Having met Rachel Holland and Ruben Stephenson, I can totally understand why, one year, their characterful Georgian home became an open house with 80 revellers turning up to party with this fun-loving couple into the wee small hours.
We had a really memorable Christmas shoot at this lovely couple’s four-storey townhouse, located in the heart of Old Portsmouth.
When the subject of a festive feature in Ideal Home’s January 2016 issue, first cropped up, Rachel announced: “Oh great, Ruben loves Christmas,” and, I have to say, the energetic pair, who run commercial diving company RS Divers, pulled out all the stops to welcome us into their home and ensure the shoot was a runaway success.
I’m really impressed with architect Carl Leroy-Smith’s creative transformation of this period home. The brand new storey, built by Jeremy Westcott and his team, is a wonderful airy space that now boasts fabulous views over Portsmouth Harbour and out to the Isle of Wight. Loaf’s Ruffle king-size bed in Turmeric Clever Velvet takes centre stage in the master bedroom.
If, like Ruben, you love the festive season, and would like to see your home, complete with Christmas tree and decorations, featured in a national magazine, drop a line to mail@janetmcmeekin.co.uk or call 01243 792379.
Photographs, courtesy of Bruce Hemming