readers’ homes
COLOUR THEORY
After buying a rundown Victorian terrace house, Alice Constable Maxwell and George Walker have undertaken a full renovation that doesn't scrime on style
WORDS JENNIFER GRIMBLE
PHOTOS SIMON MAXWELL
As an interior designer, Alice Constable Maxwell has spent her career helping others create their dream home. So, she leapt at the opportunity to do a project of her own. Little did she know that doing so would provide her with greater insight into what her clients go through. “It’s funny, as I often get frustrated when people can’t make up their minds, but when it’s your house you realise what big decisions you’re making, because you’ve got to live with them,” says Alice. “I was my own worst client.”
It all started in 2019, when Alice and husband George decided they needed more space. They were living in Shepherd’s Bush, West London, with their young son and were keen to remain in the area. “We hunted around but found nothing that was dramatically better than what we already had,” she continues. “One day, George suggested looking at Poet’s Corner in Acton. As soon as I visited, I realised it was perfect for us. It has a lovely high street and a friendly village feel.”
The couple narrowed their search and started looking for a renovation project with ample space. “I was keen to avoid having to rip anything out and wanted a place we could make our own.” After six months, they found a Victorian terrace that ticked their boxes. A lucky find, the property had been owned by the same family for decades. “It hadn’t been touched for at least 50 years and was rundown, but it had such a homely feel,” Alice says. “The owners were keen to sell to another family, which helped us win the sealed bids process.”
Alice and George sold their home and by Autumn 2019, the Victorian property was theirs. “We spent a few months considering our options,” says Alice. “We looked at the original house plans and thought about how we were going to reconfigure the space. We knew we wanted to move the stairs and extend at the rear. The property doesn’t have a big garden, so it was a question of how much exterior space we were prepared to sacrifice.”