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My Houzz: A Converted Victorian Schoolhouse Gets a Lesson in Style
An old schoolhouse is transformed into a spacious home with plenty of natural light, vintage finds and restored period features
When Maria Jackson’s husband, Thomas, put down the final bid for a stately Victorian schoolhouse in the picturesque village of Langar in Nottinghamshire, the couple knew they were purchasing a piece of history. The year was 2009, the Jacksons had just welcomed their youngest son into the family and they knew they wanted to live closer to Thomas’s family in Nottingham. ‘When we saw it had come up for auction, we thought it was perfect,’ Maria says, recalling their excitement after seeing the property listing for the first time. She was immediately drawn to the school’s location, which overlooks the village green, provides ample space for her three boys to run around in, and is close enough both to Thomas’s work and his family.
Built in 1842, with historic Langar Hall right next door, the couple knew that keeping and restoring as many historic features as possible would be a priority. In fact, Maria states that many of the older residents of Langar actually attended classes at the former schoolhouse. ‘The school is part of the village,’ the Kentucky native says, and thus it was important for her to ensure the building’s history and status wasn’t neglected or ignored. However, the couple added a spacious rear extension and installed a second floor in order to provide as much space as possible for the family.
The renovations were finally completed in the summer of 2013, and Maria and her family could move out of the headmaster’s cottage in the right wing of the building (now rented out) and properly enjoy their new home. With a love for period features and vintage finds, Maria and her husband have managed to transform the old schoolhouse into a stately yet cosy family home that continues to be a fixture in Langar’s history.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here Maria Jackson, her husband Thomas, their three children, William (10), Roman (8) and Luke (5), plus Norman the cavalier King Charles spaniel
Location Langar, Nottinghamshire
Size 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Built in 1842, with historic Langar Hall right next door, the couple knew that keeping and restoring as many historic features as possible would be a priority. In fact, Maria states that many of the older residents of Langar actually attended classes at the former schoolhouse. ‘The school is part of the village,’ the Kentucky native says, and thus it was important for her to ensure the building’s history and status wasn’t neglected or ignored. However, the couple added a spacious rear extension and installed a second floor in order to provide as much space as possible for the family.
The renovations were finally completed in the summer of 2013, and Maria and her family could move out of the headmaster’s cottage in the right wing of the building (now rented out) and properly enjoy their new home. With a love for period features and vintage finds, Maria and her husband have managed to transform the old schoolhouse into a stately yet cosy family home that continues to be a fixture in Langar’s history.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here Maria Jackson, her husband Thomas, their three children, William (10), Roman (8) and Luke (5), plus Norman the cavalier King Charles spaniel
Location Langar, Nottinghamshire
Size 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Although the main entrance leads into the living room and dining room space, Maria and her family usually use this left-hand side entrance, which leads into the utility room (part of the extension) on one side and her sons’ bedroom on the other. There’s also a cloakroom on the left.
The staircase leads up to the master bedroom, with the little cupboard underneath ideal for storing shoes and coats. The staircase is not original. ‘The school was only on one level, but it had a really high ceiling, so we added another floor,’ Maria explains.
The staircase leads up to the master bedroom, with the little cupboard underneath ideal for storing shoes and coats. The staircase is not original. ‘The school was only on one level, but it had a really high ceiling, so we added another floor,’ Maria explains.
Rather than porcelain or ceramic tiles, Maria used cork flooring in both the utility room and the kitchen beyond, soaking samples in water to see which would be most resistant. ‘I wanted the flooring to be soft and warm,’ she says. The cork also acts as a shock absorber – a boon with three young boys racing around.
The stained-glass door off the utility room, which leads to the kitchen, is made of antique pine. ‘It came from an auction house in Nottingham,’ Maria says.
Stained-glass door, Arthur Johnson & Sons Auctioneers.
Learn how to maximise space in a utility room
The stained-glass door off the utility room, which leads to the kitchen, is made of antique pine. ‘It came from an auction house in Nottingham,’ Maria says.
Stained-glass door, Arthur Johnson & Sons Auctioneers.
