Nestled in a valley hidden from the road and surrounded by the fields and trees of the Surrey countryside, Claire and Jamie McFadyen's Victorian house is a special place to spend Christmas. We had no intention of moving house, having just finished a renovation project, explains Claire. However, my parents were thinking of moving and were on various estate agent's lists. When my father was sent the details of this house, he showed it me, and said "this looks like a belter!" so we went to see it - and fell in love with it.'
Claire and Jamie put in an offer, but to be able to afford it, they would have to sell their newly finished house in nearby Wallington and a rental property they owned, quickly. Luckily they sold both properties within six months.
The house was in a great spot - there aren't any other houses nearby, and it's set back from the road,' says Claire. "There is a manor house a short distance away and our house was built for the man who looked after the hunting dogs. An old couple had been living here for 25 years and it was in a pretty bad state. It was cold, damp and everything needed doing, but we could see it had good bones.'
Denne historien er fra December 2023-utgaven av Country Homes & Interiors.
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Denne historien er fra December 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
