Surrey Homes | SH37 | November 2017 | Gift supplement inside

David had a clear idea of what was
needed, which was lucky, as four months
is an incredibly short turnaround time
in which to launch a shop. It was also
the dead of winter and the house had no
central heating. “At one point when we
had a leak in the ceiling and it was in
the minuses I thought ‘what have we
done?’” he says. “So I just put more and
more clothes on – people thought that I’d
really lost weight when the spring came
and the weather warmed up.” He grins
“No, we were on such a tight deadline, I had to get up
and carry on painting, covered in bruises.” The staircase
has become a striking feature in itself, rising just behind
the shop, going up through the centre of the building.
It provides a great backdrop for all their paintings and
photographs, many of their two cats, the handsome
Cyril and more delicate Vera. “Vera sometimes sits in the
window of the shop, but Cyril isn’t allowed, as he’s too
clumsy and knocks things over.” There are other intriguing
mementos and some very effective light boxes made from
magic lantern slides, bought from Robert’s Rummage
shop across the road for £1 each. “I will always have lots
of pictures on the walls,” says David. “Photo albums
are static and not often looked at. When we go up or
downstairs, it’s like opening a diary. You remember where
you were and what you were doing when the picture was
taken or the piece was bought, or who gave it to you.”
The living room was the first room they decorated. The
impressive fireplace was an Ebay find, the surround has
been cleverly wallpapered instead of tiled using paper by
Vintage Bird, the gorgeous fabric and wallpaper shop next
door to Shop House Hastings. This room feels particularly
open and bright, benefitting from the light pouring in
through the big bay window with the wooden shutters. In
a brave move, the laths on the wall opposite the window
are exposed, all the insides and plaster removed. This
pared back, skeleton wall works beautifully, opening
up the whole space, the effect enhanced by the stained
glass window in the door. Almost knocking out the wall
adds another dimension to both the living room and the
staircase and makes the house feel bigger and lighter. The
light and airy rooms appear to be enjoyed by the couple’s
many houseplants too, as they are found in every room
of the house, including the shop. David loves plants.
“When we moved we had to have a separate removal
Left: Nestled below a windowsill of tropical
greenery the roll top bath offers the perfect place
to unwind after a busy day in the shop
97 surrey-homes.co.uk