Mediterranean Vibes

KITCHEN Wooden accessories such as the stools and butchers block, work together to give an organic and natural Mediterranean vibe

Georgina and Mark Znowski have remodelled a dated property into a beautiful family home full of timeless style

PROOF DATE/TIME: 14 September 2020 12:24 pm OUR FILENAME: Oct 20 Mid Sussex Kitchens 1-2

As well as the peaceful sitting room with its glorious garden views, the dining room, kitchen and terrace is great for entertaining

hen Georgina, her husband Mark and their children, William, Lottie and Henry entered the very dated property in East Grinstead, there was not the instant attraction that most people talk about. “We had been living in London and East Sussex and had the best of both worlds, but when we viewed the property initially we hated it because it was so out of date,” said Georgina. “Then, when we walked into the sitting room, what hit me was the lovely green expanse through the windows at the back of the house,” she added. Although it was impossible to see the view at the time, Georgina saw the potential and decided to

LOCATION: East Grinstead, West Sussex

THE OWNERS: Georgina and Mark Znowski who live with their three children, William, Lottie, and Henry

THE PROPERTY: Built in 1900s with main body from 1950s

ROOMS Sitting room, reception room, kitchen, dining room, five bedrooms and three bathrooms

TERRACE The stunning terrace overlooks the garden and surrounding countryside which is the perfect backdrop for parties and entertaining

SITTING ROOM The sitting room is light and airy with window seat views across the stunning garden

We get inspired by magazines, browsing around antique shops and scouring flea markets and car boot sales

put in bi-fold doors both downstairs and upstairs to take advantage of the views.

“We changed all the windows and did a lot of re-modelling because it just didn’t flow. It really was a mish-mash of different plastic windows and then there was William Morris wallpaper everywhere which just wasn’t our style. We really wanted a calm and relaxing space that would be continuous in its theme in every room of the house, we wanted it to be neutral in muted shades of whites and taupes.”

Previously the couple were living in London and also owned a place in East Sussex. “But we had always liked this area and the location seemed ideal as it was close to schools and to East Grinstead station. It was an important factor to bring the children up in a more rural environment, and with the sea and countryside on the doorstep it appeared perfect. It was also an easy commute for Mark who worked in London, so it all seemed very manageable.” Georgina explained.

Structurally the house was sound. “We just had to move walls around

to give it a better flow, then we installed the new staircase and new flooring.” However, the garden was the biggest job Georgina recalled. “We completely re-landscaped the garden as we couldn’t see the amazing outlook that we can see now. Then we opened up the terrace to make the most of the view. It had been so obscured it was unbelievable, and suddenly we had given it an Ibizan feel, which we both love.” The limestone flooring in the kitchen was carried out onto the terrace to make it continuous, “It’s a great party and entertaining house – we have enjoyed so many celebrations here,” said Georgina.

On entering the house, the hallway is impressive, with a lovely wide staircase and original wood flooring. Period features abound - high ceilings, handsome fireplaces and intricate cornicing, while the large windows look out everywhere to the beautiful settings beyond.

If you are re-modelling a property sympathetically make sure you know exactly where your main living spaces and views should be - always be clear on what your vision is

They created a tasteful scheme using cool heritage paint colours, luxurious textures and contrasting furniture to give a sense of light and shade

DINING ROOM The open plan kitchen/dining area all link together with the terrace – making the house perfect for entertaining

“I love looking out onto the view from the window seat, it is a perfect quiet space to wind down with a book. It was already here along with some Grecian columns, but we removed them, and just gave the seat a bit of a facelift,” Georgina laughed.

Through into the sitting room there is the magnificent original working fireplace and of course the glorious views out onto the gardens. Georgina and Mark knew exactly the look they wanted to achieve.

“We wanted to create a comfortable and elegant interior that was sympathetic to our style and practical needs. We love a neutral backdrop and we already had several antique pieces, family treasures and paintings that would fit in perfectly. And we would like to add more if we can,” said Georgina about her penchant for buying antique pieces of furniture, particularly chairs!

This in mind, they created a tasteful scheme using cool heritage paint colours, luxurious textures and contrasting furniture to give a sense of light and shade. Contemporary yet classic elements were introduced to mix old and new such as the sofa and designer ‘surfboard’ coffee table.

BATHROOM The fresh and stylish bathroom is testament to the couple’s style and has a freestanding bathtub and large walk in shower

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HENRY’S BEDROOM Bunk beds make sleepovers fun and maximise the floor space for playing with friends MAIN BEDROOM Georgina opted for a French boudoir style bedroom with inviting daybeds and elegant recliners in natural linen fabrics

On the ground floor the free standing rustic kitchen opens up beautifully to the terrace and open plan dining area. It has further access to a utility room with streamlined units and appliances which maximise the space. “Having the three areas in close proximity, is practical and perfect for entertaining,” said Georgina.

Beyond the flight of stairs is the fresh family bathroom with a stunning freestanding bath, while in the main bedroom on the top floor Georgina has opted for a French boudoir look with inspired daybeds, linens and attractive painted furniture.

Georgina and Mark have successfully created a beautiful family home – elegant and full of character and charm. With stunning architecture, beautiful views for miles, the house has it all. “We’ve never regretted moving here, it’s a wonderful place to live,” smiled Georgina. l

Text by: Clare Wallace Photography: GAP Interiors/Fiona Walker-Arnott