COASTAL ELEGANCE

Lindsey and Dave Parker have breathed new life into an outdated property, transforming it into a bright and airy, beautifully thought-out dream home

A long a sleepy lane running beside the idyllic River Hamble, you'll find the charming New England style home of Lindsey and Dave Parker. White and wood-clad, it is unrecognisable from the property they purchased almost a decade ago. Driven by a desire to live closer to the sea, the couple's search for a new home took them up and down the Hampshire coastline, where they eventually found a mock Tudor-style property for sale, near the Solent.

"The moment we saw this house, we knew it had amazing potential.

The property had been built by a resident on the lane in the 1980s, and although its lead windows and dark wood were not to our taste, it was spacious with good proportions. It was also in a stunning location, close to the water's edge, surrounded by trees, greenery and wildflowers, with beautiful views of the river. The setting was so gorgeous and tranquil, we fell in love with it instantly.'

Work began the moment Lindsey and Dave moved in. 'We've been inspired over the years by our travels in America and really love the bright and airy laid-back coastal style." Their first job was to overhaul the façade. The dark wood beams and magnolia render were replaced with Cedral Lap clapboard and the leaded windows changed to New England style ones. Inside, the couple thought about how to create a free-flowing feel between each space. The plans involved alterations to room locations and layouts, a reconfiguration of the kitchen, dining and living rooms, and a full-width extension across the back of the house.