KITCHEN
An island in the centre of the kitchen gives useful extra prep space that's handy when Kim and Mark are entertaining at Christmas.
Seeing it look like the typical 'chocolate box' cottage, with a thatched roof, pretty views, and a picturesque setting, it's hard to believe Kim and Mark Dyke needed any persuading to take on this stunning property.
'I didn't find the house instantly appealing,' says Kim. 'It was actually two properties: a timbered cottage and, joined to that, the former village school. With no working electricity, heating or plumbing, the property was barely habitable, while both the interior and exterior were pretty grim. 'The beams were black, the carpets were pink, plus the front garden had been the school playground, so was all tarmac,' says Kim.
Kim's husband Mark thought the property was worth pursuing, and Kim was won over by the gorgeous views and village location, close to Norwich where the couple both work as healthcare professionals, so they decided to take the plunge. Unsure how to turn the disparate buildings into a harmonious whole, the couple called in Jonathan Funnell, an architectural technician, to manage the project. There were false ceilings to remove, walls to replaster, and new stairs to go in - and that was just in the schoolhouse.
'The cottage had once been the village rectory, but after part of it burnt down 200 years ago, it was left derelict until about 1860, when the school was rather unceremoniously tacked on to what was left,' explains Kim. 'The two sides are still separate on the first floor, with a staircase each. We thought it made sense to keep it that way, so guests have their own space.
Denne historien er fra December 2022-utgaven av Woman & Home UK.
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
Denne historien er fra December 2022-utgaven av Woman & Home UK.
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
How healthy IS YOUR GUT?
This month, our fitness expert Annie Deadman on discovering what's really going on inside your body and how to keep it in the peak of condition
'DON'T CALL ME A HERO'
Seeing the plight of innocent children in Gaza, Dr Ana Jeelani knew her medical skills could save lives – here’s what she experienced
CANCER WAS JUST A JOB until it happened to me
Author, speaker and health content creator Dr Liz O'Riordan shares her journey from consultant breast surgeon to cancer patient
Freewheeling in TUSCANY
A cycling holiday through medieval cities and lush scenery is a great way to absorb culture and get off the beaten track
Nostalgic BAKES
Unlock childhood memories with these fun sweet treats
A NEW NORMAL
The Princess of Wales is looking to the future, putting family first and ditching her to-do list
I look forward to being a very elderly, ECCENTRIC WOMAN'
Comedian and podcaster Katherine Ryan, 41, lives in London with her three children and partner Bobby Kootstra
Lighter DINNERS
Big on flavour and easy on the calories
Behind CLOSED DOORS
What really goes on at your local surgery, and how are decisions made? GP and practice partner Dr Helen Wall reveals all
15 ways to IMPROVE YOUR MEMORY
Make yours fault-proof with these easy lifestyle tricks