Home Style: A Gardener’s World

This modest 19th century gardener’s cottage with far-reaching views was skillfully upgraded, enhancing the connection between inside and outside 

As a garden designer, Judy Painter was intrigued when she was sent property details of a former gardener’s cottage that had come on the market. “It was around eight years ago and both our children had left home, so David and I were on the lookout for a smaller house in the same area, but one with a decent-sized garden.” 

The four-bedroom property was in many ways ideal being only five or six miles from their former home and whilst the cottage and garden had potential, the splendid Victorian greenhouse provided the USP as far as Judy was concerned. “Having a ready-made greenhouse for propagating and growing on plants is every gardener’s dream and this one, built against a brick wall with excellent roof height was irresistible as far as I was concerned.” 

The cottage, dating back to 1890, is situated on a south-facing hillsidewith an outlook that stretches to the South Downs; it originally formed part of a country estate that has long since broken up. “The main house, which is further down the hill has been converted into several apartments, but it’s hidden amongst the trees so we scarcely know it’s there. The garden originally formed part of the kitchen garden of the main house and would have contained several large greenhouses. Ours is the only one still standing which had been used as a vinery, with a hot bed for growing peaches and melons.” 

The property was of modest proportions, but a single storey section to one side, which had been the boiler room and one of the original estate workshops, gave the Painters scope to extend the accommodation. “We drew up plans to convert that area to create a master bedroom and bathroom at the far end, a study for David and a dining room for more formal occasions next to the kitchen.” Other alterations involved knocking down the wall between the kitchen and scullery, opening up the space to make room for a dining table for relaxed family meals. 

“The previous owner liked to cook, but he didn’t want any distractions, so the dining area was separate. David and I like to cook whilst chatting to each other or whoever else is around, so making it all one space was a priority,” Judy explained. 

The layout of the entrance hall, cloakroom and utility room wasalso altered. “Our main aim for that area was to maximise the space and include more storage. The challenge was reconfiguring the areas without destroying the character of the building. It still has the feel of a cottage, but space and light are the dominant features and when the children and grandchildren visit, we don’t all get on top of each other.” 

Apart from converting the workshop, installing French windowsin each of the main rooms was the single most important design decision taken by the couple. Judy said, “In one stroke the cottage was transformed – instantly lighter, brighter and more connected with the garden. When the weather is fine, we have the doors open all day – so that inside and outside become one big space. The terrace runs the length of the building and is remarkably sheltered, so we’re out there from morning till night and although other houses are nearby, we can’t see them and it feels as if we are miles from anywhere; an oasis of peace and quiet.”

While Judy has put a great deal of effort into replanting the garden, she wishes she could devote more time to it. “But designing gardens for other people takes up so much of my time,” explained Judy. “It’ll be at least another couple of years before I’m completely satisfied,” 

After five months of supervising the building work, Judy had firm ideas about how to proceed on the decorating front. “I veer towards the ‘less is more’ approach, so I specified that the walls be painted a linen white,” said Judy. 

Similarly, the original floors were stripped and sanded back, with floorboards in the new section chosen to match. “Keeping to the same neutral backdrop throughout helps to create a sense of continuity – so one space flows seamlessly into another. It also works well as a backdrop for the contemporary paintings that we’ve bought over the years. Our daughter Jo and her husband have the North Coast Asylum gallery in Newquay and many of the paintings are by Cornish artists. Cornwall is like a second home to us and every time we drive back, there’s another painting of the coast in the back of the car.” 

The Painters furnished their new home mixing much-loved pieces that have moved with them over the years, with items bought specifically for the cottage. “We’ve had both of the sofas in the sitting room for years but they’re still going strong! We replaced the original brick fireplace with an antique marble one and bought the gilt mirror to go over it. It was delivered and hung just in time for our first Christmas, which was lovely. But it was the French windows which altered the whole feel of the room; from feeling enclosed and slightly claustrophobic, whereas the focus is now on the view.” 

The kitchen was completely re-fitted and made to Judy’s design by a local company, with the peninsula layout defining the newly enlarged space into kitchen and dining areas. Maximizing work surfaces and the storage space into both sides was an important factor. “My cookbooks are in constant use, so they’re on the bottom shelf with glasses, jugs and bowls above and instead of wall cupboards I opted for open shelves that don’t cut out the light. The Portuguese blue and white tiled wall panels were a legacy from the last owner; we kept them in situ but hung the shelves on top, making them a little less dominant.” 

As with the rest of the house, the new main bedroom and bathroom have an airy look. “Maximizing the view was my over-riding priority,” said Judy. “For privacy reasons, I used shutters on the window facing the drive and put a roller blind in the other window. However, the French windows are curtained with a rosy floral print, picking up on the pinky colours of the cushions and throw.” 

The cottage embraces the seasons and offers a different view and atmosphere throughout the year. Judy smiled and explained, “On a chilly autumn evening, there’s nothing nicer than drawing the curtains and curling up with a good book in front of the fire. But during daylight hours being able to observe the seasonal changes in the landscape from every room is what I love most about living here.” 

Judy Painter Garden Design – 07767 481132 

Photography: Andreas von Einsiedel/Living4media 

Words: Amanda Harling/Living4media