After years of painting trips, holidays and a rollercoaster of a property search, we’ve finally found our dream studio in Cornwall.
Leaking roofs, copious amounts of whitewashing, numerous skips, and an epic space once the working studio of Royal Academy artist Sandra Blow, in glorious St Ives.
I’ve been taking lots of photographs and Vanessa has been writing a monthly journal following our progress on the build. We’ll be sharing more of the Art Studio Renovation Diaries in the New Year.
Here’s a brief update of the journey so far, bringing this eclectic empty property back to life. The highs and lows of creating a studio, home and new life fuelled by large amounts of ice cream.
First things first, the Annexe
It seemed like the most logical place to start. Small, manageable, single-storey, and far enough away from living conditions to be contained.
The Annexe is where it would all begin.
It had considerable water damage from various roof leaks over the years, and the timber-frame doors were completely rotten. Improvements would mean adding acoustic, fire, and thermal insulation, and we wanted to respect the existing architectural character but provide easy access to public areas and studios wherever possible.
But most importantly, we wanted to preserve Sandra’s original snug drawing-room.
Artists’ studios leave clues
When we visited Cezanne’s studio it was the first time I had seen a super long door designed to move large canvases. When visiting Sorolla’s space in Madrid, I saw how a garden, home and studio space coexist together (and both artists had daybeds next to their easels!) Sorolla had a doorbell at the entrance of his studio so he could paint uninterrupted.
Sandra’s drawing studio gets the sun in the afternoon, making you feel entirely cocooned into the space.
It’s a real contrast to the epic scale of the painting studio next door, and having a change in scale between the spaces allows you to reflect on your paintings within a more homely environment, to lose this would feel so sad. It’s not just a drawing space, it’s a valuable thinking creative space.
The Rip Out
The rip out went swimmingly well; we felt utter joy at seeing the old mouldy kitchenette and shower room piled up on the courtyard; we even took funny photos of skips and marvelled at the demolition.
But it soon became obvious things were going to get expensive… replacing the roof, timbers, insulation, rewire, new boiler, upgrading the windows and doors, wet room and kitchen.
What on the first appraisal seemed like a starter project now definitely felt like we had moved into full-on renovation territory.
If Vanessa is the eternal optimist that sees change as an opportunity to improve, I’m a little more slow living, taking old bits of wood out of the skip and collecting piles of stuff that may still come in ‘useful’. Wildly out of date with all pricing apart from ice creams and paints.
As plans developed and the sun got higher, the space changed identity from a reception room next to the studios to grab a brew to a sunny garden lounge with a cafe bar to receive guests.
Our new Cornish dream team were incredible; having had the same builders for the last 20 years; a shift to a new crew is always unnerving, but they answered every question with thorough explanations, coming up with inventive suggestions and ideas. Through mizzle, searingly sunshine and strong winds, they worked tirelessly on our new little nest. It’s looking fabulous already; still a little way to go it’s going to be so much more than just a reception, café area, or lounge for the art studios.
It signifies hope; that the rest of the project will be as satisfying,
Triumph; because I could cope with a complete redesign after all, even with Vanessa’s fast and furious ideas coming in.
And a sense of commitment it’s beginning to feel like home with finished things that don’t leak.
Wishing you all a healthy, peaceful festive season and here’s to a creative 2022!
The Annexe before, April 2021
Annexe interior before, with mouldy timber on the doors, April 2021
Sandra Blow’s Drawing Room, you can see the hole in the ceiling where water was seeping in, April 2021
Rip out day – May 2021
Shower room gone – May 2021
Old roof off – August 2021
Preparing for new doors & windows – September 2021
Raising the ceiling height, insulating & soundproofing – September 2021
Rockwool
Suntunnel installation in the wetroom
Whitewashing and sanding back original floors – November 2021
Reinstating the Drawing Room
Restoring the beauty of the wooden floors
Wow, what a really big job! Congratulations Will on finding such an amazing place, hope all goes well for you there :)
Thanks so much Richard.