Learn how to maximise space in a utility room
Maria’s calming colour scheme, characterised by whites, browns and blues, reflects her love of a natural aesthetic. ‘I’m not really into modern style. I wanted it to look natural, especially with it being such an old building,’ she explains. The cabinets, which she painted blue, came from an auction house.
In here, the look is complemented by a row of plants hanging from a pole across the window, giving the potentially overlooked space a personal touch.
The double doors on the left are a bespoke creation designed to match the stained-glass door into the kitchen.
Bespoke door, Gatehouse Antiques. Cabinets, Arthur Johnson & Sons Auctioneers. Cabinets painted in Niagara Blues, Dulux.
In here, the look is complemented by a row of plants hanging from a pole across the window, giving the potentially overlooked space a personal touch.
The double doors on the left are a bespoke creation designed to match the stained-glass door into the kitchen.
Bespoke door, Gatehouse Antiques. Cabinets, Arthur Johnson & Sons Auctioneers. Cabinets painted in Niagara Blues, Dulux.
The kitchen is in the new extension. The most eye-catching feature in here is the brick well, which was discovered by the builders. While Maria was excited about uncovering a piece of history, it put a bit of a dent in the construction timeline, as it was in the spot where the main supports were supposed to go. ‘It took two weeks longer because we had to add additional supports,’ she says. ‘But it was worth it.’
The well was restored using surplus bricks from the renovation, and is fully functional. ‘We actually have it hooked up to two exterior underground reservoir tanks,’ says Maria. ‘We have no shortage of water.’
The well is quite deep, plunging 27ft. ‘We haven’t dropped anything in there yet,’ she laughs, but to ensure that doesn’t change anytime soon, she had a wood and glass lid made that ensures both unencumbered views and safety.
The well was restored using surplus bricks from the renovation, and is fully functional. ‘We actually have it hooked up to two exterior underground reservoir tanks,’ says Maria. ‘We have no shortage of water.’
The well is quite deep, plunging 27ft. ‘We haven’t dropped anything in there yet,’ she laughs, but to ensure that doesn’t change anytime soon, she had a wood and glass lid made that ensures both unencumbered views and safety.
The kitchen island next to the well is custom-made. ‘Everything had to be built around the well to make it part of the scheme,’ Maria explains.
The stainless steel worktop and black bar stools were bought online. The ash worktops have been given an Osmo oil finish. Exposed wooden beams supporting the extension match the original beams elsewhere.
Pendant lights, Jim Lawrence. Cabinets, Arthur Johnson & Sons Auctioneers.
The stainless steel worktop and black bar stools were bought online. The ash worktops have been given an Osmo oil finish. Exposed wooden beams supporting the extension match the original beams elsewhere.
Pendant lights, Jim Lawrence. Cabinets, Arthur Johnson & Sons Auctioneers.
Maria’s informal dining area also houses her home office. She picked up the table and chairs at an auction house and restored them with chalk paint and clear wax.
The bench on the far side of the table is an antique. ‘I think it’s an old school bench,’ says Maria. By incorporating details like this and the school desk, she has managed to keep the building’s history alive and well.
Table and chairs, Arthur Johnson & Sons Auctioneers. Pendant light, Cox & Cox. Antique school bench, The Marvellous Furniture Co. Antique school desk and chair, Arthur Johnson & Sons Auctioneers. Cubbyholes, Newark International Antiques & Collectors Fair.
See how to feel creative and productive when working from home
The bench on the far side of the table is an antique. ‘I think it’s an old school bench,’ says Maria. By incorporating details like this and the school desk, she has managed to keep the building’s history alive and well.
Table and chairs, Arthur Johnson & Sons Auctioneers. Pendant light, Cox & Cox. Antique school bench, The Marvellous Furniture Co. Antique school desk and chair, Arthur Johnson & Sons Auctioneers. Cubbyholes, Newark International Antiques & Collectors Fair.
See how to feel creative and productive when working from home
Maria bought the sideboard at an antiques fair. ‘I use it to divide the dining area and office,’ she says. It also provides useful extra storage, holding everything from silverware and board games to her son’s aquarium.
Maria customised the fairy lights for a unique touch. Many of the bulbs are shaded with little glass bottles, which came from old castles in the Channel Islands, where she and Thomas used to live. The painter that worked on their previous home also helped to strip the walls of old castles, and would find myriad bottles of different sizes squeezed in between the stonework, a common practice at a time when bricks and mortar were valuable commodities.
