A CHARMING HIDEAWAY
Country Homes & Interiors|April 2021
Zara Dawson’s pretty Cotswold stone cottage is decorated with reclaimed wood and vintage accessories, for a look brimming with nostalgia
NATALIE FLAUM
A CHARMING HIDEAWAY

A weekend soaking up rural delights in the picturesque Cotswolds inspired Zara Dawson and Lex James to buy a retreat in Oxfordshire as a place to escape to from their south London family home.

‘All we saw were properties with fuddy-duddy interiors – nothing that inspired a modern feel in a rustic building,’ says Zara. ‘We noticed this cottage on a website and expressed our interest even though it was under offer. The next day we received a call from the agent to say it was back on the market. So we asked to see the property that evening and drove straight from London, arriving at 6 pm, when it was pitch black outside. The cottage had no electrics so we viewed it using our iPhone torches! We offered the asking price on the spot and got the keys six weeks later.’

Zara oversaw every detail of the renovation, hiring tradesmen and enlisting the help of her father’s building firm in the early stages. The cottage was stripped back as the electrics, plumbing and pipework were renewed, and the couple took on most of the decorating work. ‘Nothing was straightforward and every time we started a job, it led to a trail of more to complete,’ she says. ‘The project also coincided with a three-month hospital stay during my pregnancy – it was a very trying year.’

Zara sourced all the reclaimed wood from local yard Burgess Reclamation. The wood came from RAF base Little Rissington, which was in operation from 1938 to 1994 and was once home to the Red Arrows. ‘The airbase was demolished in 2014 and we feel that using wood from there enhances the history of our cottage and the area,’ she says.

Kitchen

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der April 2021-Ausgabe von Country Homes & Interiors.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der April 2021-Ausgabe von Country Homes & Interiors.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

WEITERE ARTIKEL AUS COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORSAlle anzeigen
Sowing the seeds for a life of abundance
Country Homes & Interiors

Sowing the seeds for a life of abundance

The perpetual rhythm of planting, tending and harvesting brings a feeling of hope and fulfilment to Diana Yates, and it extends beyond her Greenfields garden to all of her life

time-read
3 Minuten  |
August 2024
Cabin fever
Country Homes & Interiors

Cabin fever

Offering cosy, doll's house-sized country retreats, cabins combine modern comforts with an immersive experience of nature

time-read
4 Minuten  |
August 2024
'Building boats has become my passion'
Country Homes & Interiors

'Building boats has become my passion'

Wooden boat builder, Obioma Oji

time-read
3 Minuten  |
August 2024
Cover-up job
Country Homes & Interiors

Cover-up job

Durable and decorative, cladding is a brilliant way to protect your home's exterior without compromising its aesthetics

time-read
3 Minuten  |
August 2024
Flights of fancy
Country Homes & Interiors

Flights of fancy

Replace or refurbish your staircase and you'll elevate the appearance of your home at every level. Here are the steps to take...

time-read
4 Minuten  |
August 2024
TRUE BLUE
Country Homes & Interiors

TRUE BLUE

A firm favourite for decorating, blue is one of the most restful, mindful shades in the colour spectrum. Stylist and interiors expert Sara Bird shares how to use it in your country home

time-read
5 Minuten  |
August 2024
COUNTER INTELLIGENCE
Country Homes & Interiors

COUNTER INTELLIGENCE

Practical and inspiring ideas for selecting the best kitchen worktop for your space

time-read
3 Minuten  |
August 2024
A GARDEN GLOW-UP
Country Homes & Interiors

A GARDEN GLOW-UP

As late summer days begin to shorten, extend your time outdoors with a blend of practical and decorative lighting

time-read
2 Minuten  |
August 2024
TRÈS BELLE
Country Homes & Interiors

TRÈS BELLE

Sharon and Tony Dallas have turned their dilapidated Grade II-listed house in Essex into an enchanting home with a considered colour palette and French treasures galore

time-read
4 Minuten  |
August 2024
HOME AT LAST
Country Homes & Interiors

HOME AT LAST

Having often walked past their dream property over the years, Rich and Emma Proud finally became its owners and turned it into a comfortable home for three generations of their family

time-read
4 Minuten  |
August 2024