Will
How incredibly exciting for you and Vanessa! As I’ve been digging more intentionally into your tutorials, it’s a distinct treat to share your renovation/studio with you.
Glad you’ve been enjoying the tutorials Jennifer.
Hello Will
Great job, reminds me of the reno’s done to old cottages alongside a lake here in Ontario, looking forward to seeing it finished. Best wishes for the holidays, and a safe and healthy 2022…………Taffy
Thanks very much Taffy, have a great festive break.
This looks very promising Will! Having an inspiring studio like that, would make you want to have a paint brush in hand every day at the easel. I envy you pal!
Yes, super excited about it Mike.
Gosh beginning to look good – very big project you have set yourselves, bang a Christmas Tree up and put your feet up over the holiday.
Merry Christmas and every good wish for 2022. Stay safe
Sue
Thanks Sue, sounds like an excellent plan!
WOW! Fabulous space and so interesting to see the progression of the studio. Thanks so much for bringing us up to date – looking forward to the next installment! Sending you thanks for your inspiration and tutoring and wishing you and Vanessa a joyful holiday season and a very Merry Christmas!
Thanks so much Karen, have a great Christmas aswell.
Congratulating you and Vanessa for finding wonderful space for future productive creativity. The results thus far look amazing. Initially I could not see windows but then saw you have a whole wall of natural light.:) MJG
Thanks for your kind words Montie, super excited about it.
Hi Will. So pleased you have found a beautiful spot where you can flourish. Best wishes for you and your family for Christmas and all good things for 2022.
Thanks Helen, hope you have a lovely Christmas.
Wow, quite the reno. I feel like I’m part of your family as my husband built a lovely, somewhat smaller, studio for me. Renovation, renovation, it’s in our genes! lol I enjoy your posts, your art and wish you a very Merry Christmas!
Cheers Kathy, glad your renovation went well, hope you’ve been enjoying your studio space.
looking great….best of everything for 22
Thanks John, have a great Christmas.
Fantastic work on the annexe! These things always take twice as long & cost twice as much as anticipated but it’s going to be an amazing space! Have a good Christmas and a healthy 2022, Will & Vanessa.
Thanks Sarah, you’re spot on there!
Sure is a lot of work,and no dought eye-watering expense Will.
Luckily, Your Vanessa has Pioneer Blood in her veins!!
Merry Xmas, and May all go well for the New Year.
Ha, ha, very true Matt, thanks so much.
Thank you for details of the studio transformation at St. Ives. Lots of hard work with wonderful results!
Hope you enjoy Cornwall – I live in Falmouth!
Love watching all your videos and hearing your inspirational way of teaching.
Well done and thanks
Fab stuff Barbara, yes really been enjoying it, so pleased you’ve been finding the lessons helpful.
I was just, thinking I haven’t heard from Will, thank you for the update, you have put a smile on my face, glad the studio is going well, Imagine next year in the the light down there wonderful.
Glad you enjoyed it Giselle.
Brilliant new space. Merry Christmas and have a healthy, safe, prosperous 2022! Patricia
Thanks so much Patricia, have a lovely Christmas too.
What a fabulous space!
Will, what a great spot, and it looks like it going to be wonderful for you and Venessa. Love watching the progress. Happy Holidays!
Thanks Sharon
Will, you are such a wonderful person to know by internet, maintaining the energy and optimism, and your background skills and vision. I am now in my 80th year, and each day enjoying the work we did to our home 35 years ago, best investment.
Happy solstice
Robert
Well that is wise advice indeed Robert, I will think of how my future self would view this stage, very much appreciated.
Will
What a wonderful transformation, congratulations.
Haven’t been to St.Ives for a few years, would love to visit you sometime in the future.
Thanks Helen, pleased you enjoyed the photos.
Wow, what a journey! Thanks for sharing, looks like a fantastic space, nice it is away from “home” where interruptions stare you in the face. Good on you, what a blessing
Thanks Pat, yes feeling really excited about it.
