Page 117 - Homes & Antiques (February 2020)

HOMES Victorian Flat

The Chesterfield sofa, coffee table and
overmantel mirror were bought over the
years at various French antiques markets. The
statement pendant is by Abigail Ahern.
RIGHT A loo is concealed behind the Tardis-
like panelling inspired by Buckingham Palace –
‘a warren of secret doors and hidden
staircases’, says Linda. The pillar and plinth
are from Retrouvius.

hen she’s buying
at auction, Linda
Allen’s technique is
to bide her time. ‘At the point when
most bidders lose interest and the room
goes quiet, that’s when I perk up,’ she
says. It’s an approach that has paid o!,
"lling Linda and her husband Darin
Brown’s home with atmospheric and
intriguing "nds.
Her latest auction buys include
several vintage paintings, a wartime
campaign desk and the set of replica
terraco#a warrior busts that are now
lined up in the master bedroom (p122).
‘We had a few strange looks when we
carried them home,’ she smiles.
The weathered wall cabinet in the
kitchen is another vintage "nd (it came
out of a tailor’s shop), while the kitchen
island is an old haberdashery counter,
its neat compartments now used for
cutlery and jars of spices. The copper
sink – visible from all angles, thanks
to the counter’s glass sides – was
bought by Darin on a trip to Florida
and the taps are vintage American.
Linda originally made her name as
a footwear designer but she now

February 2020 Homes & Antiques 117