No place like home

It may have had dodgy electrics and rooms not touched since the 50s, but for Rebecca and David Rutter this house was their dream

- AMELIA THORPE

After living in Vancouver, Canada, for a dozen years, it was time for Rebecca Rutter and her husband, David, to return to the UK with their daughters, Mabel, 18, and Isadora, 16. ‘David was offered a job here and we wanted to be closer to our elderly parents, so it made sense to move back,’ explains Rebecca of their return to Hertfordshire, where they had lived before departing for Canada.

After researching properties online, Rebecca made a journey back to the UK to see six houses. ‘I viewed several that were immaculate and entirely suitable, but just didn’t make me feel excited or inspired,’ she recalls. ‘Then I saw this one, which was rather dilapidated but had a wonderful, homely feel and a strong sense of character, just waiting to be revitalised.’ The house was also surrounded by a large garden, suitable for the family’s brood of chickens, and woodland beyond, accentuating its peaceful feel. ‘My friend whispered, “This is it!” and I couldn’t have agreed more,’ she says.