Elizabeth Lloyd-Day and her husband Carl have transformed a 16th-century timber-framed property into an inviting and comfortable home. The house had been the town supermarket before undergoing many alterations and Elizabeth and Carl inherited a patchwork of historical styles.

As summer gets into full swing make sure your home is as secure as possible for when you go away. Follow Helaine Clare’s easy eight-step guide to bolster up doors, windows and lights and keep the burglars at bay.