A COTTAGE reinvented

FRAN AND CHRIS DALZIEL TOOK ON THIS DATED BUT PRETTY PERIOD PROPERTY, MAKING IT THEIR OWN WITH A CAREFULLY PLANNED EXTENSION

- IFEOLUWA ADEDEJI

Living area

‘Moving the stairs back to their original position helped link the living room to the new kitchen-diner. The two spaces are connected but they’re not completely open-plan, which helps contain noise.’

BUY THE KEY PIECES

For similar vintage Ercol armchairs, try Etsy. Maryd Black tray table, £45, Ikea. Black picture frames, £12.99 each, H&M

HOME NOTES

WHO LIVES HERE?

Fran Dalziel lives here with her husband Chris, an investment manager, and their children Bertie, seven, Taggie, four, and Clara, two.

THE PROPERTY

A four-bedroom Victorian detached cottage in Market Harborough, to which they have added a two-story rear extension.

THE VALUE

The couple bought the cottage in July 2016 for £630,000.

BEFORE

AFTER

When Fran and Chris Dalziel decided to start a family, it was important for them to find a long-term home. This Victorian cottage was in the perfect location: ‘The village is lovely and there’s a school and a park nearby,’ says Fran. ‘It’s also close to the railway station. It was tired-looking inside but we decided to take a chance on this ugly duckling.