Wealden Times | WT214 | December 2019 | Guide to Christmas supplement inside

Above left: A bespoke boot and shoe rack, designed by
Toby clearly demands attention from any passing parent
who has ever yelled ‘boots!’ on a rainy day Above right
and bottom left: An old butcher’s block, which was found
locally, serves as a work station, and doubles as a showcase
for Toby’s much loved collection of Le Creuset casseroles
outbuildings and stables, the building overlooks what
Toby explains was once the cricket pitch and post office.
“It was in a sorry state when we first saw it,” reports Toby.
“Having been a guest house, the interior was divided into
lots of small spaces. Every room seemed to be painted either
custard or mustard, with the exception of the drawing room
which was blood red!” Fortunately, the pair had vision.
“We could see the building had good bone structure.”
For Toby, an architectural and interior designer, tackling
renovation projects is in the blood. “My parents were
forever buying properties, doing them up, then moving
on,” he explains. He remembers being actively involved
in project managing from a young age. “I was often
to be found telling various contractors where this wall
or that socket was going.” This skill set, absorbed by
osmosis, has meant that Toby has a solid understanding of
buildings and a natural ability to transform tired and
perhaps tricksy interiors into desirable living spaces.
75 wealdentimes.co.uk