In Good Company: Lucie Knight

Lucie, otherwise known as @hanwell_house, is renovating her Edwardian Hanwell home to a beautiful standard and gives us all major house envy with her lovely Instagram account. Here are her answers to our FAQs...

At what stage in your life did you first move to Ealing?

In 2001, I was in my early 20s. I grew up in Kent and met my partner in Australia and we did the whole travelling thing. He was from Northfields, so once our travels had ended it made sense for me to move in with him and his family.  We then rented our first flat together in South Ealing,  then purchased a maisonette in Hanwell where we had our first child.   In need of more space we purchased a house (in Hanwell) and had our second child.  Then we moved again a few years ago and this is our forever home renovation project.

If you were telling someone about Ealing who had never visited, how would you describe it?

I had never heard of Ealing all those years ago, but I can’t imagine living anywhere else now.   I absolutely love it and have made such wonderful friends. Our kids have got involved with all the local sports on offer – from rugby, football, tennis, swimming and even Irish dancing!  There are lots of lovely parks and green open spaces – Walpole, Lammas, Gunnersbury, Bunny Park to name a few. The transport links are also great especially with the Elizabeth Line – Hanwell to Bond Street is only 20 mins.   The canal walks are an added bonus and mixed in with that is a great community spirit and brilliant neighbours -  we’ve been lucky to have some fantastic street parties over the years.

Do you have a favourite Ealing watering hole?

Can I name 3?  I love The Green W7,  they do fantastic pizzas and burgers which always go down well with the kids. The Old Hat W13, for the tastiest and most reasonable priced roast dinners about and for some good old fashioned Irish music and knees up! You are always guaranteed a fun time.  Finally, a little- known gem is the Brent Valley Golf Course W7, if you become a member they have a roof terrace which is great for soaking up the sun whilst having a drink taking in the panoramic views.

Where have you had your best Ealing meal?

Maxim in Northfields, totally delicious Chinese cuisine with round tables – the best for talking and engaging with people.

Is there a part of Ealing that you find particularly inspirational or where you find peace

My favourite place is Churchfields Park, Hanwell (the park before you enter the Bunny Park).  Over the years we’ve pushed the kids in their buggies,  taught them how to ride their bikes, practised football and rugby skills, and  ‘Prosecco in the park’ where the local school mums celebrate the end of the school year! Most recently, I’ve discovered the joys of running and whilst running around there I can zone out and soak up the views of the viaduct and the trees.  It’s pure bliss.

Tell us what you're up to & what's next for you.

It’s a continuation of our house renovation project @hanwell_house  
I set up this Instagram account to blog the process and it’s been really fun.  I’ve made lots of new connections and have come across other local accounts too – it’s a really nice hobby to have. We started with the loft conversion first,  and most recently completed a kitchen extension.  Currently we are working on the garden and can’t wait for it to be finished. My proper day job is working as a PA for Sky and have been for the last 17 years – scary how time flies when you’re having fun!    We are off to Ibiza in the summer as my twin sister lives there and she has just completed a renovation project on her apartment which I can’t wait to see.  I’m always on the look-out for interiors inspiration.