IN THE LONG RUN

A row of dilapidated cottages has become an idyllic home and work space for designer Sophie Allsopp

- SARA BIRD

Studio Space for a dedicated design studio, with its exposed flint wall typical of the local area, was one of the main attractions of this property for Sophie. Furniture and accessories, sourced through Sophie & Boo. Rug, Bombay Sprout

Kitchen Sophie's joinery team built the kitchen to her design and specification. Belfast sink, Rangemaster. Taps, Quooker

AT HOME WITH

Owner Sophie Allsopp, interior designer at Sophie & Boo (sophieand boo.co.uk) lives here with her eight-year-old daughter Florence, their cocker spaniel Tiggy and pony Lolly.

House Cottages with attached barn, bought in October 2020 and now a four-bedroom house with studio, stable and shepherd's hut. Available to hire at Light Locations (Vine Cottage, Norfolk).

Sometimes, if luck happens to be on your side, a dream home can just come and find you. That's how it was for interior designer and serial renovator Sophie Allsopp. 'I was looking at properties with my mother who had already sold her house but, the moment we walked through the door here I said, "Sorry mum, I've got to have this one". I quickly put my own house on the market and thankfully everything fell into place,' says Sophie.

She had been living just a few miles away with her daughter Florence but was at the stage in her design business, which specialises in creating beautiful and timeless interiors, where she either needed to rent a studio or have more space to work from home.

Despite the property not having been touched in more than 40 years, it had a certain appeal. 'It was very much in need of love and a complete renovation but it just had that lovely feeling about it,' says Sophie.