My Houzz: Step Inside a converted medieval priory in West Sussex - In 2009, Adam and Louise Black decided to seek more space to raise their four boys and simultaneously keep their mental health. "We had to get out of London," says Adam. Knowing exactly what they wanted, the family began looking for a home in West Sussex. When they happened on this medieval priory near Pagham Harbour, they knew they had found their perfect match. "There are three miles of beach just at the end of the garden, Adam said, citing one of the main appeals of the property. He grew up on a farm in Yorkshire and was very keen for their children to enjoy the same closeness to nature.
the oldest structures of the priory, which include the left side of the building, were built in 1439. "But there was a house here since 600 AD, said Adam. Over the years, recent additions have expanded the property.
Although the house is a considerable size, Adam, who is the founder of bed and mattress company Button & Sprung was perfectly placed to source furniture for her. Louise, who decorated the whole house, was eager to preserve the characteristics and the building of character while adding original details.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here Adam and Louise Black, their son Bruno (12), Noah (10), Tibo (8 ) and Gabriel (7), and two dogs and a cat
Location Chichester, West Sussex
Size 7 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms
the oldest structures of the priory, which include the left side of the building, were built in 1439. "But there was a house here since 600 AD, said Adam. Over the years, recent additions have expanded the property.
Although the house is a considerable size, Adam, who is the founder of bed and mattress company Button & Sprung was perfectly placed to source furniture for her. Louise, who decorated the whole house, was eager to preserve the characteristics and the building of character while adding original details.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here Adam and Louise Black, their son Bruno (12), Noah (10), Tibo (8 ) and Gabriel (7), and two dogs and a cat
Location Chichester, West Sussex
Size 7 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms
Chris Snook
the left side of the Priory is the original 1439 build, while a change brick on the right side shows the additions made in recent decades.
Chris Snook
This life welcoming functions of the room as the official chill-out area of the family, so cosiness is the order of the day here. "The fire is on seven days a week in winter," says Adam.
The large "A" in the window was a birthday present from Louise Adam. Below, a small lamp in the shape of L, including the couple picked up in a charity shop.
The old French shutters were recovered and painted blue egg duck by Louise, and their eccentricity and chic and sweet style, shabby perfectly reflects his taste, which Adam describes as "very eclectic".
brocade ottoman is the counterpart with Multiyork sofa in the more formal living room, while the wide blue chair was a hand-me-down from a friend. "There are many small pastiches everywhere, said Adam.
Shutters, Mangan Antiques.
The large "A" in the window was a birthday present from Louise Adam. Below, a small lamp in the shape of L, including the couple picked up in a charity shop.
The old French shutters were recovered and painted blue egg duck by Louise, and their eccentricity and chic and sweet style, shabby perfectly reflects his taste, which Adam describes as "very eclectic".
brocade ottoman is the counterpart with Multiyork sofa in the more formal living room, while the wide blue chair was a hand-me-down from a friend. "There are many small pastiches everywhere, said Adam.
Shutters, Mangan Antiques.
Chris Snook
the oversized mirror in the living room has been installed in the UK Playboy mansion in the 1960s coffee table in the room is an additional proof of skills clever repurposing of the couple. The base is an old piece Adam has had for over 25 years, which then received a top custom glass mirror, there are some 12 years. The original letters are suspended on the TV Louise metal ones found in Portobello Market in London.
Sofas, George Smith.
Browse 8 smart ways to use oversized mirrors
Sofas, George Smith.
Browse 8 smart ways to use oversized mirrors
Chris Snook
velvet conversation catchy sofa in the second half of the living room is an antique find Louise particularly fond. Louise also awarded various fixtures, the antique chandelier strung with colored bulbs with flex. She also worked to alleviate the space by painting the oak planks, which were a dark color that stole the room lightness. The stripes that reveal the original wood as only add to his original decorative style.
The chair on the far right was given to Adam by his mother when he moved into his first house.
sofa and armchair French, Mangan Antiques. Lamppost, eBay. Conversation sofa, eBay.
The chair on the far right was given to Adam by his mother when he moved into his first house.
sofa and armchair French, Mangan Antiques. Lamppost, eBay. Conversation sofa, eBay.
Chris Snook
the sofa and armchair are vintage finds. "The woodwork on the couch was originally gilded, Adam says, but Louise painted white. She also used the remaining fabric to upholster the recovered display.
Adam said the interior style of the house is "something that has evolved and is still evolving." This organic approach to design creates a beautiful collection of personal treasures and finds.
Adam said the interior style of the house is "something that has evolved and is still evolving." This organic approach to design creates a beautiful collection of personal treasures and finds.
Chris Snook
This second lounge is a more formal space, as the family called Black the Oak Room. "When we bought the house, it was very dark inside," said Adam, so he and Louise painted as much space as white as possible. However, it decided to maintain the original beams and beautiful woodwork intact.
The elegant space has two large fireplaces that keep the room nice and warm. The chimneys are built from the same stone used in old cathedrals and churches throughout the country. The room is especially reserved for special occasions, such as the upcoming Christmas holidays. Christmas gifts are under the tree, said Adam.
Brocade couch Multiyork. white sofa, Ikea. Chandelier, Mangan Antiques. coffee table, Mangan Antiques.
The elegant space has two large fireplaces that keep the room nice and warm. The chimneys are built from the same stone used in old cathedrals and churches throughout the country. The room is especially reserved for special occasions, such as the upcoming Christmas holidays. Christmas gifts are under the tree, said Adam.
Brocade couch Multiyork. white sofa, Ikea. Chandelier, Mangan Antiques. coffee table, Mangan Antiques.
