Eclectic and Ecclesiastical
This South Hams vicarage has been thoughtfully renovated to show off its beautiful period features, writes Anna Turns
Anna Turns
6 January 2015
Roger and Daphne Sperring have completed a major refurbishment of The Old Vicarage, a Grade II Listed Georgian property built in 1835. When they bought this five-bedroom home a year ago, it was in a tired state with a dated interior decor, so they employed the help of Ashburton’s Woodford Architecture and Interiors to sensitively restore and modernise the property.
Roger and Daphne felt passionately about developing a contemporary interior scheme, which sat well in the historical context of the house while being a backdrop for their eclectic modern art collection. Having lived in India, they wanted to reflect their passion for that country through the textures and patterned fabric of soft furnishings.
Some exceptional period features of the house have been restored, echoing the rectory style in bespoke woodwork. The original staircase, which had previously been boxed in, was uncovered. Its dark treacle varnish was removed to reveal beautiful oak beneath, creating a striking focal point in the double-height entrance hall.
Roger and Daphne requested a new en suite bathroom design be built into the master bedroom – a challenge because of the vaulted ceiling. “We created an imaginative and playful design which allows the proportions of the room to remain and incorporates a confession box – a nod to the church! Luxurious mother-of-pearl tiles reflect the light beautifully and complement the warmth of the oak joinery,” explains Sarah Woodford, the project’s interior designer.
“Each room has been transformed within nine months. Old carpets have been replaced with classic limestone slabs in the entrance hall and grey oak flooring from Rendles in Kingsbridge throughout the living areas, plus new carpets upstairs.” Sarah continues: “We removed the existing frilly chintz pelmets over the bay windows to allow more natural light to flood in, and devised a new lighting scheme to give Roger and Daphne maximum flexibility.” she adds. Sarah redesigned two bathrooms, a large kitchen and dining area, plus other living spaces.
