WITH PARTNER PHILIP AND NEIGHBOURS PAOLO MOSCHINO THE ITALIAN INTERIOR DESIGNER ON CREATING A DREAM HOME IN ENGLAND

It was love at first sight

- CRISTINA LORA

Interior designers Paolo Moschino and Philip Vergeylen had only to see Hollywick Farm from the outside to know that they wanted to buy it. The timbered and ivy-clad property – half Tudor, half 19th century – is in West Sussex, just an hour by train from the couple’s London base, making it ideal as a weekend retreat. As for the inside, Paolo and Philip were confident that they could shape it to perfection. And with a starry client list taking in everyone from Valentino’s circle to that of the late Amy Winehouse, they had every reason to be confident.

That was 15 years ago. Since then, the pair have not only remodelled and extended the place into a six-bedroom idyll, they have also transformed the barn into a stunning guest house. In fact, Hollywick is a prime example of the pair’s talents. With a perspective perhaps born of their backgrounds – Paolo is Italian and Philip Belgian – they’ve created a sophisticated new take on the traditional British country look. It certainly meets with the approval of their aristocratic neighbours, Lady Louise Burrell and her 18-year-old daughter Teale – daughter and granddaughter respectively of the 12th Duke of Argyll – who helped the designers show us around. 

Paolo, what can you tell us about the history of your home? 

“The original part dates back to 1485 and was later extended with farm buildings like stables. We’ve carried out a full restoration of the listed part and created an extension at the back to give us a larger kitchen and dining room.” 

You two live in London, where your business is based. How much time are you able to spend at the house?