Natasha Miller admits, 'My home really is my sanctuary,' and it's not difficult to see why. This mellow Kentish barn, nestled in the North Downs, is a calm, cohesive, light-filled space which feels effortlessly stylish. But there's more to it than that. Natasha has a degenerative eye condition which means her sight is severely impaired. I have no peripheral vision, which can make everyday life a bit challenging,' she explains. 'So coming home to a place where I always feel relaxed and safe has become increasingly important."
The barn has been home for Natasha, husband Alan and their three children since 2007, but it's only in recent years that she has been able to indulge her passion for interiors. 'When we moved here from a Victorian house in Ashford all those years ago, it ticked everything on our wishlist. We wanted a characterful home in the country which was big enough for all of us, and close to good schools and amenities. This was perfect for us.'
The couple were, however, resigned to a long wait before they could make substantial changes. Busy family life ate into both our time and our budget,' she recalls. 'We simply lived with everything we already had, and it wasn't until our brood began to fly the nest that we had the opportunity to reimagine it all.'
Denne historien er fra July 2023-utgaven av Country Homes & Interiors.
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Denne historien er fra July 2023-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
