ON TOP OF THE WORLD

For Jane Turner, the opportunity to add a roof terrace garden was what won her over when she first saw her Georgian mews home

- SOPHIE VENING

Working in central London, Jane Turner wanted to buy a home with outdoor space in the capital near to where she worked, local to where her friends lived and with good transport links. Keen to take on a renovation project, she contacted architect Mark Smyth, co-founder of Studio Bua, who was recommended by a friend, to accompany her on house viewings to gain insight on prospective properties.

‘Jane and I looked at lots of similar sized homes all with postage-sized gardens. But then we came across this Georgian mews house. Although it was tired-looking and had an awkward inverted layout, it was clear that there was the potential to add a sun-baked roof terrace on top – and create lots of entertaining space internally,’ says Mark.