Searching for the perfect out-of-London home had become a labor of love for the owners of this property. So after four years, and looking at 50 houses in five counties, they knew they had finally struck lucky when they came across two extremely run-down cottages and derelict outbuildings.
The location and plot offered everything they had hoped for. There was potential for the two cottages to be linked as one home, plus the creation of a self-contained ground-floor guest suite, home office and children’s den.
See how the transformation took shape by taking the tour, below, via video tour or by scrolling down. For more of the world's best homes, go to our dedicated page.
Working as architects, interior designers and landscape gardeners, the couple considered every inch of space over the whole property, planning the reconfiguration of rooms, the lifting of ceilings, practical storage requirements and bespoke design features before any work commenced.
’A friend drew up the plans for us and we worked with a great local building team,' says the owner.
The owner's interiors style mixes Scandinavian, industrial, vintage and the homemade. Original architectural features have been respected and bare stone walls and beams have been stripped as a nod to the property’s past.
The house has a tranquil feel, painted in a selection of Atelier Ellis paints in earthy hues. ‘Designing schemes and finding the right pieces has been very rewarding,’ says the owner.
With the house complete, the owners got the development bug and have moved on to their next project, which means for the time being their cottage is available to rent. ‘The move has been more than a house renovation for us,’ says the owner. ‘It has enabled a new lifestyle and new way of thinking for us all.’
Mud room
This practical space is perfect for outdoor life. The owner's husband, a skilled carpenter, made all the units in the boot room, as well as the utility.
Living room
Thick stone walls, an inglenook fireplace and a painted ceiling bring cosy ambience to this stylish space.
A window seat offers a wonderful view of the garden.
See: Living room ideas – inspiring ways to decorate and furnish your space
Kitchen
The priority was to create a spacious open-plan kitchen, living, dining and utility area that opened out onto the same level as the garden. ‘We wanted a large room where family and friends could hang out – whether inside or outdoors in the garden, office or hot tub,' says the owner.
A large kitchen island, with an old scaffolding board worktop made by the owner's husband, forms a hub here.
See: Kitchen ideas – decor and decorating ideas for all kitchens
Living area
A woodburning stove and pared-back feel create a Scandi vibe in this open-plan space.
See: Living room ideas – inspiring ways to decorate and furnish your space
Dining room
The extension has transformed family life and links back to the original kitchen, now the dining area.
The Aga, which came with the house, is brilliant for making garden vegetable soups and drying copious amounts of sports kit, and has become a much-loved feature of this relaxed family space.
Bedrooms
Soft green tones create a calming and cosy backdrop for simple bed linen.
Soft pink and earthy tobacco tones evoke a restful retreat.
Painted panelling adds an earthy base to this more colourful room.
Contemporary pieces bring elegance to original features.
See: Bedroom ideas – designs and inspiration to decorate and furnish your space stylishly
Family bathroom
A roll-top bath works well in this rustic space.
Ensuite bathroom
The owner has worked hard with the wonky original architecture to create an elegant space. A bespoke vanity unit has been created from a repurposed chest of drawers.
To enquire about renting In Clover, visit Unique Home Stays
Photography/ Brent Darby
Text/ Ali Heath
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