In Period Living Beautiful English Cottages, we showcase some of the most characterful period properties in the country, to help you capture this universally loved style in your own home. The very word ‘cottage’ sums up cosiness and country charm. At its heart it is a look that is humble and the antithesis of ostentation, so avoid showy interiors and keep things simple. Invest in natural materials and handcrafted pieces, and mix newer finds with antiques and vintage for a truly eclectic home. As well as serving as a visual guide, this book contains the full story of how each homeowner created their dream cottage, and all the important contacts to help you with your own project. So, whether you are lucky enough to live in a bijou gem yourself, are planning a home-improvement project, or simply love cottage style, immerse yourself in this essential collection, where you’ll find all the inspiration you need.
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PL Beautiful English Cottages
TAPESTRY OF COLOUR • Built from the ancient stones of a ruined abbey, this pretty farm cottage has been transformed by owners Nick Wigg and Jenny Larvin to create a fitting backdrop for Jenny’s handmade textile artworks
HAVEN OF SERENITY • Charlotte Glynn and James Lund fell in love with an unloved Yorkshire cottage and brought it back to life
WHEN TWO BECOME ONE • With an eye for a bargain, a practical mindset and lots of help from friends and family, Jenny and Mel Dunmow turned a pair of farm cottages into a stunning home
CONSERVING ITS INTEGRITY • Charlie Rayward has respectfully preserved the very best elements of his Cotswold cottage, and created an enduring family legacy along with it
A NEW CHAPTER • An oak-frame kitchen extension and improved layout have transformed Debbie and Sarj Sarjant’s 17th-century home
IN FULL BLOOM • Using floral prints and a pastel palette, June Willison and Barry Monk have turned an unloved Victorian conversion into a charming country-style home
THE SPIRIT OF ADVENTURE • Experienced renovators David and Angy Bovill combined their talents in architecture and horticulture to make the restoration of their 17th-century Cotswold stone house their most successful – and rewarding – project yet
A BEAUTIFUL LIFE • Christina and Mark Strutt’s Somerset estate has evolved from a home into studios, a workspace, a communal family hub and the design inspiration for more than six generations
SHEPHERD’S DELIGHT • A picturesque flint cottage, nestling against the South Downs, is where Caroline Fuller has created her dream home and garden
HOME IN THE 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
LET THERE BE LIGHT • A run-down former fisherman’s cottage is now a bright, modern home thanks to owner Fiona Ellis, who couldn’t resist taking it on
NEW COUNTRY CHARM • When jewellery maker Kelly Smithson and her family found this former farmworker’s cottage close to the North Downs Way, they set about moulding it into their dream home
THE LONG ROAD HOUSE • Having bought their 16th-century cob longhouse 20 years ago, Suzi and Chris Carman have taken their time to create an inviting country cottage
A VILLAGE IDYLL • You never really own an old house, just look after it for a while, says Jodie Lambert, and she and husband Nick have been doing just that – turning a charming country cottage into their perfect family home
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