Sideboard, Newark International Antiques & Collectors Fair. Antique hanging scale, Arthur Johnson & Sons Auctioneers.
Maria customised the fairy lights for a unique touch. Many of the bulbs are shaded with little glass bottles, which came from old castles in the Channel Islands, where she and Thomas used to live. The painter that worked on their previous home also helped to strip the walls of old castles, and would find myriad bottles of different sizes squeezed in between the stonework, a common practice at a time when bricks and mortar were valuable commodities.
Sideboard, Newark International Antiques & Collectors Fair. Antique hanging scale, Arthur Johnson & Sons Auctioneers.
The open doors of the extension create a seamless transition between outdoors and in. The flagstone pattern was designed by Maria. She wanted an ecofriendly space, so filled the gaps between the stones with plenty of gravel to facilitate good drainage.
The big, comfortable outdoor dining area is ideal for entertaining. ‘We do our Fourth of July party here,’ she says. It sits on a slightly raised deck, stained to match the timber indoors.
Maria added a corrugated plastic awning in order to ensure water drains away quickly and effectively, and lined it on the underside with sheer white fabric to diffuse the light and create a cosy effect. The chairs are basic Ikea ones that Maria painted white.
Table, Arthur Johnson & Sons Auctioneers. Tarno chairs, Ikea. Bistro lights, The Garden Lighting Shop.
Maria added a corrugated plastic awning in order to ensure water drains away quickly and effectively, and lined it on the underside with sheer white fabric to diffuse the light and create a cosy effect. The chairs are basic Ikea ones that Maria painted white.
Table, Arthur Johnson & Sons Auctioneers. Tarno chairs, Ikea. Bistro lights, The Garden Lighting Shop.
A purpose-built unit, with a modern grill and generous work space, makes barbecues a breeze. Building the outside kitchen wasn’t too challenging a task. ‘The back wall was originally a toilet block,’ Maria explains, ‘so the drainage was already there.’
When Maria and Thomas started renovating the old schoolhouse, one of their first tasks was to remove the multiple layers of paint that had accumulated over the school’s history.
‘I had to have the sandblasters in for three-and-a-half weeks,’ Maria says. However, once the layers of paint had been removed, the building’s original Victorian features were revealed. ‘That was my favourite part of the whole project,’ she says.
This process was particularly effective in the dining room, where many features, such as the original stone beam supports, were exposed.
Maria tried to conserve as many features as possible. The windows, for example, are original, although they did have to be resealed.
‘I had to have the sandblasters in for three-and-a-half weeks,’ Maria says. However, once the layers of paint had been removed, the building’s original Victorian features were revealed. ‘That was my favourite part of the whole project,’ she says.
This process was particularly effective in the dining room, where many features, such as the original stone beam supports, were exposed.
Maria tried to conserve as many features as possible. The windows, for example, are original, although they did have to be resealed.
In the corner of the dining room, Maria created a cosy and stylish reading nook. The old leather armchair was purchased at auction, and Maria warmed it up by adding a merino wool throw and a cute owl cushion.
In order to bring more light into the room, Maria fitted eight copper wall lights throughout the dining and living room. This one functions as a reading lamp without taking up any floor space.
In order to maximise the heating in these large rooms, Maria installed a wood-burning stove in the original fireplace. She decorated her mantelpiece with more glass bottles from the Channel Islands.
Armchair, Arthur Johnson & Sons Auctioneers. Merino wool throw, Woodcock & Cavendish. Owl cushion, Achica. Copper wall lamps, B&Q. Wood-burning stove, eBay.
In order to bring more light into the room, Maria fitted eight copper wall lights throughout the dining and living room. This one functions as a reading lamp without taking up any floor space.
In order to maximise the heating in these large rooms, Maria installed a wood-burning stove in the original fireplace. She decorated her mantelpiece with more glass bottles from the Channel Islands.
Armchair, Arthur Johnson & Sons Auctioneers. Merino wool throw, Woodcock & Cavendish. Owl cushion, Achica. Copper wall lamps, B&Q. Wood-burning stove, eBay.
