Johanna Safer loves to decorate her home for Christmas. There's a rustic wooden sledge and a Christmas tree at her front door, and inside, candles provide a glowing welcome to the family for festive celebrations. But at one stage, Johanna thought they'd never find the right house, let alone be ready to host Christmas there.
It was such a challenging journey that my husband Deniz and I had almost given up hope,' says Johanna. "Thankfully, fate intervened.'
Back in 2017, having renovated their first home in Bexley, Kent, Johanna began getting itchy feet. Although she was still enjoying living in their Victorian house, a chance online glimpse of an unusual cottage with a moat caught her eye. A rollercoaster 18 months was to follow, when the couple bought and lost the moat property, sold their house, lost that buyer and sold again.
By that point, we'd decided to move, but couldn't find a single house that ticked all our boxes,' says Johanna. We didn't want the upheaval of another major project, but were loath to buy a house that someone else had renovated.' After months of searching, she agreed to an estate agent's suggestion of going on his mailing list. "The very next day, he sent an email and I couldn't believe my eyes,' Johanna recalls. The house looked perfect.' After immediately setting up a viewing, the couple were so impressed that they went back the following day and sealed the deal.
Bu hikaye Country Homes & Interiors dergisinin December 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Country Homes & Interiors dergisinin December 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
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
'Building boats has become my passion'
Wooden boat builder, Obioma Oji
COUNTER INTELLIGENCE
Practical and inspiring ideas for selecting the best kitchen worktop for your space
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
SEA FARING
Russell Jarvis gathered design inspiration from far and near to make over a run-down property, turning it into his perfect coastal home
A day in the country
The TV presenter and author stays close to home in the Wye Valley, walking at dawn and ending the day making supper for friends
UP THE GARDEN PATH
Affordable and easy to lay, these DIY path ideas will add form and purpose to your garden, providing a fast track to planting, focal points and outdoor rooms
Bring the family
Rediscover the simple life with these gloriously back to nature staycations that kids and adults will adore
'Handmade glass looks watery and beautiful'
As anyone who surfs will know, despite the crash, chaos and roar of the ocean, there is a strange moment of peacefulness when you ride a wave.
STOCK UP
The best ideas for maximising food storage in the kitchen, from walk in pantries to woven baskets-and everything in between
