41 / 48
Alan Gaby and his family moved into their
Cambridgeshire house in 2015. The Gabys
were pleased to have more space than
they’d had previously. Alan soon spotted an
opportunity with one of their new rooms:
the library.
“You can read a book anywhere,” says Alan
who asked Sorrells to transform the library
into a cellar. The stunning results have
given Alan’s wine a new lease of life. Much
of his wine collection had been held in
storage. Now it’s within easy reach. “I’ve
been able to find space for a lot of the wine
I’ve kept over the years and treat it with the
love and care it deserves.”
Having a wine room has enhanced the Gaby
residence. “It’s created a centrepiece for the
house,” says Alan. It’s not only ideal for
storing and displaying wine, it’s a space
where the Gabys can entertain over a
glass of champagne. Visitors are always
impressed, often remarking they’d like
one too. “I’ve yet to find anyone who hasn’t
been wowed,” says Alan.
Whilst he wouldn’t call himself a
connoisseur, Alan appreciates good wine
and has developed his own tastes. He
started collecting wine in the early
noughties. His memories of wine however
stretch back to his childhood. Alan’s father
ran an off licence and he remembers
fondly the Mateus Rosé and bottles of
L’Hirondelle that sold for less than 60p.
Alan’s first experience of fine wines was in
the late 80s and early 90s when he began
regularly entertaining clients for work.
It’s an everyday
kind of space.
‘‘
’’