The large dining room table and benches were made bespoke by a local carpenter. The chandelier ‘was a wreck’ when Maria first picked it up, so she had an electrician restore it. ‘The old trunk is one of those that went on the back of a car,’ Maria explains. It now houses board games.
Dining table and bench, Fulbeck Woods. Chandelier, Newark International Antiques & Collectors Fair. Antique trunk, Arthur Johnson & Sons Auctioneers.
Dining table and bench, Fulbeck Woods. Chandelier, Newark International Antiques & Collectors Fair. Antique trunk, Arthur Johnson & Sons Auctioneers.
The cosy living room provides plenty of space for the family to come together and relax at the end of a long day. Maria isn’t fond of new purchases, preferring second-hand finds. ‘The old stuff has more character, and I think it works better in an old house.’ They bought the brown leather sofa and the trunk in the fireplace from UK auctions, and the central trunk was from Restoration Hardware in the US.
The mantelpiece is adorned with various knick-knacks, including ‘an old oil lamp that still works’. Maria was keen to warm up her home’s style, especially as the rooms have such large proportions. ‘I didn’t want it to look too cold,’ she says.
Brown leather sofa, Jersey Auctioneer Simon Drieu & Co. White sofa, Ikea. Fireplace trunk, Arthur Johnson & Sons Auctioneers. TV stand, Fulbeck Woods. Oil lamp, Arthur Johnson & Sons Auctioneers.
The mantelpiece is adorned with various knick-knacks, including ‘an old oil lamp that still works’. Maria was keen to warm up her home’s style, especially as the rooms have such large proportions. ‘I didn’t want it to look too cold,’ she says.
Brown leather sofa, Jersey Auctioneer Simon Drieu & Co. White sofa, Ikea. Fireplace trunk, Arthur Johnson & Sons Auctioneers. TV stand, Fulbeck Woods. Oil lamp, Arthur Johnson & Sons Auctioneers.
Maria made sure her bedroom had plenty of light by adding two skylights and painting the room in white and grey-blue. She also whitewashed the floorboards.
She got crafty and actually made the valance herself out of some leftover linen. The bedspread came from Pottery Barn in the US. Pictures of her boys adorn the walls, depicting them when they were very young.
Leather armchair, Jersey Auctioneers. Bedside lamps, Laura Ashley.
She got crafty and actually made the valance herself out of some leftover linen. The bedspread came from Pottery Barn in the US. Pictures of her boys adorn the walls, depicting them when they were very young.
Leather armchair, Jersey Auctioneers. Bedside lamps, Laura Ashley.
The nook on the right-hand side of the bed hides Maria’s two eldest sons’ retreat. ‘It’s where they go to build stuff they don’t want their little brother to get his hands on,’ she laughs.
Maria chose a green, blue and white colour scheme for the master bathroom. ‘I wanted it to be natural and calming,’ she says. She had twin basins fitted to carve out her own space. ‘I don’t like sharing my basin,’ she laughs.
She couldn’t find a bathroom mirror she liked, so ended up purchasing this stylishly mismatched pair from an antiques fair.
Shower and basins, Bathstore Nottingham Commodore. Mirrors, Newark International Antiques & Collectors Fair.
She couldn’t find a bathroom mirror she liked, so ended up purchasing this stylishly mismatched pair from an antiques fair.
Shower and basins, Bathstore Nottingham Commodore. Mirrors, Newark International Antiques & Collectors Fair.
The floor plan of the ground floor illustrates how the extension fits together with the rest of the building.
The floor plan of the first floor shows the location of the master bedroom on the left.
The layers of paint that had accumulated on the schoolhouse’s walls over the years covered its beautiful period features, and had to be sandblasted away over a number of weeks.
My Houzz is a series in which we visit and photograph creative, personality-filled homes and the people who inhabit them. If you would like your home to be featured, please send information and photos to ukeditor@houzz.com.
My Houzz is a series in which we visit and photograph creative, personality-filled homes and the people who inhabit them. If you would like your home to be featured, please send information and photos to ukeditor@houzz.com.
The headmaster’s cottage, where the headmaster lived during the school term, is housed in the right wing. The family now rents it out to visitors and short-term residents.