NEWTOWN HOUSE

Set within the lower-ground floor of a townhouse in Hove, this renovation transforms a deep, inward-looking plan into a light-filled sequence of kitchen, dining and living space with a strong connection to the garden.

Enlarged openings at the rear create direct views towards a compact courtyard garden, allowing the lower-ground floor to feel open, generous and connected rather than subterranean. The garden is treated as an extension of the interior, with planting, light and framed views becoming part of the experience of the rooms throughout the day.

Internally, the plan is opened up while retaining a clear sense of individual spaces. The kitchen, dining and living areas remain distinct in character, but are connected through generous openings, long sightlines and a consistent material palette. This creates continuity without reducing the interior to a single undifferentiated room.

Soft plaster finishes, dark oak flooring, painted cabinetry, brass fittings and mid-century furniture introduce warmth and texture throughout. New interventions sit comfortably alongside elements with existing character, creating a home that feels considered and refined without becoming overly formal.

At the heart of the project is a simple architectural idea: to make a lower-ground-floor home feel bright, generous and connected to its surroundings. Through careful manipulation of light, views and thresholds, the renovation creates a relaxed setting for everyday life and a much stronger relationship between the house and its courtyard garden.