Readers' Homes
Charlotte Gray has transformed this Grade II Listed cottage in West Sussex. You can see more of the house and find out about Charlotte's story in the May issue of Period Living magazine - on sale now. But here's a sneak peek inside the house.
Beautiful views to the North Downs inspired the Walters to create a garden that draws the eye with colour and interest, while not detracting from the vista beyond. The garden includes colourful flower beds and pleasant seating areas where one can admire both the garden and the view.
Heather Depuis' thoughtful rebuild and passion for colour has earned her the Best Restoration accolade in our Readers’ Awards 2012. Her restored farmhouse in Brittany has risen from the ruins of a French longère.
Julia and Charles Annandale are proud guardians of this Grade II Listed 15th century property, winner of the Period Living Readers’ Awards 2012 Best Country House.
Jenny and Paul Camlett have worked tirelessly to transform a Victorian maisonette into an individual and stylish home, earning it Best Apartment in our Readers’ Awards 2012.
A village school house has been renovated with great flair and imagination by Miles and Rebecca Griffiths. Filled with their extraordinary collection of English antiques, it has won Best Conversion in our Readers’ Awards 2012.
Julia and Charles Annandale, owners of a 15th century timber-framed property in Hampshire, have spent the past decade meticulously restoring and renovating their home.
Heather Depuis and her family relocated to Brittany, in France, in 1999, where they set up home in a traditional longere (farmhouse).
Paul and Jenny Camlett have worked tirelessly to transform an oddly laid out Victorian maisonette in Crystal Palace, south London, into a thoroughly stylish home
Rebecca and Miles Griffiths Lancashire home was originally a village school with headmaster's house attached.
Catch of the day Sarah Locke and Stephen Bradshaw’s renovation of this shrimper’s cottage was an early favourite for our Readers’ Choice Award 2011 and in the end scooped the prize.
Sandy and Peter Borchert are experienced renovators who transformed a Georgian townhouse with a Victorian extension and Edwardian modernisations into the ideal home for their family.
Working flat out Sam White has worked hard to restore a period apartment to share with his partner Louise Eddom, and this renovation was recognised as Best Apartment and Best Budget Project in our Readers’ Awards 2011.
Learning curve When Australian Sonja Bergin and her Irish husband Kevin decided to settle down, they chose this attractive thatched cottage in his homeland; their thorough restoration earned their home Best Period Renovation in the Readers’ Awards 2011.
Team Building Pamela and Jason Crawley and their son James have worked together to restore a Georgian farmhouse. A passion for authenticity ensured this project won Best Country House in our Readers’ Awards 2011.
Alistair and Fiona Erskine have restored and nurtured their 17th century home, which was extended in the Victorian era. With a simple decorating scheme to maximise the natural light, the furnishings do not overshadow the timber-framed house’s architectural features.
Historian and presenter Dan Cruikshank employed a sensitive approach to the renovation of his Georgian townhouse that respects and preserves its heritage. Dan was passionate about preserving original features and has added character by decorating with a range of furniture and accessories.
Kerry and Jason Sharpe have extended their 19th-century cottage, transforming it into the ideal place to host festive celebrations. The four bedroom cottage in North Yorkshire now includes a larger kitchen and a garden room.
With a limited budget to transform a dark cottage, Caroline and Anthony Borgman learned new skills, including carpentry, plumbing and decorative arts. Their charming home is filled with handmade touches and bargain buys from auction houses and online.
Linda Cobbett transformed a derelict Grade II listed Victorian mill and stables into an individual family home. Linda allowed all of the original character to remain while bringing a new lease of life to the property.
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.
Seasoned renovator Jennifer Bristow-Smith has completely transformed a tired Victorian house into an appealing home with the air of a colonial retreat. With many projects behind her, Jennifer wasn't afraid to get involved in each stage of the work. A limited budget didn't stop her ambitious plans and the finished house is both functional and elegant with a cool, sophisticated colour scheme.
Born to Restore: Following in the footsteps of her renovating family, Maria Bradburn and her husband Wayne have restored an old house with a wealth of Victorian and Edwardian period features. The couple have managed to maintain and restore many of the period features, including original tiles and mouldings, and enhanced them with antique store finds.
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. The family can now dine in style and enjoy the garden come rain or shine.
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.
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.
When Andy and Karen Ward relocated to Berkshire they bought an Arts & Crafts home. Their home is a typical example of Arts & Crafts architecture, they have kept many of the original features and added their own touches to create a stylish, easy-to-live-in interior.
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 restored features such as a thatched roof, as well as shelving made from reclaimed timber.
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.
