Georgian GEM

Carved out from unpromising, derelict buildings, Michelle and Barry Sames' cosy home combines modern comfort with period  charm

- ANNABELLE GRUNDY

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.