FINDING never land

The historic home of novelist and playwright JM Barrie is reimagined by Studio Ashby and Giles Quarme Architects as an Edwardian Arts and Crafts-style house that captures the magic of the Peter Pan story with a modern twist

- THOBEKA PHANYEKO

A VINTAGE CANE ARMCHAIR FROM 1STDIBS WITH A LAMP FROM PAMONO IN THE CONSERVATORY

PREVIOUS SPREAD THE LAYERED DRAWING-ROOM, INCLUDING A PAIR OF CABINETS FROM LORFORDS ANTIQUES ON EITHER SIDE OF THE ORIGINAL FIREPLACE. THE HAND-STITCHED

‘TICK TOCK’ OTTOMAN IS A CLEAR NOD TO THE PETER PAN NARRATIVE. THE SOFAS ARE BY CASSANDRA ELLIS AND THE RUG IS FROM GALLERY YACOU

steeped in history, beautiful period details and quirky and original features, this iconic site embodies Studio Ashby’s philosophy on art and design. ‘Art plays a central role in our inspiration and process. It has a place in every interior, and no space feels complete without it,’ says creative director Sophie Ashby, who leads a team of experienced designers at her studio. ‘Our collective mission was to create habitable spaces with identity, informed by the client’s brief to preserve the magic of the house. Giles Quarme Architects were our go-to experts to retain and restore those heritage features.’

Giles Quarme says the main element of the original design was its evolution from an attractive but not unique, early 19th-century semi-detached house into a special home created by the actress Mary Ansell for her husband, JM Barrie. It was ‘the’ salon for the Edwardian literati at the turn of the century, ‘a fashionable venue designed for entertaining, with its large drawing room taking up the full depth of the house and extending into a revolutionary glazed conservatory that has a unique glazed floor, panelling and an Arts and Crafts fireplace’.