A Feast For The Eves

The Victorian home of interior stylist Sara Austin and her husband Neil has been sensitively renovated and is a fabulous example of old meets new.

Sara, her husband Neil and their two boys, six year-old Félix and three year-old Ralph relocated from London back to Northern Ireland four years ago. Originally from Co. Londonderry, the couple opted for a detached period home in Co. Down, within walking distance of the beach.

We have always lived in period properties and viewed a lot of homes before falling for this 200 year-old double fronted detached Victorian house and its proximity to the sea. Although the house was structurally sound and had already been extended, we knew we had work we wanted to do when we bought it and have spent the last few years renovating and redecorating,' says Sara, who had a career in fashion design before returning home and focusing her creativity into home interiors. 'I had to step away from my job when we made the move and while I've been working on the house, I started to feel more removed from the fashion world, developing a passion for interior styling as I busied myself with the renovations.

After only a few years, Sara's home looks like she has lived here for the last 20, such is her attention to detail in every corner of the house. From the moment you step inside there is a real sense of enjoyment as you marvel at Sara's curation of each room.

The porch itself sets the tone with its rich jewel tones that complement the colours of the original stained glass windows and Victorian floor tiles. Stepping inside a monochromatic entrance hall takes pride of place and gives a sense of the maximalist styling you can expect to see throughout with prints and paintings on display as well as decorative ornaments on sideboards all topped off with greenery to bring that connection with nature indoors.