Readers' Homes
A Spell-Binding Legacy: The spirit of children’s writer Lucy Boston lives on in The Manor at Hemingford Grey, home to the bewitching characters from her Green Knowe books. The house has been maintained by Lucy's daughter-in-law, and has been restored to fully capture the spirit of her stories.
Space solution: Adding a small extension to a dark kitchen has transformed the McFarlanes’ Victorian farmhouse home, resulting in a space that merited the title of Best Garden Room in our Readers’ Awards 2009.
Over the last 24 years, Helen and Martin Ephgrave have gradually restored their Edwardian house, and now have a home they can never imagine leaving. The three bedroom house, built c.1905 has been restored in a simple Shaker-style, with many of the original features restored.
House of dreams: When Wendy and Geoff Arnot found an expertly restored 16th-century house, they knew they would enjoy putting their own stamp on it and that it would become their ideal family home.
A subtle simplicity: When Andy and Karen Ward relocated to Berkshire they bought an Arts & Crafts home and were inspired to learn more about period style. Their home is a typical example of Arts & Crafts architecture and they have kept many of the original features, such as oak doors and floorboards and added their own touches to create a stylish but easy-to-live-in interior.
Little house in the big woods: Determination, a clear vision and helpful friends ensured Andy Singleton was able to turn a waterlogged cottage into a bewitching home in the forest. The delightful timber-framed cottage sits beside a lake and includes original features such as a thatched roof, as well as shelving made from reclaimed timber.
When two become one: Lynda and Peter Thomas knocked a pair of Victorian seafront semis into one to create a spacious and individual home. The couple have used a combination of reclaimed materials, antiques and junk shop finds, along with newer items, to create charming interiors.
Love's Labours: Nick and Jac Hayman have expertly revived their historic home. Their industry and flair won this distinctive house Best Cottage and Best Budget Project in our Readers’ Awards 2009. Having renovated mostly modern houses in the past, the couple have put their hearts and souls into this period property, creating a home they’d like to settle in for some time.
Historical calibre: Daniela Chandler and Paul Mason moved to the Suffolk countryside where they fell in love with an expertly restored 14th-century hall house. A collection of antique and new furniture, including a magnificent specially commissioned four-poster bed, completes the warm country manor feel of the house.
A graceful economy: After spending all their savings buying this rural home, Phil and Philippa Heath have renovated, extended and furnished it on a shoestring. The Heaths’ home was built as two cottages plus an extension built by Phil in 2000.
Light touch: Christina and Nigel Dickinson’s transformation of a mid-Victorian barn into a light and elegant French-style farmhouse has been achieved with a renovation budget of just £8,000. The house is decorated with a combination of modern and antique pieces that Christina has collected over the years.
The good life: Lesley and Steve Baker have skilfully converted two former cottages into one farmhouse and now enjoy their dream of living a partially self-sufficient lifestyle. Their home has not only won Best Conversion in our Readers’ Awards 2009, but also Overall Winner – Best Period Renovation.
An Oriental influence: A two-year hands-on renovation of this Edwardian house in London has turned a dated property into an inviting home, full of authentic oriental furniture that complements the carefully restored original features. Naomi and Liam McNamara’s efforts won our vote, earning their home the title of Best Townhouse in our Readers’ Awards 2009.
Thanks to a tempting job offer, Fiona and Tim Ireland swapped their coastal home in Brighton for country life in Cambridgeshire. Using plenty of imagination and creative flair, they have given this farmhouse a sophisticated feel inspired by French country style; it impressed us so much the house was voted Best Country House in our Readers’ Awards 2009.
Rural passion: Talented interior designer Joanna Wood has used her decorating skills to create a comfortable country retreat in Wiltshire, inspired by the surrounding farmland. The rural surroundings show in the interior decor, with exposed beams, a galleried landing and a roaring fire all adding to the cosy country feel.
Original Spirit: Five years ago, newlyweds Alex and Steve Drake pushed their financial limits to buy this period property, and with only a small amount of money in the budget, they’ve made it their own with some inexpensive renovation options. The transformation of this small home is convincing, earning it the title of Best Apartment in our Readers’ Awards 2009.
To restore and rejuvenate: Nikki Holden has put her ingenuity and energy into renovating her family’s first period home. The French-style home included an old wash house and a barn, and Nikki has completely tranformed it, largely on a DIY basis, with a little help from her husband Simon. This is Nikki and Simon’s first permanent home, and they have put their hearts into making sure it has a welcoming feel.
Country Christmas Dream: Kate and Jake Forman enjoy nothing more than planning for the festive season in their old country farmhouse. Their home in the Hampshire countryside, part of a large farming estate, offers just the right setting for good old-fashioned festivities, and is a great place for their children to grow up with lots of green fields, wide open spaces and fresh air.
