New Elegance #3

THE PROPERTY

A Georgian house in Newcastle, dating back to 1826. There is a kitchen-diner, snug, laundry room, pantry, wine store and shower room on the ground floor. Upstairs is a living room and library. On the second floor are two bedrooms, a walk-in wardrobe and a bathroom. On the third floor there are two further bedrooms and a shower room. The basement flat is rented out.

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LIBRARY

The library (pictured above) was converted from an upstairs kitchen. Theherringbone flooring was reclaimed from an old school and was taken up piece by piece, relaid in this Georgian home and sanded down. As well as looking good, it also creates a good sound buffer between floors.

Below, Renaissance art is framed by a moody blue backdrop.

LIVING ROOM

While there are subtle visual flourishes – including contemporary lighting designs by the likes of Marcel Wanders, as well as high-street finds that look as 21st century as can be – the decor is kept largely true to the spirit of the place by avoiding overtly pop flourishes and brash colours. The interior is plush, but sedate, and the attention to detail shows how much the property is loved.

Time has been spent sourcing special, but never ostentatious pieces.A cooler shade of grey marks the point of transition from the upstairs living zones to the utility areas down below.

KITCHEN

The cupboards and kitchen island were designed to the owner's specifications.

LAUNDRY ROOM

The dryer hanging from the ceiling looks like it may be an original fixture, but it’s something that had been added by the previous residents. It's been painted to match the room and is useful for drying washing.

STAIRWELL

The sea grass flooring runs throughout the house and up the staircase.

MASTER BEDROOM

The bedroom interiors bring a level of modern luxury to a profoundly historic property. The result is experiential as much as visual.

BATHROOM

The bathroom is painted in Cornforth White by Farrow & Ball – because it’s a great background default, a slightly grey white. Grey, that most Georgian of non-colours, abounds. But it’s chic rather than dour. These lofty spaces can take it.

SHOWER ROOM

Thiscustom-designed bathroom was inspiredby the bathrooms at the Dean Street Townhouse in Soho. The tank is directly above it, creating an intense water pressure.

Photography ⁄ Paul Massey