Calm & ELEGANT

From a home that hadn't been touched in thirty years to a masterclass in serene style, Martha Riley's Victorian villa was a true labour of love

- MARISHA TAYLOR

Time and space were key factors when Martha Riley, a professional violinist and music teacher, and her husband Steven were looking for a home in southwest London for their blended family. 'Steven and I had been renting a large property near Wandsworth Common, our first home together with our six children from our previous marriages,' explains Martha. 'We loved the area and were keen to put down roots, but with only six months left on our lease, time was of the essence."

Steven had seen a Victorian villa online, which had been in the same family for 30 years, but it needed complete modernisation. You could tell it had been loved but it was a huge project, and I was reluctant to even view it, unsure we'd be able to pull it off in such a tight time frame. Despite my reservations, Steven persuaded me to have a look and I was sold the minute I walked through the door. The property spans four floors, and I was blown away by the feeling of space, the beautiful high ceilings and elegant, period features - it had so much potential.'