Mr Davenport said the origins of the name "the Nunnery" were hazy, as only one historic map had stated that the site used to be a convent.

BBC: Alderney Roman fort 'could house exhibits'

The result is very modern, particularly toward the back of the home: The dining room opens to the midcentury-modern and Japanese-influenced wood-and-steel kitchen, where double-panel cabinet doors are made from laser-cut steel and feature an abstract design modeled after a historic map of the neighborhood.

WSJ: The House With a Surprise Inside

The map, at least, has no historic, real-world antecedent the constellations on the table's surface are entirely her own.

WSJ: Drawn from Life | Designer