Enjoy an ambitious New England-style transformation of a range in the Surrey Hills. 

The dream of living during a single dwelling with a view cause the renovation of an uninspiring 1920s house.

No strangers to the renovation game, JP and his husband John had completed seven property projects before embarking on their eighth – an uninspiring single dwelling within the Surrey Hills.

‘We got together 22 years ago and had an idea from day one to finish up during a single dwelling somewhere pretty with a view,’ says JP. He refers to the existing 1920s property as ‘the house that no-one wanted to buy.’

But despite the four small bedrooms, lack of sunshine, and sloping hillside garden, the couple saw potential. ‘The only reason we bought it had been due to the view. The house would need to be changed completely into something bigger and far more beautiful.’

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Before starting on the house, the tremendous job of landscaping had to be completed. ‘We knew that when the house has extended, there wouldn’t be enough room to urge the diggers in to require a large amount of soil away,’ says JP.

Overshadowing the house, the wild, sloping garden made the rooms dark. ‘It hadn’t been tamed in years. There have been 40ft high leylandii and other trees. you’ll barely see the sky,’ recalls JP. But with grit and determination, the couple transformed the garden in around five weeks.

‘All the plants were ripped out and that we started from scratch. We created new terraces, supported the paddy fields of Bali.’

 Exterior

A passionate fan of the weatherboard architecture in New England, JP had dreamed of recreating the design during a home of his own. Unfortunately, the council had other ideas, and therefore the planning process was long and painstaking. Finally, the project was given the green light after one minor amendment.

With the assistance of architects, JP and John planned their new house, incorporating all the teachings that they had learned over the years. It wasn’t just a case of extending. Every wall was moved, and every window resized and relocated. We also built the veranda and steps,’ JP says.

‘John is amazing at house layouts. He’s ready to visualize and gain space you never knew you had. He’s also the plumber, electrician, and carpenter – we make an excellent team.’

With entertaining a top priority for the pair, they wanted visitors to desire they were on holiday. the massive decking area at the highest of the garden was repainted, and it’s where they spend much of the time in summer, even late into the night. ‘It faces northwest and gets the foremost incredible sunsets,’ JP says.

 Kitchen

The kitchen, with its 3.4m bi-fold doors, is another focus for entertaining. The peninsula has attached to the wall at one end, discouraging guests from straying into the chef’s space.

Also, an ingenious tactic for smooth service during meals was to make a separate utility prep area with a dishwasher. Where dirty plates have often left in between courses, out of sight behind a partial wall. ‘It also makes the right bar,’ adds JP.

 Dining room

A cedar-clad feature wall injects a replacement England feel.

 Living room

Warm, woody tones have tied alongside the grey of the sofas and wood paneling during a formal and elegantly symmetrical scheme.

Warm wood, hide, and leather tones give the space a classy coziness.

 Balcony

Continuing the outdoor-indoor theme, the most bedroom features a spacious, semi-enclosed balcony, used year-round. ‘We were nearly refused planning on the balcony and had to feature the enclosing walls. Which has figured out brilliantly, as we’ve always sheltered from the weather,’ says JP.

 Master bedroom

A pair of intricate angel wings provide extra texture against the shiplap wall planks.

 Bedroom

A visit to Santorini inspired the blue and white palette.

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 Bedroom

Uncluttered furnishings make the most straightforward use of this attic space.