Georgian GEM
25 Beautiful Homes|December 2023
Carved out from unpromising, derelict buildings, Michelle and Barry Sames' cosy home combines modern comfort with period  charm
ANNABELLE GRUNDY
Georgian GEM

Having renovated numerous period homes throughout the south west of England, Michelle Sames is adept at spotting potential in a wide variety of properties. As she oversaw the restoration of a group of abandoned, historic buildings on a rural, two-acre plot, something caught her eye.

'We had commercial and agricultural buildings dating from the 17th and 18th centuries, and in quite a poor state,' she says. One had a quaint little wing attached, and I realised it would make a gorgeous cottage for my husband Barry and me.' The section Michelle had noticed comprised several dark, dank rooms on two levels, connected by a single flight of stairs. It was quite grim,' she says, 'The roof leaked, the upper floor was unstable, and there was old, industrial rubbish lying about.

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