Restoring a 30 room Georgian home
Greg Penn also known as @manwithahammer is single-handedly restoring a 30-room (yes, we said 30!) Georgian home in Plymouth. Having cooked on a camping hob for the last four years, we were delighted to chat with Greg about his recently completed kitchen, which includes Perrin & Rowe brassware and Shaws of Darwen sinks. Greg also discusses how the project started, continues to evolve, and key interior designers and suppliers to look out for.
The Telegraph described Admirals House as "Britain's biggest DIY job” What inspired you to take on such an ambitious project?
Well, I absolutely fell in love with the old girl, and she definitely needed someone to love her as was in a very sorry state indeed. Not only was it a beautiful building, but the area is fantastic too with an incredible history - it is a wonderful place to live. Admirals was also, relatively, a bit of a bargain which appealed as a Yorkshireman finding himself in Devon!
How would you describe your interior style?
I try to be respectful and sympathetic to the period of the home, with a few modern twists. Most of all, I want things to be comfortable, relaxed and interesting.
What, who and where inspires you?
First and foremost, it’s the house and my surroundings. I also get huge inspiration from Instagram whether that’s individuals or designers. We’re so lucky to live in a time when designers share their work so readily with the likes of Ben Pentreath and VSP Interiors providing huge inspiration.
Does the history of the building influence your design choices?
Massively so. Most of the prints and pattern used are from a very similar era to the house, and I have used lots of colours sympathetic to the time it was built. I certainly don’t want it to feel like a museum, but respecting the age and style of the original architecture is important to me.
How have you tackled such a large renovation project?
I keep repeating the saying... “How do you eat an elephant?... One bite at a time!” I tackle one room or space at a time and that way it doesn’t feel too overwhelming!
What has been your biggest challenge to date?
I think it’s mainly just the scale of everything here rather than one job. There are 100 internal doors, 30 rooms, 60 windows and everything needs a lot of work having been very neglected.
What is the most valuable skill you have learnt?
Again, similarly it’s no one single thing that makes a renovation when you do nearly everything yourself, but knowing how to do the plumbing has probably saved me the most money!
Do you have a favourite room that you have renovated?
Ah they’re like my children so I can’t have favourites! But it is certainly wonderful to have the main kitchen and living spaces done, having cooked on a camping hob for the last four years!
Why did you opt for Perrin & Rowe brassware and a Shaws of Darwen sink?
I bought Perrin & Rowe taps in my last place and absolutely loved them, so it was a no brainer to me to use them again. The look of them goes so incredibly in period properties and the finish is extraordinary. I love too that I could have a hot water tap that matched and didn’t feel too modern, and finally that everything is made in the UK sealed the deal!
Do you have a favourite feature in the kitchen
I’ve never had a hot water tap, and genuinely wasn’t sure whether it would make much difference – but it’s an absolute game changer and something I wouldn’t want to be without now. Beyond that, the 80-year-old, fully restored Aga from Blake and Bull is so lovely, and all the bespoke touches Heaven & Stubbs incorporated into the design and build have been incredible. We built the worktops 8cm taller than usual as I’m fairly tall, with very short arms, so long prep sessions would leave me with a bad back, and it’s a revelation!
What advice would you give readers who are thinking of taking on a renovation project?
Take your time. Mistakes happen when you rush, whether that’s in the design or work you’re doing, or even injuring yourself (don’t ask me how I know) so, don’t rush, try to enjoy it... and you’ll end up with something far better at the end of it!
What are your go to interior brands?
Lots of the wallpaper and patterned fabric in the house is from the Wonderful Warner House. All my paint is Fenwick & Tilbrook and Broadleaf Timber make the most wonderful solid oak flooring in Wales. Woodburners from Stovax, lots of lighting from Pooky and beautiful cast iron radiators from The Cast Iron Radiator Centre. Heaven & Stubbs did the most amazing job of the kitchen and wardrobes. Carpets from Crucial Trading and Axminster.
Inspired by the way you live
@annabarnettcooks
@halfpenny_at_home
@phoebenicol.interiors
@howarkdesign