Inside a West London Townhouse designed by Architect Peter Lynn

A Home Designed with Family Life in Mind

The brief was defined by a busy household of six and two pets, with hosting at its core. “It was all about social interaction, open plan, but also creating little cozy spots,” Lynn explains. Over two years of close collaboration with the clients and a fourteen-month build, the house was extended and entirely reworked, including the excavation of a full basement where none previously existed. From dinner parties to kid’s get-togethers, the outcome promotes everyday routines just as much as celebrations.

The Entrance and Front Reception

The entrance hall and front reception room was carefully re-engineered to counter the darkness typical of houses of this era. Glazing between hall and reception draws light deep into the plan, offering what Lynn describes as “this really beautiful feeling of width” from the front door. The fireplace was relocated and rebuilt, now centered to anchor the room symmetrically, with bespoke bronze detailing and generous space for artwork, seasonal rituals, and family life to gather around the hearth.

The Kitchen as Social Space

At the heart of the ground floor lies the open plan kitchen, dining, and living space, intended for entertainment as well as daily use. A bespoke kitchen by Humphrey Munson is organised around a generous island and statement cooking zone, supported by a pantry, coffee station, and a fully equipped drinks area. “There’s beers in here too,” Lynn laughs, “and I’ve just spotted a bottle of champagne,” capturing the space’s laid-back functionality.

Garden Connection

With doors that fold back rather than completely disappear, the rear elevation opens onto the garden, maintaining a classical rhythm while allowing an effortless connection to the outside. The garden itself is designed as a social extension of the house, with built-in seating, storage, and room for play. A particularly personal detail lies in the lawn, where turf sourced from Lord’s Cricket Ground was laid. “The client is a member,” Lynn explains, “and you could purchase rolls of it,” putting as much focus on experiences as design goals in the project.

The Space Below

One of the most transformative moves was the creation of the basement, excavated to achieve ceiling heights of over three metres. “It just doesn’t feel like you’re in the basement,” says Lynn, noting how light, proportion, and layout redefine expectations. The level accommodates a guest suite, utility spaces, a calm Pilates studio, and a dramatic family room designed for sleepovers and games, anchored by custom furniture and detailed joinery.

Bedrooms Designed with Imagination

Upper floors are shaped around children’s spaces that encourage both rest and play. A vaulted daughter’s bedroom features a trundle bed and reading tower, while the top floor introduces a dedicated playroom within a new second-floor pod. Natural light is carefully drawn into stairwells and landings via roof lights, ensuring even the most internal spaces feel open and animated throughout the day.

A Calm Principal Suite

The main suite at the front of the house is designed as a series of rooms rather than a single space. A dressing space acts as a threshold before the bedroom, offering what Lynn calls “a bit of a break before entering into the main room.” Beyond, a luxurious ensuite with a custom double vanity completes a private haven that feels calm, spacious, and subtly indulgent.