Who are you? Adrian – freelance journalist and Andrew – local business owner.

Why Margate? Adrian: Why not? We had our fill of London after 14 years and wanted a better quality of life by the seaside. Andrew: New York was too expensive!

First Margate memory? Adrian: Takeaway coffee from Cafe G on a freezing January morning before a day of house hunting, during which we found our beautiful home.

If you were an animal, what would you be? Adrian: A bear – sometimes grumbly, but ultimately a pushover in need of frequent cuddles. Andrew: A sloth because given half a chance, I’d sleep in until 9 every morning.

If you could change one thing about your house what would it be? Adrian: To have a conservatory that wasn’t freezing in the winter and roasting in the summer. Andrew: I wish the house’s original fireplaces downstairs were still here.

In 10 years’ time where will you be? Adrian: In my study putting the finishing touches to my second best selling novel. Andrew: Hopefully still here.

If you could live in any building in the world, where would it be? Adrian: Hill House in Helensburgh, Scotland, designed by art nouveau legend   Charles Rennie Macintosh. Andrew: Neist Point Lighthouse – the most westerly point on the Isle of Skye, perched on the edge of a cliff.

Do you have a bucket list? If so, what’s at the top? Adrian: Wake up one morning with a fantastic idea for a tune that ends up being a chart number one – or maybe just a parachute jump.Andrew: Have a leisurely stroll along the Great Wall of China.

Favourite place to eat? Adrian: Great British Pizza Company in Margate – brilliant, relaxed atmosphere and great food. Andrew: Lunch at Parkers Diner and dinner at the Bangkok Thai restaurant, both in Cliftonville.

What new things have you learnt / discovered about your current hometown in the last year? Adrian: The pleasures of Northdown Park – ideal for taking the dog for extended walks. What do you collect?Adrian: Rare books, ideally signed by the author. Doctor Who memorabilia (guilty pleasure).

What couldn’t you live without? Adrian: Music, Pixar movies, and the first coffee of the day. Andrew: Laughter, Facebook and my iPad mini.

Best and worst thing about your renovation experience? Adrian: Best – stripping and then reinstalling all of the original fireplaces in the bedrooms to restore them to their former glory. Worst – the dust and mess while all the halls were decorated. Andrew: Best thing was commissioning someone to design and install a sympathetic stain glass door. Worst – discovering a leaky roof two weeks after decorating a bedroom.

What would be your dream holiday of 2013? Adrian: San Francisco and a visit to Barbary Lane. Andrew: A two-week stay-cation in Cornwall.

Biggest extravagance in your home? Adrian: Two long couches in the front room – expensive but ridiculously comfy. Andrew: A large 1920s military campaign chest of drawers.

Best advice you’ve been given? Adrian: Remember to never take yourself that seriously. You really have to laugh. Andrew: Live in your house for a little while before making any big decisions about renovation.

Favourite space in your house? Adrian: Sitting in the living room looking out of the front window in the morning as the sun floods the room. Andrew: Sitting in the conservatory watching the birds in the garden.

Would you say that your house is now finished? Adrian: It was always be a work in progress. Andrew: No, we’ve still got a long list of to-dos. 

Describe your perfect day.  Adrian: An early walk along the coastline with the dog, followed by a skinny latte at the Greedy Cow, shopping in Canterbury, theatre in the evening followed by dinner at a favourite restaurant before collapsing home to read a book in bed. Andrew: Sunshine and a long walk on the beach.

What are your goals for 2013? Adrian: Build my business and visit new places around the country. Andrew: Get the garden tidied in early Spring – no more excuses.

ROUND-UP:  This elegant Victorian home has an abundance of original features, the missing fireplaces have been sensitively replaced with decorative timber surrounds & traditional cast iron inserts. There are a number of rather beautiful & grand antique pieces throughout the house, adorned with curiosities & Sculptures by local Artist Heidi Village.  Andrew & Adrian’s eye for key antique statement pieces really adds to the period charm of this property.

WHERE TO BUY: Andrew amazing eye for furniture extends to his shop Paraphernalia, 8 King Street, Margate.

Heidi Village. Contact Heidi Directly : 07504431776

EAT AT: Bangkok Thai Restaurant, 1 Price’s Avenue, Cliftonville, Margate CT9 2NS.

Greedy Cow, 3 Market Place, Margate, Kent CT9 1ER.

To take part in the Curio contact: thecurioinmargate@gmail.com

All images ©Jo Willis