Living History
Perilla Edwards transforms a 19th century, West Sussex grain store into a charming escape.
Swathed in joyful yellows and greens, this cheerful kitchen—formerly a makeshift stable for ponies—is modernized with a stainless steel range from Wolf.
When designer Perilla Edwards was hired to transform a 19th-century grain store in West Sussex into a guesthouse for the current owners’ guests to enjoy, it was crucial to look to the past—and future—for inspiration.
The lush beauty of the English countryside, on view from the expansive windows of the guesthouse.
Nestled in a quiet corner of English countryside, the former shop was derelict and relegated to accommodating spare storage or, sometimes, a makeshift jungle gym. But since the structure is a listed building—an architecturally or historically significant property with legal protection in the United Kingdom—the possibilities for renovation were limited.
Left: Wooden beams and bricks in a traditional herringbone pattern pay homage to the structure’s 19th-century roots.
Right: Heavy timber and lovingly warped beams remind guests of the structure’s past life as a grain store. Drummonds’ Syre vanity basin and Mull Classic basin mixer look as though they have always been there.
Much of the structure is a time capsule: Heavy timbers remain exposed and the beams’ dips and twists honor its time-honored beauty, while the softened proportions have a paradisical effect on the property. “It sits right next to our home, but stepping inside feels like entering an entirely different world,” explains the owners, who collaborated with Edwards on the transformation.
A substantial farmhouse sink, brass hardware, a refrigerator from Sub-Zero, and a Wolf range make this kitchen both practical and well-appointed.
The unique challenge, however, was to restore the building to its former glory without appearing stuck in yesteryear. To compromise, they prioritized the home’s more practical moments. The ground level was reimagined to include a cavernous shower room as well as a separate water closet. A portion of the downstairs bedroom was even allocated for the Tamar Cast Iron Skirted Bath Tub from Drummonds. “It’s something we wouldn’t want to be without now,” the owners say of the indulgent acquisition. “We were keen to choose solid, period fittings that would develop a patina over time,” the owners explain. “We didn’t want anything shiny or overly new.”
A loft door opens to let natural light into the bedrooms in the loft space on the upper floor.
Equally time-honored is the kitchen, which epitomizes English charm with a rustic dining table, open storage, and a delightful palette of green and yellow. Meanwhile, a Wolf range and Sub-Zero refrigerator keep the classic kitchen current. Not only does the mix of old and new give the storied space modern edge, but it also makes the kitchen stand out. The homeowners reveal the kitchen has quickly become the heart of the property: A welcoming backdrop for extended family, children, and even grandchildren, to convene.
The guesthouse’s crown jewel is undoubtedly the Tamar cast iron bathtub from Drummonds in the primary bedroom. It is accessorized with Mull Classic bath taps and H stand, as well as a Mull towel rail. “The tub is something we wouldn’t want to be without now,” the owners share.
As the adage goes, good things come to those who wait, and this guesthouse is a shining example of that sentiment. The homeowners share they initially started the renovation in 2015, paused production during the Covid-19 pandemic, and welcomed their very first guests Christmas of 2024. “Taking a break was the best decision,” they add. After all, when you’re designing a space for current and future stewards to enjoy, time is always on your side.