Converted 17thC Tavern in West Sussex

Photography by Debbie Patterson

Published in The World of Interiors- November 2004

Brief

To ‘undress’ this historic building to reveal its original character, texture and colours.To retain its charm, atmosphere and proportions and to indulge in its raw untouched quality.

The Client

The clients are passionate collectors, perfectionists and care about the details of decoration and furnishings.

The House

All areas of architectural woodwork and plaster were scraped back , inch by inch, to uncover long hidden historic colours. Door handles, light fittings, radiators, sanitary ware and even the Aga are vintage pieces, sourced and assembled together to give the impression of a home that had grown through the discovery of electricity and development of plumbing and central heating.

The Project

Wiring and plumbing was installed mainly on the surface and very visibly. All in old fashioned flex and copper piping. Each item of furniture, object, utensil and tool was selected for its character and texture. Whilst this was not a historic restoration project to turn the building back to its original state, it was certainly unique to create a home that reflected the evolution of rural interior decoration and modernisation over 300 years by building a collection of fine and ephemeral pieces to live with and compliment the evident age and patination to the fabric of the building.