Katherine and Matt Whitchurch oversaw the conversion of a Suffolk shop into their family home from thousands of miles away
Katherine and Matt Whitchurch moved to Dubai with their daughter Anna, now 12, and son James, 11, in 2008 when an exciting job opportunity arose for Matt, a management consultant. ‘it was a fantastic experience for all of us,’ says Katherine, who was a teacher. ‘i got a job in the children’s school, we met people from all over the world and made some really good friends. it was never the plan to stay forever though; we always viewed it as short-term.’
The couple began preparing to return about two years ago. Their youngest child, Joe, now eight, was born in Dubai and the family had outgrown their UK house, which they had been renting out. They sold it and began house hunting from the Middle east. ‘We searched online and then this former menswear boutique came up. We both remembered coming here to go shopping and thinking what a lovely house it would make because it was full of such interesting features.’
The grade ii-listed shop, dating from the 16th century, was being sold with planning permission to be converted into a home. The couple’s offer was accepted before they had viewed it, but a complication with the mortgage meant that Katherine and Matt had to install a temporary kitchen and bathroom before the sale could go ahead, but they finally got the keys in 2016.
Denne historien er fra May 2019-utgaven av 25 Beautiful Homes.
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Denne historien er fra May 2019-utgaven av 25 Beautiful Homes.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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NATURE'S colour scheme
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SPECIAL BLEND
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Southern belle
Interior designer Michael Mitchell breathed new life into y a home in South Carolina with colour, art and antiques Lan
LOFTY AMBITION
Bespoke joinery and a light palette were used to maximise the space in this cosy bedroom under the eaves
Modern CLASSIC
Interior designer LeeAnn Baker has infused this elegant new-build waterfront home with a sense of history and a welcoming atmosphere
European VIBES
Italian and French mid-century pieces, exquisite marbles and a calming palette of blues and greens lend an international flavour to a historic apartment in Stockholm
A return to grandeur
An extensive remodel has given this 1990s home fabulous character, with designer Jeffrey Neve’s eye for fresh colours softening the space
SHEER GLAMOUR
Eleanor and Ollie Bowmer gave their new en suite the five-star treatment with luxe finishes and a statement bath
Relaxing RUSTIC
Designer Claire Garner has concocted a warm and welcoming interior scheme that perfectly complements the oak beams of this modern Tudor-style home
The little house of CALM
Sue and Jonathan Eley turned a timber cabin in a beautiful secluded New Forest setting into a luxurious country escape