The benefit of hindsight

Hugh Petter’s transformation of a house in Jersey demonstrates how a deep understanding of local architectural traditions is the secret to creating a seamless blend of old and new

- Giles Kime

THE design is the easy bit,’ says Hugh Petter with a sideways grin. ‘Perhaps the greatest challenge when maximising the opportunities presented by any house, old or new, is to develop an understanding of the architectural traditions of its location.’ He’s poring over the heritage statement that informed the transformation of Meadow Farm into a home that offers plenty of room for a sociable couple, as well as an artful blend of old and new.

The house sits in a quiet, wooded location, a stone’s throw from the coast of Jersey, and belongs to Rupert Bradstock, founder of the buying agency Property Vision, and his wife, Anna, whose Old Rectory in Berkshire Mr Petter brought back to life after a devastating fire. The move to Jersey was a homecoming for Mrs Bradstock, who grew up in the parish, and the couple was keen to maintain a strong sense of place, both externally and internally. Built in the 18th century of local, rose- coloured granite, the five-bay listed house in its original form was pretty, but not huge —like so many farmhouses on the island— and the ceiling heights were limited.