Will
Hello Will, Looks to be an amazing space for an amazing teacher and artist. Cheryl and I are building a new home with ICF construction. I mention only as we have allotted a space for a studio for me. Although under construction I will share some photos of the space this week. We have just completed the drywall and if you don’t mind I will ask for some suggestions on lighting and some other things. Again congrats on the new space, and of course good luck with those new digs.
Steve Jones, Tennessee USA
You’re very kind Steve, oh wow, so the ICF is a combination of concrete and polystyrene system than interlocks? Sounds cool.
Will
In time to come, you’ll reminisce fondly at what now has seemed such a challenge. You’re making memories. Ice cream helps of course.
Glad tidings
Thanks Les, Robert mentioned the same sentiment so I will take on this advice for sure.
WOW Awesome space Sir. Also a huge undertaking as well. I live in an older house and the work is never finished, but I love it anyway. Best of luck Will and Happy Christmas. Looking forward to some pictures when you are finished. Regards Gordon
Thanks so much Gordon, have a fab Christmas aswell.
Will
Oh my word what a challenge! Great to see such huge progress after probably a lot of blood sweat tears (and money)! It will be such a joyful space for you both to enjoy.
Have a restful and safe Christmas.
Margaret
Thanks Margaret, yes, really looking forward to the next stages, have a great Christmas too.
Wow wow wow … how marvelllous to have found your forever home with such an amazing painting, business place attached! Will just to say you have changed my life … at last being able to handle oil paints with your tutorial guidance! To a happy, healthy 2021! X
That’s so brilliant to hear Wendy, glad your oils are going well.
Happy Christmas Will and thanks for another year of inspiration!
Happy Christmas Helene, thanks for following along.
Will
How exciting! I visited St.Ives about 20 or so years ago and fell in love with it.
It would be my dream place too!
I went to see the Leach Pottery not realizing how incredible the whole area is. Good luck!
Yes, really excited to explore the new area, have a lovely Christmas Susan.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you both!
Thanks Mary, and to you!
Awesome project underway Will. Can’t wait to see when finished. Happy Holidays and stay safe. Jacques from Ottawa, Canada
Thanks Jacques.
Oh boy! What a place to choose to be. Expensive but it could be worse and moved to Padstow..
Don’t forget the Minack Theatre. Wind, rain, snow or whatever, it’s compelling. And on top of all this there are the places to sit and paint. You lucky people.
Keep the material coming Will. Best wishes.
Yes, it’s fab at the Minack, have a great Christmas Charles.
Fabulous! Can’t wait to see it in the flesh
Cheers Pat.
Looks amazing! And your studio will be grand. We also moved and have been renovating–I haven’t been able to paint for two months or more as we are rebuilding my office where I write and paint–and I need to house 3,000 books from a lifetime of reading and teaching. I know how hard this process is and how full of hope it is, too! Thanks for the great update, my dear teacher! –Mary
Hey Mary, great to hear from you. Hope your build is going well. Wow, 3,000 books, sounds like the perfect opportunity for a super library, how inspiring.
Hi Will,
Looks great! I’m like your wife and get into the entire process to make it beautiful and functional and it looks like that’s exactly what you two are doing. The progress you’ve made is quite impressive, and I’m looking forward to seeing the end product.
Thanks Laura, pleased you enjoyed the progress pics.
looks wonderful,i wish i had one of those,merry christmas,stay safe hugs
Thanks Helen, have a lovely festive season.
It’s looking great! Is Vanessa blogging about the reno too? (I love following these renovation stories).
How have you managed to keep painting through all of this?????
Hey Judy, yes, there will be new blog updates from Vanessa in the new year on the reno.
Will
Great job on the reno so far, change is good for us, embrace all the ups and downs. At the end of it you’ll both sit back with smiles on your faces and go Ahhhhhh! Merry Christmas & stay safe
From Lennie R
I will hold that thought in mind Lennie! have a great Christmas.
Well done!! Will love seeing the finish!
God bless and Merry Christmas!!
C-Marie
Cheers C-Marie. Have a lovely Christmas.
