EXPERT at work

An old worker's cottage became the perfect showcase for interior designer Ben to display all his skills, creating a plant-filled, colourful home for his family

Property development runs in Ben Stoke’s family. Having watched his parents do up house after house, moving the family onto the next project as they completed the last, it seemed natural for him to take the same path. Starting with a tiny flat, he moved up the property ladder, developing his love and skill for renovating interiors as he went.

His current home is part of a row of four Grade II-listed terraced houses in Tenterden. Built around 1880 as homes for workers at the local tannery, it has the tile and brick finish seen in other older homes in the historic town. ‘Finding three double-sized bedrooms and a large bathroom in a house like this doesn’t happen often — you usually have to compromise,’ says Ben. ‘It’s also unusual because the height of the rooms remains good as you climb higher.’

As he progressed in his career in property development, Ben gradually realised he was enjoying the interior design side more than the build side. ‘Property developing can be a bit lonely — it’s often just you, a builder and spreadsheets!’ he explains. ‘My passion is in finessing the project.’