Oast conversions are not uncommon in Kent, but few have been as skilfully updated for modern family life as well as Claire Horrell’s. The box edged front garden and sparkling white weatherboard façade hint at a sophisticated approach to country living and a rejection of any chocolate box stereotypes that is perhaps explained when Claire admits that she was reluctant to take on an oast when she first heard about it.

TEST In the hallway a pair of exquisitely carved medallion chairs, sat on by none other than Queen Victoria herself, have been covered with an extravagant-looking silk from Manuel Canovas

In the hallway a pair of exquisitely carved medallion chairs, sat on by none other than Queen Victoria herself, have been covered with an extravagant-looking silk from Manuel Canovas

TEST The luxurious treatment given to the hallway sets the tone for the rest of the house with attention paid to harmonising colour, pattern and texture

The luxurious treatment given to the hallway sets the tone for the rest of the house with attention paid to harmonising colour, pattern and texture

TEST The drawing room has been covered almost entirely with a pale tea rose Designers Guild slubbed silk. Rose, white and charcoal printed silk curtains and blinds from Designers Guild surround a window

The drawing room has been covered almost entirely with a pale tea rose Designers Guild slubbed silk. Rose, white and charcoal printed silk curtains and blinds from Designers Guild surround a window

TEST Claire’s bedroom features a soft apple green and white striped Osborne & Little wallpaper along one wall

Claire’s bedroom features a soft apple green and white striped Osborne & Little wallpaper along one wall

TEST A bombe style painted chest is home to antique washstand china with emerald green and gold stripes

A bombe style painted chest is home to antique washstand china with emerald green and gold stripes

TEST In the dressing room, fitted wardrobes line two walls. A chandelier hanging from the ceiling adds to the unabashed sense of glamour

In the dressing room, fitted wardrobes line two walls. A chandelier hanging from the ceiling adds to the unabashed sense of glamour

TEST Mickey dances on the dressing table

Mickey dances on the dressing table

TEST The master bedroom en suite

The master bedroom en suite

TEST Claire’s son Josh’s room is papered in a striking cream, gold and chocolate damask-style wallpaper which complements the bold striped bedcover, leather sofa and campaign-style leather desk

Claire’s son Josh’s room is papered in a striking cream, gold and chocolate damask-style wallpaper which complements the bold striped bedcover, leather sofa and campaign-style leather desk

TEST In direct contrast, daughter Maisie’s room features an ornately carved 18th century French bed is dressed with a Designers Guild quilt

In direct contrast, daughter Maisie’s room features an ornately carved 18th century French bed is dressed with a Designers Guild quilt

TEST The guest room has been papered with Manuel Canovas toile in a mauve and elephant grey. An ornately carved bed is dressed with a charcoal grey toile bedcover, silver silk quilt and shimmering sequinned cushions

The guest room has been papered with Manuel Canovas toile in a mauve and elephant grey. An ornately carved bed is dressed with a charcoal grey toile bedcover, silver silk quilt and shimmering sequinned cushions

TEST A silver chest has a pair of iron standard lamps on either side of it and a large circular mirror above

A silver chest has a pair of iron standard lamps on either side of it and a large circular mirror above

TEST In the formal dining and entertaining room, the walls have been painted a pale duck egg blue. A circular dining table is teamed with velvet-covered carver dining chairs

In the formal dining and entertaining room, the walls have been painted a pale duck egg blue

TEST A circular dining table is teamed with velvet-covered carver dining chairs

A circular dining table is teamed with velvet-covered carver dining chairs

TEST A door at one end of the dining room leads through to Claire’s office, complete with a sculpture by artist Marie Prett

A door at one end of the dining room leads through to Claire’s office, complete with a sculpture by artist Marie Prett

TEST At the other end, an oak-topped painted dresser displays a collection of silver and Venetian glass-framed family photographs, glass candlesticks and silver-topped glass decanters

At the other end, an oak-topped painted dresser displays a collection of silver and Venetian glass-framed family photographs, glass candlesticks and silver-topped glass decanters

TEST Coco, Violet and LuLu pose for a photograph

Coco, Violet and LuLu pose for a photograph

  • words:
  • pictures: David Merewether
  • styling: Lucy Fleming

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