Graham Wynne, celebrated for his bold interior transformations on the iconic 90s show “Changing Rooms,” has unveiled his meticulously renovated Kent home, now listed on the property market for £1.25 million. Unlike the fleeting makeovers seen on television, Wynne embarked on a profound three-year journey to convert a historic Georgian house in Hythe into a quintessential English country residence, a testament to his refined interior design prowess.
Known as Oak Hall, this enchanting 270-year-old building captured Wynne’s heart in 2015. His lifelong admiration for Georgian architecture found its perfect canvas in this Grade II-listed property, which he describes with Narnia-like mystique, hidden from the road and revealing a glorious front garden. This personal project stands in stark contrast to the rapid-fire transformations of his television career, showcasing a deeper, more considered approach to home renovation.
Upon acquiring the five-bedroom, 2,557-square-foot house, Wynne envisioned a classic, lived-in country style, deeply sympathetic to the building’s 1749 origins. Drawing inspiration from the timeless elegance of Colefax and Fowler and his background with Ralph Lauren’s creative team, his goal was to craft a space that would remain classic and undated for decades. This vision guided every decision in the comprehensive refurbishment, ensuring a harmonious blend of historical integrity and contemporary comfort.
The initial phase involved significant structural work, including reflooring and replastering, before Wynne personally oversaw the room-by-room transformation. He approached his own home with a practicality often impossible under television’s stringent time constraints. This allowed him to truly consider each detail, hunt for bargains, and ensure a high standard of finish throughout the property, a luxury denied in the 14-hour TV makeovers.
Inside Oak Hall, the design exudes understated elegance. Wooden floors extend throughout, complemented by panelled walls in soothing creams, blues, and greys. Wynne’s clever use of Colefax and Fowler wallpaper in the master bedroom and library, alongside accessible high street soft furnishings, demonstrates his philosophy of achieving a high-end look without exorbitant expense, showcasing intelligent budgeting in home decor.
The ground floor hosts a country-style kitchen, dining room, and sitting room, while the upper levels feature a library and multiple bedrooms. A practical basement houses a wine and log store, crucial for the home’s four fireplaces, alongside an outbuilding with two garages. Every element contributes to the atmosphere of a truly lived-in, comfortable, and classic country house, ideal for family life.
Over the past decade, Wynne and his partner have cherished Oak Hall, hosting family and enjoying the quaint charm of Hythe, with its historic high street and uncrowded pebble beach. The decision to sell marks a new chapter, as Wynne seeks a fresh creative challenge, eager to apply his expertise to an entirely different architectural style and continue his legacy in interior design.
His next venture promises to be equally intriguing: transforming a nearby “beige box bungalow” into a mid-century, “James Bond-y, classic modern” abode, influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright. This shift highlights Wynne’s versatile approach and his desire to explore new design territories beyond period properties. His journey continues to inspire those interested in property development and unique home design.
For aspiring renovators, Wynne offers invaluable tips: tackle one room at a time for achievable satisfaction, invest in plain key pieces that won’t date, and be bold with easily changeable elements like paint colors and accessories. He also advises considering a consultant designer for initial guidance to avoid costly mistakes, a practical approach rooted in years of extensive interior design experience.
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