20
The Old Schoolhouse by
PEEK Architecture + Design
Glow ball pendant lights from Holloway’s
of Ludlow, are suspended from the
timber rafters above, and provide an even
light to fill the tall volume.
In the beautiful village of Watlington,
is situated one of PEEK Architecture +
Design’s recent projects. The existing
structures were an old mortuary housed
in a small cottage style, single storey
building, and a run down, clapboard
barn, which used to be a vets. The client
Susanna Samson, founder and designer
of The Vintage Collection, had owned
both buildings for years. She would
escape from London to stay in the barn
building every weekend, which was one
open space with a sleeping platform, and
she used the space to work and design
in, as well as store her vast collection of
vi ntage prints. She approached PEEK
with the brief that she wanted to join
both buildings into one residence,
creating a three bedroom, two bathroom
property. Strategic planning was to first
get permission for the dormer windows
to the cottage, a vaulted roof to the main
bedroom to the rear, and then finally a
‘link’ structure between the two, housing
the new front door, and creating a
courtyard beyond. It was named The Old
Schoolhouse.
The main living area, which contains the
kitchen, dining and living, was insulated,
and clad with tounge and groove
panelling, painted in ‘Light Blue’ by
Farrow and Ball. The kitchen is a simple
off white shaker design, made by a local
joiner, and the painted floorboards of the
mezzanine enclose it above. The antique
oak farmhouse table and reclaimed old
school chairs, create the main dining
space. The bright green sofa is situated
perfectly under the large front window,
which also acts as a ideal place to display
Sue Samson’s striking cushion designs.
The bright red front door is now inviting
from the street, and is framed by a wire
arch adorned with climbing roses. PEEK
chose a grey green paint color for the
exterior of both buildings, giving the
impression that the two structures are
now one dwelling.
The entrance hall is lined by French
doors to the far side, which lead out to
a small courtyard beyond. On the other
side of the courtyard one can enter the
master bedroom via matching French
doors. To the ground floor of the cottage
type building, is a tv room and lounge.
A Moroccon rug gives the space a cosy
feel, and the shelves are crammed with
curiosities and books.
A new painted timber stair with purple
runner, leads up to the guest bedroom
on the converted first floor. This room
was painted a bright orange, with pink
skirtings and woodwork. The French
doors in the rear dormers, lead onto a
secret roof terrace, nestled between the
tiled roofs. Large scatter cushions create
a comfortable place to read and relax.