Ten minutes with Adib Farid from Temple & Co

Temple & Co is a property development business that works with first time investors and experienced entrepreneurs alike. 

But for his most recent project, company director Adib took on the more personal challenge of renovating his own home. 

‘It was something my mum and I took on together, and it was great to work with her on such a personal project,’ Adib tell us.

‘It’s a property of interest to the council because it’s a heritage asset, so the whole restoration had to be done in keeping with its surroundings. 

‘The building itself was originally a 1920s barn and stables. You used to be able to drive through the barn to get to the main house, which is now our neighbour’s home. 

‘It was never really lived in – but it still had so much character. And as it hadn’t been a house before we felt like we had a bit of a creative freedom.’ 

Although the design was open to the duo’s interpretation, they were careful to respect the history of the building too.

‘We kept the original pentagon shape of the barn but added a courtyard in the middle. Glass corridors with Crittall-style doors helped us achieve a beautiful flow of light into the house – it’s lovely to have that outside feeling whilst being indoors.

‘And when it came to the kitchen, we decided on a traditional English feel which worked well with the overall pared back farmhouse feel.’ 

Sustainable, natural and local materials were also key to the renovation. 

‘We opted to have all the walls constructed from lime plaster which makes the house completely breathable and non-pollutant – as well as visually charming.

‘For the windows and doors, we went for steel frames which really complemented the original features of the barn. If we’d gone for aluminium or something cheaper it just wouldn't have had the same effect, nor would it have been as environmentally friendly.

‘The driveway is made from Horsham stone, and we sourced our timber from a local supplier too.’ 

From his experience as a developer, Adib knew that the finishing touches would be just as integral to the project as the larger structural decisions. 

‘Small details make up the bigger picture. When people view a property, I always want them to experience high-quality fittings that are memorable.’

‘People often make the mistake of neglecting these details when it comes to the end of a project because they’ve already spent a lot of money. I always budget for the finishing touches during the planning stage.

‘I've had so many compliments on my Corston switches and sockets. They feel elegant and go really well with the Crittall-style doors. They also enhance the rustic effect of the lime plaster walls perfectly.’ 

Adib’s experience working with Corston extends beyond his personal design project too. 

‘The trade discount is so helpful and makes everything a bit more achievable when money is tight at the end of a project. 

‘The service is amazing too – whether it’s offering creative design ideas or knowing the collections inside out. And if you suddenly realise you need extra parts or more products, they’re shipped out to you so quickly.’