Karon Foxwell by Rachael Smith

Karon Foxwell

Photographs Rachael Smith

Words Alix Bateman

In 2006 Karon and Mark bought this handsome Georgian manor house in the vibrant market town of Steyning in West Sussex. Dating from 1750 and elegantly proportioned, the property was in a tired but liveable condition, having been untouched since the 1970’s. Two months later the couple began its refurbishment, bringing warmth back into a building with a long and colourful history.

Ashburton is surrounded by a quintessentially English garden, scattered with vintage paraphernalia and quirky salvage finds, through which a carriage driveway curves gracefully up to its imposing façade. The Italianate windows add interest, as does the portico, an addition made in 1910.

 The interior plays host to many of the distinctive features of Georgian architecture, including magnificent high ceilings, and serves as an ideal backdrop to Karon’s collection of antiques, vintage finds, glassware and eccentricities. Some unexpected delights were uncovered when an exquisite oak and ebony parquet floor was unearthed beneath layers of paint and carpet, and the evidence of the house’s timber frame came as a surprise to Mark and Karon when investigating a crack in a side wall.

Karon has previously worked as an interior designer in Brussels and was the owner of a lifestyle boutique in London for many years. Her current passion is her vintage events company that coordinates weddings and parties and makes great use of the props from her home to style each venue. Smaller gatherings can take advantage of her quirky and quaint beach hut on Hove seafront decked out in a jumbled selection of cheerful retro pieces and mismatched china.

The décor at Ashburton is unashamedly feminine, and a chandelier hangs in each and every room, much to Marks’ dismay, but the overall look has a captivating ambiance, and Karon describes her style as eclectic vintage. Shades of hot pink have been introduced in the form of chair coverings, cushions, and flowers and these, combined with antiques Karon has sourced in flea markers and fairs, add life and spirit to a home that was just waiting to be brought back to life.