Thanks for sharing your amazing restoration project. You have been a great inspiration to me over the years and I have gained immense pleasure from your videos and courses. I really enjoyed your portrait course and finally painted a portrait of my husband that I was happy to display. I’m just starting your Venice scene course. Hope I do half as good as your amazing version
That’s so great to hear Veronica, pleased your portrait went well. Enjoy the Venice course.
Looks great Will!! Kind of reminds me of my place in France. I’m in the Limousin, not far from where Monet used to stay and paint in Fresselines.
Sounds like a beautiful area Clive.
Wow Will, it looks the perfect place. It will be great when it is finished. I feel excited about it, and it’s not even mine! I do hope to see it one day. All the best for a happy, healthy Christmas and I look forward to hearing from you next year as I always enjoy your emails.
Margaret
Thanks so much Margaret, yes excited to get prepping on the woodwork.
Thanks for sharing this Will. It’s quite a project you have there and it looks like you’re turning it into a beautiful space.
Don’t work too hard over Christmas and here’s to a happy and healthy 2022.
Best wishes, Adrian
Thanks so much Adrian, amazing looking work you have. Have a lovely break aswell.
Wow what a treat getting to delve into your life a little. The space looks fantastic! Hope it brings much inspiration. Merry Xmas from Australia and a wonderful 2022. xx
Thanks Janet, so pleased you enjoyed it.
Wow! Looks fantastic, great that you are keeping Sandra’s original drawing room. Such a huge job and responsibility when renovating and keeping original features. I have bought 2 of your courses and can’t wait to start them during the Christmas holidays. Present to myself. Happy Christmas to you both. Hope you have a brilliant 2022.
Fabulous Linda, really hope you enjoy them over the holidays.
Will
That studio space looks amazing. So much light! Lovely seeing an old building come back to to its former life. Costs can be difficult control as we all know on building projects, especially currently. Materials see to have gone through the roof. There’s a pun there somewhere. I wonder how you are working while all this is going on? Good luck with it all and please keep us posted on the final results.
Will do Chris, pleased you enjoyed seeing the progress pics.
Hi Will,
studio looks great. I’ve just finished my own studio in the garden, heating installed etc., not as big as yours but hoping it will give me more scope to learn the things I need to, in a dedicated space.
Merry Christmas.
Glad your build is going well Jeff, yes having that dedicated space will be great.
Wow! The St.Ives light….what a great project, such hard work will surely pay off. It looks a wonderful space. Be inspired and in turn inspire us enthusiastic beginners to paint.
The last of my sons (40 years old) has finally left home and I now have a small, but light, dedicated conservatory to paint in – its great to be able to leave work out and go back to it during spare moments without having to clear the kitchen table every time.
Merry Christmas and an inspiring 2022.
Sounds great Carole, yes having that space to be able to leave materials out can make such a difference.
Congratulations, Will, on your new space! Thanks for sharing the progress.
My pleasure Sherry.
This was our 25th move….. the light here in Pembrokeshire is similar to St Ives: the colours more intense and sharper. My studio is North lit … overlooking the sea, lovely but distracting. Looking forward to your forthcoming adventures in deepest Cornwall. Best of Luck and seasonal Greetings
Have a great Christmas John.
Great space but, yes, can get expensive! So much potential though. Once you get the inside and building fabric sorted, a bit of power washing will get the brick patio looking great as well. Have a great Christmas and New Year!
Alastair
Cheers Alastair and to you, yes the power washing was a bit of an epic task but looking sparkling.
Will
What an amazing gift to find, acquire and renovate Sandra Blow’s studio! Her positive energy will no doubt enhance your already beautiful art, Will! Thanks for sharing your journey with us. Can’t wait for the final ‘masterpiece’!
in art,
Grace Glover
You’re so kind Grace, so pleased you enjoyed the photos.
Will
It’s really looking great! Thanks for sharing. Merry Christmas to you and your family from California.
And to you Erin, have a lovely time.
