Restoration drama

Mould, wood rot and water leaks had to be dealt with before interior designer Sara Swabb could work her magic on her historic house

- KAREN WILSON

WHY DID YOU BUY THIS HOUSE?

My partner Erik and I had been looking for four years for the perfect place in Washington DC's coveted Georgetown neighbourhood, and were either priced out of the market or found the spaces too small for our family. Although this home - a dilapidated 1900 Victorian terrace - was a larger project than we had envisioned, seconds after walking in I knew I had to breathe new life into this historic gem. We loved the size - private bathrooms for all of us, including guests, is a major benefit. There's also a third floor where we have built an office for adults and a study for our children Tippi, eight, and Minna, six, to do schoolwork.

WHAT WAS YOUR VISION FOR THE SPACE?

As it had been stripped of original details, this allowed us to revisit what could have been without the limitations of a set floor plan. My design practice creates spaces that speak to a home's architecture and geographic region as well as honouring the family who lives there. I wanted to restore our home's charm, beauty and era; I wanted to tell its story.

WHAT WERE THE BIGGEST PRIORITIES?