Devonshire House
Balham, London
Devonshire House is an Edwardian mansion house in Balham, SW London, originally split into 8 separate flats. The building was in need of maintenance and a new roof, which posed the opportunity to create two new flats within a new floor in place of the roof. Architect AnnaLisa Spencer was the brain child behind the idea, which not only presented a development opportunity for the investors, but benefitted all the residents via a full refurbishment of the common and exterior areas, and half of the residents flats were generously extended in order to create a symmetrical footprint for the new floor.
Pascoe Interiors was commissioned to refurbish one of the original flats, benefitting from the extension and to design and furnish the interior of one of the new properties; and also advised on the schemes and materials for the common parts.
Both new flats were compact and only large enough to qualify for Single Occupancy. This plus the partially sloped eave ceilings to the front elevation posed many challenges - not least to the shower in Flat 10. Clare Pascoe recommended subtle amendments to the Architectural layouts, which saw a huge improvement in both shower room designs. Flat 10 benefitted from having the large sash window, into which the WC and basin are recessed, bringing in a wealth of natural light, additional head room and priceless views across London to the land marks of the City beyond.
The shower room reconfiguration included space for a built in wardrobe for the bedroom, freeing up much needed space within the room itself.
In a bid to encourage a buyer Clare went on to furnish the property in her signature blend of Mid Century furniture coupled with simple contemporary Danish pieces. The neutral palette with bold pops of refreshing colour to turn the bijou property into a welcoming, well planned, and spacious flat that offers a calm retreat from the busy London streets, 3 stories below. Within days of being furnished and styled, an offer was accepted on the property - showing just how powerful it is to present not simply a beautifully built property, but one that presents a desirable lifestyle.