A once-neglected Georgian cottage now resembles something out of a fairy tale, thanks to the vision and determination of its owners, Sarah and Andy Farr
FEATURE AMY MAYNARD PHOTOGRAPHS RICHARD GADSBY
It takes a huge amount of vision and a sprinkling of good faith to take on a ramshackle Georgian property that has been left untouched for decades. But luckily Sarah and Andy Farr have both in spades. In 2016, the couple were living in a small village in Hampshire when they decided they wanted a new project. They were keen to be nearer Sarah’s parents, further along the south coast. After hours scrolling online and viewing 10 houses in person, they saw a rundown Grade II-listed Georgian cottage in Kent, not far from the East Sussex border. ‘Andy had a long list of requirements, which included minimal street lamps outside,’ says Sarah. ‘We loved the untouched nature of the house. It hadn’t had any work done since the 1960s and it felt very much like a blank canvas.’
The couple undertook an extensive amount of work after moving in – a feat made even more impressive by the fact that the couple, who have two young children, Ralph (four) and George (two), were juggling parenthood with the chaos of living on a building site. ‘For some reason, we thought it was a good idea to rip out the old kitchen when Ralph was about three months old,’ says Sarah. ‘I would dread the health visitor coming because, for a period of time, we just had an earth floor in the kitchen. Andy built a bridge across using a ladder and some planks – not ideal when you’re carrying a newborn and need to sterilise bottles!’
There were some moments of hilarity during the renovation, too, such as the time Andy got a nasty surprise during some of his hands-on work. ‘He was removing plasterboard from an old bathroom and a mummified mouse fell onto his face,’ says Sarah. Andy has done most of the hard work himself and it would seem that Ralph is a chip off the old block. ‘He has grown up with building work happening around him and he loves getting involved where he can,’ says Sarah. ‘He helped Andy dig out trenches for new drains by the back of the house.’
Since completing the renovation, Sarah has been in her element, decorating and furnishing the interior. Restful, cool blues and pops of green – provided by vintage glass – provide a cohesive palette against warm white walls, with layers of delicately patterned textiles adding warmth. Quirky vintage posters, handsome unpainted antique furniture and displays of gl
