Thursday, September 10, 2009

The actor's house

Cottage. Photograph by Tim IrvingRestoring a house is a dream for many people, and for the ones that actually do it, 90% get tradesmen in to help. This house is different!

It's situated in Southern Spain and belonged to an actor from London. He bought the house several years ago for the price of a small used car. At the time it was a total ruin, but the roof was sound. It was to be a project for the times when he was resting or getting into character (actors language for un-employed). As far as I can make out, this actor did a lot of resting. Over a period of 4 years he created the ideal retreat, and isn't it a spectacle!

Wonderful color, re-cycled stone, ceramics and found items. Local people donated the odd door and sink, everything else was scavenged. The cost of the entire restoration was the price of the paint.

The cottage is spectacular and the actor is a very talented colorist and designer. There are features in the house that I can only believe have been inspired by a theatre set, stairs that go nowhere and do nothing, except display vases of flowers.

Then 2 years ago the actor auditioned for a part in a major West End production. I can imagine the shock when he received the news that he had got the part, he must have fallen off his bar stool. After rehearsals and the opening night he was doing 2 performances a day, 6 days a week. Sadly, the cottage was neglected and was sold last year.

Cottage. Photograph by Tim Irving
Cottage. Photograph by Tim Irving
Cottage. Photograph by Tim Irving
Cottage. Photograph by Tim Irving
Cottage. Photograph by Tim Irving
Cottage. Photograph by Tim Irving
Cottage. Photograph by Tim Irving
Cottage. Photograph by Tim Irving
Cottage. Photograph by Tim Irving
Cottage. Photograph by Tim Irving

9 comments:

  1. It's amazing!!! I love every detail!

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  2. It's a dream, and I so love the story of its restoration and materials. Can't imagine having let it go. Such a simple yet rich space to refuel one's creativity.

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  3. Why does this remind me of Van Gogh?

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  4. I can't imagine having let this house go. I love the story behind it, both in owner and materials. Looks like a beautiful place to refuel the soul.

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  5. Beautiful spaces. I love the beams and the textures and colours in that last pic are fab!

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  6. The actor should have rented it out while he was employed... I would hate to lose such a gem of a cottage.

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  7. I keep commenting about this post, but it's not showing up. So, for the third and final time here it is: I can't imagine having let this cottage go. The story of its owner and materials is beautiful, and it looks like such a perfect place to be restored and refueled.

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