Modern interventions bring flair and flexibility to listed townhouse

The lower two floors of this five-storey terraced house were comprehensively remodelled in the latest stage of a phased refurbishment of the property.

The kitchen/dining room was elevated from its former basement location to the brighter daylight and loftier volumes of the upper ground floor, where it serves as both the hub of daily family life and an elegant setting for entertaining guests.

A contemporary galley kitchen now opens onto a more traditionally furnished dining room at the front of the house, and a balcony with garden views to the rear. Careful consideration of proportion and colour allow crisp modern elements to sit comfortably alongside more ornate original details.

The basement now combines a stylish home office, directly opening to the rear garden, with an informal TV room for relaxed family viewing. Elm flooring and an Alpine White stone shelf bring the warmth and texture of natural materials into an otherwise coolly contemporary space.

An adjoining kitchenette and extensive built-in storage provide day-to-day convenience and practicality as well as the flexibilty to use this floor for occasional large-scale entertaining and the potential for its future conversion to semi-independent living accommodation.

Contractor: Martin Akers Carpentry and Construction
AV Specialist: LC/AV
Photographer: Gareth Gardner