Houzz Tours
House Tours
My Houzz: Step Inside a Converted Medieval Priory in West Sussex
The owners of this historical property used vintage finds and a playful style to create a welcoming family home
In 2009, Adam and Louise Black decided to look for more space to raise their four boys and simultaneously keep their sanity. ‘We had to get out of London,’ explains Adam. Knowing exactly what they wanted, the family started looking for a home in West Sussex. When they happened upon this medieval priory near Pagham Harbour, they knew they’d found their perfect match. ‘There are three miles of beach right at the end of the garden,’ says Adam, citing one of the property’s main appeals. He grew up on a Yorkshire farm and was very keen for his children to enjoy the same proximity to nature.
The priory’s oldest structures, which comprise the left-hand side of the building, were constructed in 1439. ‘But there’s been a house here since 600 AD,’ Adam says. Throughout the years, newer additions have further expanded the property.
Although the home is a considerable size, Adam, who’s the founder of bed and mattress company Button & Sprung, was perfectly placed to source furniture for it. Louise, who decorated the entire home, was eager to conserve the building’s features and character while also adding quirky details.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here Adam and Louise Black, their sons Bruno (12), Noah (10), Tibo (8), and Gabriel (7), plus two dogs and a cat
Location Chichester, West Sussex
Size 7 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms
The priory’s oldest structures, which comprise the left-hand side of the building, were constructed in 1439. ‘But there’s been a house here since 600 AD,’ Adam says. Throughout the years, newer additions have further expanded the property.
Although the home is a considerable size, Adam, who’s the founder of bed and mattress company Button & Sprung, was perfectly placed to source furniture for it. Louise, who decorated the entire home, was eager to conserve the building’s features and character while also adding quirky details.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here Adam and Louise Black, their sons Bruno (12), Noah (10), Tibo (8), and Gabriel (7), plus two dogs and a cat
Location Chichester, West Sussex
Size 7 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms
The left side of the Priory is the original 1439 build, while a change in brickwork on the right side shows the additions made in more recent decades.
This welcoming living room functions as the family’s official chill-out space, so cosiness is the order of the day in here. ‘The fire is lit seven days a week in the winter,’ says Adam.
The large ‘A’ at the window was a birthday present from Louise to Adam. Underneath is a small lamp in the shape of an L, which the couple picked up at a charity shop.
The vintage French shutters were salvaged and then painted duck-egg blue by Louise, and their quirkiness and soft, shabby chic style perfectly reflects her taste, which Adam describes as ‘very eclectic’.
The brocade ottoman is the companion piece to a Multiyork sofa in the more formal sitting room, while the wide blue armchair was a hand-me-down from a friend. ‘There are a lot of little pastiches everywhere,’ says Adam.
Shutters, Mangan Antiques.
The large ‘A’ at the window was a birthday present from Louise to Adam. Underneath is a small lamp in the shape of an L, which the couple picked up at a charity shop.
The vintage French shutters were salvaged and then painted duck-egg blue by Louise, and their quirkiness and soft, shabby chic style perfectly reflects her taste, which Adam describes as ‘very eclectic’.
The brocade ottoman is the companion piece to a Multiyork sofa in the more formal sitting room, while the wide blue armchair was a hand-me-down from a friend. ‘There are a lot of little pastiches everywhere,’ says Adam.
Shutters, Mangan Antiques.
The oversized mirror in the living room was originally housed in the UK Playboy mansion back in the 1960s. The room’s coffee table is further evidence of the couple’s clever repurposing skills. The base is an old piece Adam has had for more than 25 years, which then received a bespoke mirrored glass top some 12 years ago. The quirky letters hanging over the TV are metal ones Louise found at 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
The eye-catching velvet conversation sofa in the second half of the living room is an antique find Louise is particularly fond of. Louise also sourced the various light fixtures, from the antique chandelier to the bulbs strung up with colourful flex. She also worked to lighten the space by painting the oak floorboards, which were a dark colour that robbed the room of its airiness. The scratches that reveal the original wood beneath only add to her quirky decorating style.
The armchair on the far right was given to Adam by his mother when he moved into his first home.
French sofa and armchair, Mangan Antiques. Floor lamp, eBay. Conversation sofa, eBay.
The armchair on the far right was given to Adam by his mother when he moved into his first home.
French sofa and armchair, Mangan Antiques. Floor lamp, eBay. Conversation sofa, eBay.
This sofa and armchair are vintage finds. ‘The woodwork on the sofa was originally gilded,’ Adam explains, but Louise painted it white. She also used leftover fabric to upholster the salvaged screen.
Adam says that his home’s interior style is ‘something that’s evolved, and is still evolving’. This organic approach to decorating creates a lovely collection of individual treasures and finds.
Adam says that his home’s interior style is ‘something that’s evolved, and is still evolving’. This organic approach to decorating creates a lovely collection of individual treasures and finds.
This second sitting room is a more formal space, which the Black family call The Oak Room. ‘When we first bought the house, it was very dark inside,’ says Adam, so he and Louise painted as much of the space as possible white. However, he decided to keep the original beams and beautiful panelling untouched.
The elegant space has two large fireplaces that keep the room nice and toasty. The fireplaces are built from the same stone used in old cathedrals and churches all over the country. The room is mostly reserved for special occasions, such as the upcoming Christmas festivities. ‘Christmas presents will be under this tree,’ Adam says.
Brocade sofa, Multiyork. White sofa, Ikea. Chandelier, Mangan Antiques. Coffee table, Mangan Antiques.
The elegant space has two large fireplaces that keep the room nice and toasty. The fireplaces are built from the same stone used in old cathedrals and churches all over the country. The room is mostly reserved for special occasions, such as the upcoming Christmas festivities. ‘Christmas presents will be under this tree,’ Adam says.