Will
Wish you merry Christmas and a lot of joy. Its fantastic that your dream place was found.Enjoy every stage. Unfortunately my dream to paint a santa clauss this year didnt come out. It is still unfinished. This is the reason that I say to myself that I must start from Summer to be ready on Christmas. Ho ho ho
There’s still time for your Santa masterpiece Katerina! maybe the elves will help?
Will
Whoa, Will, that is one major take-it-down-to-the-bare-bones rip out and re-build!! Good luck in the New Year.
Thanks so much Colleen.
Wow! Quite an undertaking but already very beautiful! Well done!
Thanks Camille, have a lovely Christmas.
wow! what a gigantic project! you must be very excited to see it materialise in front of your eyes. what an achievement!
Yes, super excited for the project Yuen.
I feel very privileged to share in your adventure. I recently bought a second hand shed and spent hours painting it and fitting it out. Sadly, it’s too cold to venture down the garden so I’ve not been in there for a while. Am I down hearted? No! I’ll just return to my dining table until it’s warmer.
Every happiness in what will be a dream come true for you both. Jan
So pleased you’re adapting with your painting space Jan, glad you enjoyed seeing the photos.
Will
Wow…..big stuff but so happy for you – congrats. Love the updates. Best to you and your family for a Happy Christmas and 2022.
Cheers Mary, have a wonderful Christmas as well.
Will
Happy New Year to you and Vanessa! I loved seeing your pictures of the renovation. Your creativity extends beyond the canvas! I can tell this is going to be fantastic and I am so happy for you both.
By the way, you have such an easy but professional and beautiful way of giving instructions, I am blown away at how you can guide us, your students, to accomplish pieces of art that we are proud of. Thank you for helping a 68 year old beginner—behind what I had hoped for or even imagined!
Donna Campbell
Thanks for your kind words Donna, very much appreciated. So pleased you’ve been enjoying the lessons and the building project.
Will
Wow, you have taken on a big renovation. How exciting! The state of the annex looks like so many wooden cottages or extensions we have here in Kenya. Luckily, we don’t get rot and mould quite like you do in England, and our weather isn’t as extreme. Good luck with it, I’m really looking forward to seeing the progress.
Glad you’re looking forward to seeing the progress pics Veronica.
Cheers,
Will
What a fantastic space. It has amazing energy. Hope you’ll be very happy there.
Thanks so much Carol.
Hi Will,
I’m impressed with the progress of your home/studio renovations. Wow, how charming is your Annexe. I am so happy that on your search route you found a place with so much character to build your dream: The Will Kemp Art School.
I wish you and Vanessa all the best and lots of ice cream throughout those hard reno moments.
Thanks so much Marivone, yes super excited about it!
Hi Will and Vanessa. We are on holiday in St Ives and catching up on your renovation journey. We are loving being in St Ives and words cannot convey the dramatic seas and the wonders of St Ives. So given there are so many galleries here we are looking to take a piece of Cornwall home. Keep up with the Reno! Jenny
Great stuff Jenny, have a brilliant time, it’s definitely the weather for crashing waves!
Will
You both deserve it! Thanks for being such a great teacher! Best wishes for a creative year, Lawrence and Alice
Thanks so much Lawrence, hope you’re both keeping well.
Will
Hi Will
I’ve been meaning to get in touch for ages. I love your site, all the tips and courses. I’ve learnt so much! Anyway the reason I’m writing this time is to let you know that my previous art teacher was actually related to Sandra Blow. She bought in some copies of her work one day in relation to the topic we were working on and told us that Sandra Blow was her great aunt. It wasn’t until I read your article that it all fell into place. Another thing I wanted to tell you is that I met Lucian Freud several times. Many years ago I worked in a casino and he often came in and I dealt black jack to him. I remember that he looked rather unkempt and sometimes had his trousers held up with string!
Best wishes
Lynne
How fascianting Lynne, thanks so much for sharing. And what an experience, dealing black jack to Lucien Freud! Loving the inventive use of string, could be a new fashion trend!