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A former Victorian grammar school headmaster’s-house-turned-garden-flat reflects a passion for pattern, plants and travel

Perched on a hill in the Kent seaside town of Folkstone, the handsome brick-built Harvey Manor, a former boys’ grammar school built in 1886, could easily be mistaken for an ecclesiastical building with its belltower, buttresses and large windows. Designed by Robert Wheeler – an architect noted for designing churches and chapels – it’s no surprise to see the design hallmarks of a place of worship. Split into several dwellings after its life as a school, it’s the sizeable garden flat within the headmaster’s house which caught the attention of Sarah and Ed Wealend in 2020.

Style tip

• A favourite wallpaper print is the inspiration for paint colours on the wall and fireplace, as well as a leafy display

The charm of its pitched porch entrance, grand rooms, original features, and a cool vaulted ceiling in one of the back bedrooms, led to a viewing and an offer. ‘We hadn’t even listed our own flat for sale, but our hearts had been completely stolen by the character, history, scale and location of this wonderful building,’ says Sarah.

Style tip

• Contrasting paint colour on a large window frames the view and creates a focal point

‘For me, it felt like the perfect space to flex my penchant for eclectic maximalist interiors, texture, pattern, deep jewel tones and indulge in my plant obsession,’ says Sarah. ‘The amount of light and green which comes in through the windows enables plants to thrive and us to feel immersed in a botanical wonderland.’

Style tip

• Two long scaffold boards supported by cast-iron brackets make stylish kitchen shelving

Honouring the history of the building as they stamp their mark on the place, Sarah and Ed have made sure the interior nods towards time spent living in Shanghai. ‘We want our home to reflect our lives, both past and present, and while I appreciate and admire neutral, luxurious decor, it just wouldn’t be ours if it wasn’t bold in design with vintage and Chinese influences and plenty of art on the walls.’

Style tip

• A gold screen depicting water lilies creates a beautiful backdrop behind the bed

The previous owners had gone against the grade II listing and made some unfitting cosmetic changes, so Sarah and Ed made sure any works carried out were done under listed buildings consent. From reinstating a mantelpiece in the living room to exposing brickwork in the vaulted room they now use as a nursery, everything has been done by the book.

@s.e.w.athome