MODERN history

Sarah and Charles Jarman, winners of the country category in our Reader Awards, took on the challenge of bringing their historic village house into the 21st century

- ANNABELLE GRUNDY

HOME TRUTHS

THE PROPERTY A detached village house with parts dating from 12th and 16th centuries

LOCATION Northamptonshire

ROOMS Sitting room, snug, dining room, kitchen, utility room, five bedrooms, (two en suite), bathroom

PURCHASED 2016

PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in a large, rambling house nearby,’ says Sarah.

DINING ROOM

Velvet chairs provide a soft contrast to the wood pieces and chime with the space’s subtle blue tones. Walls in Skylight estate emulsion, £49.50 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Swinton dining chairs, £229 for two, Made

Favourite feature ‘I wouldn’t be without the Aga – I used to warm the children’s pyjamas on it and now it’s where everyone leans to chat’

KITCHEN

The existing painted kitchen and quarry tiles suit the country setting. Sarah and Charles had the table made and added contemporary chairs. Chunky seamless cottage table, £500, Tobias Woodcraft. Similar Tolix chairs, £228 each, Made in Design

SITTING ROOM

Off-white walls act as a backdrop for some tongue-in-cheek artwork. Regal Bubble Gum wall hanging, £50, Rockett St George. Mouse and Me print (in hall), £250, Sweetpea & Willow

Decorating tip ‘I like to accessorise with wood, glass, stone and wicker pieces as they add more layers of rich textures’

HALLWAY

Beautiful vignettes bring charm to corners. Portobello Black table, £284, Nicky Cornell, is similar

SITTING ROOM