ORIENTAL FLAVOUR
It did not take long for Jacqui Spcke to be persuaded that a period townhouse in Cheltenham would make an ideal family home. As soon as she walked through the grand front door and took in the propertys high ceilings and generous proportions she recognised the place was perfect. Ive always loved listed buildings. Jacqui says, and after 10 years living abroad, my husband Jeff and I were keen to find a traditional house back in England.
When the couple came for their first viewing, the Georgian building had been used as a B& В and was divided up into a warren of separate spaces. Despite this, (acqui could see beyond the muddle of stud walls, internal windows, exposed pipework and loose wires. The house had been carved up into ю bedrooms and nine bathrooms, each carpeted in a different pattern, she recalls. But the original 19th - century architecture still shone through and I knew this was a project wed relish.
PATIENCE PAID OFF
Once they had made the place theirs. Jacqui. Jeff and their children Venetia. Francesca and William lived in the house for a year without making any significant changes. Looking back, Jacqui believes this time was well spent. Wc changed our plans during this period as we noted how the sunlight moved through the property during the day, and the seasons, she says. I initially thought the best place for the kitchen would be in the basement but soon realised that it was more suited to the ground floor. At this level, you can casually watch the world go by while youre cooking which is halt the run of living in the middle of town. I laving settled on the kitchens location. Jacqui plumped fora traditional design. I needed to find the right palette and classic lines to go with the style of the house," she says. Conservation was another prime concern The propertys cornices, sash windows and fireplaces were all restored, although all of the original shutters were in working condition. We also found a great designer who was invaluable in helping us choose the right options. explains Jacqui. Wed brought a lot of furniture and artworks back from Singapore, which needed a suitable backdrop. We were able to use computer - generated software to show us exactly what to place where. As we considered every room on the laptop. says Jacqui. I was saved from making several wrong decisions."
EASTERN DELIGHT Jacqui also spenr a lot of time poring over colour swatches. 1 think choosing the right palette is so important and often underestimated." she says. In contrast to the kitchen, which has a soft, relaxing scheme, I wanted warm tones for the rest of the house. For example, in the drawing room, the rich reds and golds used for the soft furnishings create a glow that reflects perfectly onto pale wall surfaces."
Despite being happily ensconced in their English townhouse. Jacqui and Jeff are keen to preserve the memory of their travels by using a selection of sumptuous Eastern fabrics and textiles. "Silk comes alive in sunshine." says Jacqui. It has a real depth and exudes a feeling of luxury. 1 n fact, we like to think that sums up the atmosphere in our house as a whole it feels unique and eclectic, and. above all. a comfortable family home.
Related news items:
Newer news items:
Older news items:
|
The interior