Changing Lanes
Real Homes|May 2022
Sharon and Garry have made the dream of moving to a favourite holiday destination a reality with their Lake District home
By Karen Wilson. Photographs by Katie Lee
Changing Lanes

As Sharon and Garry used to live in a first-floor flat, their furniture options were limited. Everything had to be small enough to go up two flights of stairs,' says Sharon. 'Now I can have the corner sofa I'd been dreaming about for two years.

Walls painted in Cley, Fenwick & Tilbrook. Sofa and Sally Weatherill cushions, Living Room, Lampshades, Lomas & Lomas, Side table La Redoute. White face planter, Ebay Coffee table trunk, junk shop find.

The shelved alcove used to be the front entrance and was blocked up about 15 years ago when part of the hallway was incorporated into the living room. The decks belong to Garry, who used to be a DJ.

Shelving unit, charity shop. Gletter, Saltmill Vintage. Green planter and stand, Homesense

When Sharon and Garry Lomas moved to the Lake District in March 2020, it was the second time they'd upped sticks for a complete change of lifestyle. 'We holidayed in the Lakes all the time, but it was getting harder and harder to go back home,' says Sharon. “Then I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis and we took the opportunity to reshape our lives.

The first time the pair made such a big move was back in 2015. Sharon left her job as an advertising manager in Manchester and the couple started an interiors store and gallery in the Derbyshire village of Hayfield, renting an apartment above. I'd had enough of my job and it was something I'd always wanted to do,' says Sharon. 'Although we had an amazing five years there, we were working constantly and wanted to slow down.'

Esta historia es de la edición May 2022 de Real Homes.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición May 2022 de Real Homes.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE REAL HOMESVer todo
Side-return extensions
Real Homes

Side-return extensions

An efficient use of redundant outside space, extending to the side is the mart way to gain the extra room you crave and transform the way you live

time-read
2 minutos  |
August 2023
Spa-style bathrooms
Real Homes

Spa-style bathrooms

Prioritise self-care and put pampering on your daily schedule by taking bathroom design inspo from your favourite spa

time-read
2 minutos  |
August 2023
Light & bright
Real Homes

Light & bright

Rachel's main requirements for her kitchen extension were a window overlooking the garden and space to entertain. We reveal how she made her dream a reality

time-read
3 minutos  |
August 2023
Colourful kitchens
Real Homes

Colourful kitchens

Let your personality shine with a style that makes you smile from that morning cuppa to dinner time. Don't be shy, go for bold

time-read
2 minutos  |
August 2023
In the zone
Real Homes

In the zone

Using clever design and planting, Pauline has transformed a blank canvas into an elegant, contemporary garden complete with social spaces, a cutting patch and a pond

time-read
3 minutos  |
August 2023
Heart of the home
Real Homes

Heart of the home

Faced with three living spaces and a tiny kitchen, Jo and Chris have devised a clever, broken-plan layout where the kitchen takes centre stage

time-read
3 minutos  |
August 2023
Pre-loved treasures
Real Homes

Pre-loved treasures

Deborah has filled her south London home with character without breaking the bank, thanks to her smart shopping know-how and eye for a bargain

time-read
3 minutos  |
August 2023
A new leaf
Real Homes

A new leaf

Dani Sandels embraced her passion for botanics and natural textures in the renovation of her family home, resulting in a space that delights the eye at every turn

time-read
3 minutos  |
August 2023
A learning experience
Real Homes

A learning experience

Steph and James honed their home-improvement skills as they updated their old house and overgrown garden with help from family and friends -

time-read
4 minutos  |
August 2023
SAGE GREEN
Real Homes

SAGE GREEN

A calm, tranquil and fresh hue, our colour guru, Amelia, shares why you can't go far wrong with this nearly neutral

time-read
1 min  |
August 2023