A fine vintage

Clare Pearne began collecting decorative treasures as a child and now she has found the perfect setting for them: a period cottage with a secret garden

- By Karen Darlow

Unlatching the gate in a high stone wall covered in wisteria and stepping into a secret garden brimming with spring flowers marked a turning point in Clare Pearne and partner Steve Pattinson’s house search. They set eyes on the pretty Georgian cottage and its garden and decided this should be their new home.

Clare and Steve were looking for a renovated character property with an easily managed garden and room for family, with a shop, pub and bus route nearby. The cottage didn’t match anything on their wish list but the pair had fallen for its charms. ‘Our hearts took over and all our must-haves were forgotten,’ says Clare. They soon moved in and set about updating the cottage, living in the house as it was refurbished. At one stage there was no kitchen or bathroom and the pair had to rely on neighbours and cook on a camping stove. ‘It was pretty horrendous, but you soon forget the hardships once it’s finished.’