FRESH thinking

When Zoe and George Brookes became the custodians of an early20th-century arts and crafts house, they were keen to retain its integrity while adding colour and contemporary flourishes to suit their family's needs

- KAREN JENSEN-JONES

Purchasing a new home brings excitement as well as trepidation about what lies ahead, but for Zoe Brookes and her husband George, who have two children, Oliver, 16, and Sophie, 15, there was the added feeling of responsibility at owning an early-20thcentury arts and crafts gem. After living in a modern house for years, we were hoping to find a characterful home full of charm, but never expected to find ourselves the custodians of such a property,' says Zoe.

With a rich narrative and timeless quality, the house had been rented for more than 10 years and was tired and dated. We were focused on creating a comfortable and practical home for our family while acknowledging the beauty and craftsmanship of the arts and crafts movement, says Zoe. 'Original features such as the windows, staircase, porch and hallway have been retained, but with the help of interior designer Susan Venn of Susan Venn Design, we opened up the warren of cramped downstairs rooms, removed a narrow second staircase, and created a spacious and practical living area."