‘My partner Jonny and I were living in Brighton with our young daughter, Milly,’ she says. ‘We had a lovely house but the garden was tiny – not much more than a courtyard – and I really wanted somewhere where we could make a garden and be close to the countryside.’ She started looking online and found a dilapidated bungalow close to the village of Mayfield. In a parlous state of repair and with no heating, it didn’t look much but it had land and was within budget. ‘I remember it was just the loveliest midsummer’s day when we drove up there,’ says Zelie. ‘The garden was completely overgrown but as soon as we saw the view, that was it. We didn’t even look at the house, we just decided we’d build our own.’
The view in question looks out over a wide valley so steep one feels as if perched on a mountain top. Old oak trees dot the fields below while deer and foxes loll in their shade. In the foot of the valley is a small wood, hazy with bluebells in early spring and pungent with wild garlic later on. It is, as Zelie says, ‘heart-stopping’, and so it’s no surprise they positioned their new home to take full advantage.
Denne historien er fra June 2020-utgaven av Country Homes & Interiors.
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Denne historien er fra June 2020-utgaven av Country Homes & Interiors.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Sowing the seeds for a life of abundance
The perpetual rhythm of planting, tending and harvesting brings a feeling of hope and fulfilment to Diana Yates, and it extends beyond her Greenfields garden to all of her life
Cabin fever
Offering cosy, doll's house-sized country retreats, cabins combine modern comforts with an immersive experience of nature
'Building boats has become my passion'
Wooden boat builder, Obioma Oji
Cover-up job
Durable and decorative, cladding is a brilliant way to protect your home's exterior without compromising its aesthetics
Flights of fancy
Replace or refurbish your staircase and you'll elevate the appearance of your home at every level. Here are the steps to take...
TRUE BLUE
A firm favourite for decorating, blue is one of the most restful, mindful shades in the colour spectrum. Stylist and interiors expert Sara Bird shares how to use it in your country home
COUNTER INTELLIGENCE
Practical and inspiring ideas for selecting the best kitchen worktop for your space
A GARDEN GLOW-UP
As late summer days begin to shorten, extend your time outdoors with a blend of practical and decorative lighting
TRÈS BELLE
Sharon and Tony Dallas have turned their dilapidated Grade II-listed house in Essex into an enchanting home with a considered colour palette and French treasures galore
HOME AT LAST
Having often walked past their dream property over the years, Rich and Emma Proud finally became its owners and turned it into a comfortable home for three generations of their family