After years of hard graft to maintain the picture-perfect Georgian farmhouse near Tenterden in Kent, Joni and husband Julian were left despondent. ‘We were tired of the constant cycle of looking after old properties and were looking for a grand design-style home with open spaces,’ says Johnny.
There was also the issue of schooling for his son, now 13. ‘He was going to secondary, and we needed to find somewhere close,’ adds Jonny.
The couple looked at dozens of homes before spotting a converted Atcoast barn outside the village of Kent. The house was close to his son’s school and had a lot of potential. It also had an annex, which would have been perfect for Johnny’s mother to enter. ‘The place was very exciting,’ says Johnny. ‘One of the first things that hits you is the double-height windows that overlook the view, and one of the charms is that the house is down the track and at the head of the valley.’
small sofa, Duresta. large sofa, Sofas and stuff. rattan plant pot, Homesense.
(Image credit: Future plc / Richard Gadsby)
It had been on the market for a year, and so Johnny and Julian’s offer was taken up. ‘I think the reason it didn’t sell was because the first floor was largely unchanged. It was a humble white box and it was hard for people to see how it could be a family home.’
In August 2023, the property was theirs and they moved in with Johnny’s mother and Luca the dog. Apart from redecorating, the open-plan living space, annexe and ground-floor en suite didn’t need much work.
However, the above was different. When the couple bought the property, the first floor was an unremarkable space, used as an office/gym. ‘We used an architect to draw up the plans and then engaged builders to create two en suites, a store room and a library/snug.
for the same Humility Blaise Movie posters, try eBay. Sideboard, vintage to cure. lamp, TK Maxx. A fish vase made by Johnny’s father in the 1950s.
(Image credit: Future plc / Richard Gadsby)
We also added a mezzanine landing to create two new doors to the bedroom,’ says Jonny. The couple wanted to maximize the views from the master bedroom. ‘My goal was to sit in bed and look out the metal-framed glass doors and picture windows down the valley,’ says Johnny.
(Image credit: Future plc / Richard Gadsby)
Both Johnny and Julian work in the creative industries. Johnny is a fine-art consultant and interior designer (Interiors curated by Joeat interiorscuratedbyjo@gmail.com) And Julian is a TV director. Being together for 34 years, they have amassed an eclectic mix Furniture and art. ‘I had to put all those bits together – from Georgian country-house style to mid-century modern,’ says Johnny. ‘The interior style is usually drawn by me and, luckily, Julian trusts me.’ Art-wise, the property has pieces ranging from 17th-century Dutch oil paintings to modern pieces by local artists.
For similar Pembroke dining tables and Adams Calyx tableware, try Ebay.
(Image credit: Future plc / Richard Gadsby)
The family are happy with the end result and love spending time in the open plan downstairs. ‘I enjoy how the white walls take on interesting colors during the day and how the lights cast by the lamps create abstract shapes in the evening,’ says Johnny. ‘It has the feel of a medieval great hall, even though it’s modern.’
kitchen
framed prints, Ebay. For a similar pendant light, try Industville.
(Image credit: Future plc / Richard Gadsby)
The cabinetry was installed by the previous owners and features a dramatic dark-blue island. Exposed brickwork adds warmth and character.
‘The rounded part of the island adds another layer of interest and is also great as a bar area for parties’
Bedroom
Lamp, upcycled from a 1940s standard lamp. throw, before. Vintage kilim cushions, eBay. Late 18th century oil painting, artist unknown.
(Image credit: Future plc / Richard Gadsby)
This triple aspect room offers a view of the entire valley. Persian rug, Selfridges. Headboard, reupholstered in green muslin fabric by Johnny.
the bathroom
For the same bath, try Sanctuary bathroom. tiles, Mandarin Stone. vanity unit, Tikamoon. wall light, Corston.
(Image credit: Future plc / Richard Gadsby)
A striking free-standing tub is a special feature here.
Children’s bedroom
For the same bed, try John Lewis.
(Image credit: Future plc / Richard Gadsby)
Bold colors and graphic patterns add a touch of fun.
Shop the look
ZARTAR
Hand woven kilim cushion covers
Dunelm
Pax Counter Height Bar Stool, Rattan
Dunelm
Apartment Round Frame Wall Mirror
This article originally appeared in 25 Beautiful Homes magazine.
