At Home with Jane Wilson

Describing your home's personality is a few words.

Eclectic if I’m being polite, or slightly chaotic if I’m being truthful.

Describe the building and architectural approach to the space.

Our home spans two floors of a grand Georgian house built in 1812, with spacious, gracious rooms overlooking a garden square in the heart of London. We feel incredibly fortunate; when we bought it, Marylebone was still somewhat of a no-man’s-land and comparatively affordable. We’ve preserved all the original features—partly by choice, and partly because the house is Grade I listed—and have made every effort to maximise light and create a sense of openness.

Favourite space or room in the home? And what’s your most loved season in this space?

I absolutely love the kitchen. When we bought the flat, the ground floor had been a doctor’s surgery, with the kitchen originally serving as the X-ray room, reception, and office. During the renovation, the builders exposed the pitched roof when they removed the dividing walls. They suggested leaving it open, which floods the space with light and creates a wonderful sense of openness. Neil designed the kitchen 23 years ago, and I still think it’s as timeless as ever. After the pandemic, we finally built a terrace off the kitchen—a project we had been dreaming about for about 20 years. The terrace has been a fantastic addition, giving us a lovely outdoor space. My favourite season is probably winter, when I enjoy sitting in the living room by the wood burner, watching people stroll by (often peering in if the shutters aren’t closed!).

One furniture item you could never part with? The best investment?

For my 21st birthday, I went to Camden Lock with my father, armed with a £100 budget to spend however I liked. In a rather random choice, I ended up buying a vintage dentist’s chair and a sculpture. This was quite a while ago when £100 went a lot further! Both pieces are incredibly special to me, and I can't imagine ever parting with them. Another great investment was a bent plywood Cherner chair that I found at a ‘bargain’ price for Neil’s birthday one year. I’m also passionate about 1950s furniture designer Robert Heritage and have collected a few of his fantastic pieces, which seem to be increasing in value nicely.

For a lazy night, my go-to recipe is a happy accident from a Google search. I had some sausages and fennel on hand and discovered a recipe for ‘date night rigatoni.’ It’s a simple but delicious mix of fennel, sausages, tomatoes, kale, cream, and plenty of Parmesan, all combined with whatever pasta you have available.

Any locals-only tips you’re willing to share for your corner of london?

Our local corner shop, Greenfields, is a real gem. It offers fantastic fruit and vegetables, an excellent butcher, and an array of unexpected yet essential items you didn’t know you needed. Nearby, Pattogh, an Iranian restaurant that’s cash-only and BYO, serves the most delicious grilled meats, salads, and bread you can imagine.

The Duke of Wellington, our local pub, has been a favorite since the 80s when I used to visit because my first boyfriend lived nearby, and Barbara Windsor was often there! The pub has seen its share of changes over the years, including a five-year closure, but it’s always bustling with locals and continues to serve excellent food.