Built by T. Batterbury and WF Huxley in 1873, for the illustrator of Charles Dickens’ most famous works, Frederick Bernard, the building forms part of a group of five artists’ houses.

After an unfortunate conversion in the 1960s where the house was split into two maisonettes, we’re now helping to return it to its old glory by reinstating the original grand rooms and carefully restoring the existing features.

The stunning but neglected artist studio at the rear will once again be used for its its original purpose. To move it on from Dickensian times, we’re adding a contemporary bathroom extension underneath the reinstated balcony and replacing the external 1960s stair.

Work is set to finish in January 2012, so watch this space for a sneak preview in the new year.

But getting a Christmas card of a building covered in snow and some sort of impersonal laser printed greeting inside doesn’t feel that jolly.

So instead we’ve gone for something a bit different. In the past, we’ve sent notebooks, decorations and fold-out fun. This year, our alternative Christmas card looks like this:

Not sure what it is?

Clue 1: The first word has three syllables and the second word rhymes with ‘star’.
Clue 2: Sharing is definitely caring.
Clue 3: Or you can just eat it yourself. Seasons eatings indeed.

We hope you have a wonderful Christmas and look forward to seeing you in 2012.

Everyday, all sorts of people walk by.

The trucks that stop outside the main facing window make it look like an ever-changing artwork and we always wave to anyone who presses their nose up against the window.

Every now and then, we change the display and move the pencils (and our famous crayons) about to keep things fresh and to stop us getting bored.

A few months ago, this note was pushed through our door.

We put up a sign in the window, inviting the author to come in and have cup of tea. But they never did. Their note now hangs in pride of place in our loo.

If you recognise the writing or happen to be the shy person who wrote it, please do let us know or come in next time you’re passing. There’s a cup of tea with your name on it.

The building itself will consist of three different sized volumes of an archetypal house shape, arranged in a staggered way, whilst still being interconnected by a long enfilade at their intersections. External patios of differing sizes, views and character allow us to make the most of the marvellous landscape.

Of the three parts that make up the house, the biggest and most central building contains the combined living and dining area that opens up onto a 180º panoramic view of the sea.

The remaining buildings contain the family bedrooms and bathrooms, as well as a cosy guest wing.

The works will be completed end of 2011. We’ll keep posting our progress as we go right here.

They say as much about the people who work there as the company itself – whether it’s a big bank or an ad agency. It’s like you leave your own personality on the space (messy desk, anyone?).

We came across a great post about this recently on Brainpickings all about portraits of the workspace. Some people have their space and place defined by the stuff inside their shop or business.

Some are overwhelmed by the space.

Whilst others have their thumbprints all over it.

Do you leave a trace on your space or is it the other way round?