Nestled in a leafy enclave in Montpelier, Bristol, Tristan Hogg’s family home is a testament to his love of upcycling and vintage interiors. The chef and co-founder of Pieminister was first drawn to the property when he used to walk by and admire the façade, which hinted at its past as a shop. By chance, Tristan ended up living in the house for six months, when it was an Airbnb rental, before buying it five years ago.
A layered past
The building has a fascinating history and was originally part of a Georgian manor house that was divided into a terrace of four houses in Victorian times. In the early part of the 20th century, each of the four houses operated as a shop. After this, Tristan’s house was bought by the school across the road and became a common area for students, before reverting to a dwelling.
Taking into account its Georgian core with Victorian elements, Tristan’s aim when renovating was to listen to the house and let the original features and laidback artisan location guide him. ‘We wanted to let the character of each room shine, with any new additions complementing the period details. We’ve left reminders of the past wherever we could,’ he says.
Rooms with a sense of discovery
The house looks unassuming from the outside but, as soon as you step inside, the quirky angles, colour-drenched walls and a myriad of treasures all vie for your attention and lead you on a journey of discovery through to the suntrap back garden. ‘I’m not a fan of open-plan living, which isn’t what this house is about. I worked with architect Simon Mundy, who made sure that as you walk through the house, each room unfolds,’ Tristan says.
Tristan enlisted the help of a legion of local creatives and tradespeople to sympathetically redesign the interiors, keeping in mind that he wanted the house to double as an entertaining space for his newly launched monthly lunch clubs. Naturally, the one-of-a-kind kitchen is the epicentre of the house, and epitomises Tristan’s earthy, whimsical style.
Built by designer-maker Neil Jolliffe, mod cons are hidden behind chunky, rustic cabinets made from reclaimed wood. Utilitarian linen ticking fabric, a pre-loved sink and antique taps create a nostalgic atmosphere.
A collector’s eye
Well before the renovation commenced, Tristan and his partner, Tess Rummer, began collecting an array of quirky pieces from local reclamation yards and antiques shops. Having been influenced by his travels in Africa, Saudi Arabia and Australia, Tristan has brought a relaxed global style to the house, with an eclectic mix of textiles and collectables, as well as stylish mid-century pieces. ‘I’m a collector. I’ve always moved around a lot, and have collected things that I think are interesting,’ says Tristan.
His passion for upcycling means that he’s always thinking of creative ways to use found objects and materials that would ordinarily be discarded. Surplus rafters, taken out of the roof during the renovation, were repurposed by builders Symes Construction, and made into window trims, ceiling beams, and even the bed base in the converted attic. A huge piece of slate found hidden in the garden became a quirky tabletop, paired with an old wrought-iron base, and now has pride of place in the attic bedroom.
Colour, craft and conviviality
With the mix of earthy materials and vintage finds, a serene feeling prevails. Natural limewash Bauwerk paint colours on the walls enhance the subtle imperfections created over time, and allow the house to breathe. Textural, chalky tones of ochre and pale plaster pink wrap around the rooms to create a cosy feel.
Interiors consultant Kate Harman worked with Tristan to come up with the cohesive, warm, spicy colour palette that flows throughout the spaces. ‘There’s quite an art to applying the Bauwerk paint. You use special brushes; it’s a completely different approach. We painted the walls and ceilings for a colour-drenched effect, which isn’t overpowering, because the pigments are so soft and gentle. It’s an arty area of Bristol, so I think the house needed a lot of colour,’ explains Tristan.
Now the renovation is complete, Tristan has been able to turn his attention to his new business venture: Chicken Lunch Club. Tristan serves up culinary delights from the comfort of his home once a month. When the house is set up for guests, it turns into a 26-seater restaurant. ‘Welcoming friends, family and customers into my home, and sharing what we’ve created, is what it’s all about,’ Tristan says.
To find out more, visit @chickenlunchclub