Chris Snook
the large wooden beams defining this room has a story. "Some of them are wooden vessel, said Adam. This is particularly evident in the support beam curve on the left, which appears to come from the hull of a ship.
The cozy velvet armchair where Adam calls "impulse buy" from a local antique store, while the elegant Chinese style chest of drawers came home from Adam County of Yorkshire.
convenient, Redbrick Mill.
The cozy velvet armchair where Adam calls "impulse buy" from a local antique store, while the elegant Chinese style chest of drawers came home from Adam County of Yorkshire.
convenient, Redbrick Mill.
Chris Snook
Chris Snook
The table eating is a custom creation made from pine boards that Louise painted purple. "Every chair is individual, said Adam. "There are no rules.
The carefree style is reinforced by the disco balls sharing the space with a ceiling of royal luster. Adam explains these original details are as Louise said: '. Do not take too seriously "
The carefree style is reinforced by the disco balls sharing the space with a ceiling of royal luster. Adam explains these original details are as Louise said: '. Do not take too seriously "
Chris Snook
the dining room feels light and airy thanks to the boards whitewashed. "the ground and all the window seats were originally dark wood," says Adam.
Chris Snook
A practical wood stove is in -Burning the large dining room fireplace, adding a gay, glow warming the room. the left door leads through to the kitchen.
Chris Snook
"the statement piece in the kitchen is the table," said Adam. Zinc topped table in length, which was bought in an antique shop in Petworth, was originally designed for eating out, but Black decided to bring it inside.
A complete antique butcher block space, while a painting of Natasha Law, sister of Jude Law, adds a touch of color.
The mismatched hanging lamps, all picked up in various second-hand shops, are another original keys Louise.
butcher block, Spencer Swaffer Antiques.
A complete antique butcher block space, while a painting of Natasha Law, sister of Jude Law, adds a touch of color.
The mismatched hanging lamps, all picked up in various second-hand shops, are another original keys Louise.
butcher block, Spencer Swaffer Antiques.
Chris Snook
the master bedroom is all about comfort and relaxation. The home runs and chair and chairs strategically, which were purchased in a clearance shop house in Selsey, add to the cozy atmosphere.
Louise office, all placed against the window, has inspiring views of the beach. "The light here is amazing," said Adam.
Adam shelves installed above the windows to display books with artistic covers. "I use books as art, he said. An old trunk contains extra sheets and blankets.
Trunk, eBay.
Louise office, all placed against the window, has inspiring views of the beach. "The light here is amazing," said Adam.
Adam shelves installed above the windows to display books with artistic covers. "I use books as art, he said. An old trunk contains extra sheets and blankets.
Trunk, eBay.
Chris Snook
the antique wardrobe in the master bedroom was purchased at an auction, and gives the space a relaxed, vintage air. "It weighs a ton," Adam laughs, adding that moving once was enough for him.
The chandelier is a 1920s original Adam and Louise picked up in an antique shop.
bed, range Samphire, Button and Sprung. Bed sheets and pillows, Linen Secret Store. Chandelier, Mangan Antiques. Wardrobe, Lots Road Auctions.
The chandelier is a 1920s original Adam and Louise picked up in an antique shop.
bed, range Samphire, Button and Sprung. Bed sheets and pillows, Linen Secret Store. Chandelier, Mangan Antiques. Wardrobe, Lots Road Auctions.
Chris Snook
The beautiful monastic doors are all original and give each room a feeling of grandeur.
Chris Snook
in the master bathroom, Louise metal letters used as those in the living room to create a personal touch. The elegant, standing tub and double sinks came home. Louise added the French shutters to provide space for hanging clothes and jewelry.
The mirrors above the basins were picked up in second hand stores, while the round mirror above the bath was in possession of Blacks for a number of years and has been all simply given a coat of white paint fast refresh.
Be inspired by a freestanding bath selection
The mirrors above the basins were picked up in second hand stores, while the round mirror above the bath was in possession of Blacks for a number of years and has been all simply given a coat of white paint fast refresh.
Be inspired by a freestanding bath selection
Chris Snook
one of the two rooms, the chains of the "Blue Room" a soothing ambience. Louise has also added French shutters to this space to frame the bed, even though she painted these white.
bed, Camelia range, Button and Sprung. Bed sheets and pillows, Linen Secret Store.
bed, Camelia range, Button and Sprung. Bed sheets and pillows, Linen Secret Store.
Chris Snook
a cozy bed day offers a welcoming place to read and gaze out the window. Adam bought the 1920 piece from an antique store a number of years and cosied it up with cushions.
Chris Snook
The study Adam, with his leather chair, looks like a gentlemen's club. The walls are covered with family photos going back several generations.
A row of vintage footballs lines of the window while a number of elements of the Union Jack tie the room together in a playful way. The coffee table next to the sofa is a piece Chippendale inherited.
armchair and sofa, CJC Furniture. Lamp, Porta Romana.
A row of vintage footballs lines of the window while a number of elements of the Union Jack tie the room together in a playful way. The coffee table next to the sofa is a piece Chippendale inherited.
armchair and sofa, CJC Furniture. Lamp, Porta Romana.
Chris Snook
Chris Snook
tell us ...
what do you like about this house? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
My Houzz is a series in which we visit and photograph, personality filled houses and creative people who inhabit them. If you want your home to be featured, please send information and photos to ukeditor@houzz.com.
what do you like about this house? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
My Houzz is a series in which we visit and photograph, personality filled houses and creative people who inhabit them. If you want your home to be featured, please send information and photos to ukeditor@houzz.com.