onto the bannisters,
introducing pops of colour to an otherwise neutrally
painted space Below: The lofty master bedroom
features a balcony which looks out onto the river
of use,” says Anna. “You can empty the dishwasher
in about one third of the normal time because the
drawers for all the plates are right next to it.”
Feature wood, as used to such effect here – and
in the brilliant storage from old apple crates in the
laundry – is a theme throughout the property.
“The layout of the house is the same as when we
bought it, but it’s re-purposed, recommissioned and
reinvented,” says John. “It’s made it hygge, cosy – our
previous house was more sleek. We use all the rooms here,
whereas in that house we had rooms we didn’t go in.”
Wood cladding is also used to great effect in the main room
of the guest cabin and in another ground floor bedroom.
John admits he gets a bit obsessed with the detail of it.
“I’m mad for cladding," he says, laughing. “The boards
are cheap, but the cost comes in with how you do it. The
nails are all beautifully crafted and carefully positioned, it’s
all in the detail. Once it’s all up the steel nail heads gleam,
which takes it all on to a higher plane. I get obsessed.
The floor nails are hand made by a blacksmith…”
Detail is clearly important to him. All the cupboards
and drawers in the main house – kitchen and
bedroom – have the same sleek steel handles.
“They’re original 1980s Philippe Starck,” he says.
“I take them with me from house to house.”
He pauses, then adds: “I changed
every light switch here too…”
But while John may be a stickler for small details,
83 wealdentimes.co.uk