Brocade sofa, Multiyork. White sofa, Ikea. Chandelier, Mangan Antiques. Coffee table, Mangan Antiques.
The large timber beams defining this room have quite a history. ‘Some of them are ship timbers,’ says Adam. This is particularly evident in the curved support beam on the left, which seems to have come from a ship’s hull.
The comfy velvet armchair, which Adam calls ‘an impulse purchase’, is from a local antiques shop, while the elegant Chinese-style chest of drawers came from Adam’s home county of Yorkshire.
Chest of drawers, Redbrick Mill.
The comfy velvet armchair, which Adam calls ‘an impulse purchase’, is from a local antiques shop, while the elegant Chinese-style chest of drawers came from Adam’s home county of Yorkshire.
Chest of drawers, Redbrick Mill.
The dining table is a bespoke creation made out of pine planks that Louise painted purple. ‘Every chair is individual,’ Adam says. ‘There are no rules.’
The carefree style is reinforced by the disco balls sharing ceiling space with a regal chandelier. Adam explains these quirky details are Louise’s way of saying: ‘Don’t take this too seriously.’
The carefree style is reinforced by the disco balls sharing ceiling space with a regal chandelier. Adam explains these quirky details are Louise’s way of saying: ‘Don’t take this too seriously.’
The dining room feels light and airy thanks to the whitewashed floorboards. ‘The floor and all the seats by the window were originally dark wood,’ Adam explains.
A practical wood-burning stove sits in the grand dining room fireplace, adding a cheerful, warming glow to the room. The door to the left leads through into the kitchen.
‘The statement piece in the kitchen is the table,’ says Adam. The long, zinc-topped table, which was purchased at an antiques shop in Petworth, was originally meant for outside eating, but the Blacks decided to bring it inside.
An antique butcher’s block rounds out the space, while a painting by Natasha Law, actor Jude Law’s sister, adds a pop of colour.
The mismatched pendant lamps, all picked up in different second-hand shops, are another of Louise’s quirky touches.
Butcher’s block, Spencer Swaffer Antiques.
An antique butcher’s block rounds out the space, while a painting by Natasha Law, actor Jude Law’s sister, adds a pop of colour.
The mismatched pendant lamps, all picked up in different second-hand shops, are another of Louise’s quirky touches.
Butcher’s block, Spencer Swaffer Antiques.
The master bedroom is all about comfort and relaxation. The functioning fireplace and strategically positioned chaise and armchairs, which were purchased at a house clearance shop in Selsey, add to the cosy atmosphere.
Louise’s desk, positioned right up against the window, has inspiring views of the beach. ‘The light in here is amazing,’ Adam says.
Adam installed the shelves above the windows to display books with artistic covers. ‘I use books as art,’ he says. An old trunk holds spare bed linen and blankets.
Trunk, eBay.
Louise’s desk, positioned right up against the window, has inspiring views of the beach. ‘The light in here is amazing,’ Adam says.
Adam installed the shelves above the windows to display books with artistic covers. ‘I use books as art,’ he says. An old trunk holds spare bed linen and blankets.
Trunk, eBay.
The antique wardrobe in the master bedroom was purchased at an auction, and lends the space a relaxed, vintage air. ‘It weighs a ton,’ laughs Adam, adding that moving it once was enough for him.
The chandelier is a 1920s original that Adam and Louise picked up in an antiques shop.
Bed, Samphire range, Button & Sprung. Bed linen and cushions, Secret Linen Store. Chandelier, Mangan Antiques. Wardrobe, Lots Road Auctions.
The chandelier is a 1920s original that Adam and Louise picked up in an antiques shop.
Bed, Samphire range, Button & Sprung. Bed linen and cushions, Secret Linen Store. Chandelier, Mangan Antiques. Wardrobe, Lots Road Auctions.
The beautiful monastic doors are all original and lend each room a sense of grandeur.
In the master bathroom, Louise used metal letters like the ones in the living room to create a personal touch. The elegant, claw-foot bath and double basins came with the house. Louise added the French shutters to provide hanging space for clothes and jewellery.
The mirrors above the basins were picked up in second-hand shops, while the round mirror above the bath has been in the Blacks’ possession for a number of years and was just given a quick coat of white paint to freshen it up.
Be inspired by a selection of freestanding baths
The mirrors above the basins were picked up in second-hand shops, while the round mirror above the bath has been in the Blacks’ possession for a number of years and was just given a quick coat of white paint to freshen it up.
Be inspired by a selection of freestanding baths
One of two guest rooms, the ‘Blue Room’ channels a calming vibe. Louise also added French shutters to this space in order to frame the bed, although she painted these ones white.
Bed, Camelia range, Button & Sprung. Bed linen and cushions, Secret Linen Store.
Bed, Camelia range, Button & Sprung. Bed linen and cushions, Secret Linen Store.
A cosy day bed provides an inviting spot in which to read and gaze out of the window. Adam bought the 1920s piece from an antiques shop a number of years ago and cosied it up with cushions.
Adam’s study, with its leather armchair, is reminiscent of a gentlemen’s club. The walls are covered in family photographs stretching back several generations.
A row of vintage footballs lines the windowsill while a number of Union Jack items tie the room together in a playful fashion. The coffee table next to the sofa is an inherited Chippendale piece.
Armchair and sofa, CJC Furniture. Lamp, Porta Romana.
A row of vintage footballs lines the windowsill while a number of Union Jack items tie the room together in a playful fashion. The coffee table next to the sofa is an inherited Chippendale piece.
Armchair and sofa, CJC Furniture. Lamp, Porta Romana.
TELL US…
What did you like about this house? Please share your thoughts in the Comments below.
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.
What did you like about this house? Please share your thoughts in the Comments below.
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.