Nestled in a valley hidden from the road and surrounded by the fields and trees of the Surrey countryside, Claire and Jamie McFadyen's Victorian house is a special place to spend Christmas. We had no intention of moving house, having just finished a renovation project, explains Claire. However, my parents were thinking of moving and were on various estate agent's lists. When my father was sent the details of this house, he showed it me, and said "this looks like a belter!" so we went to see it - and fell in love with it.'
Claire and Jamie put in an offer, but to be able to afford it, they would have to sell their newly finished house in nearby Wallington and a rental property they owned, quickly. Luckily they sold both properties within six months.
The house was in a great spot - there aren't any other houses nearby, and it's set back from the road,' says Claire. "There is a manor house a short distance away and our house was built for the man who looked after the hunting dogs. An old couple had been living here for 25 years and it was in a pretty bad state. It was cold, damp and everything needed doing, but we could see it had good bones.'
This story is from the December 2023 edition of Country Homes & Interiors.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 2023 edition of Country Homes & Interiors.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
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
MINIATURE MARVELS
Tiny but mighty mini bulbs bring sparks of colour to springtime garden borders and containers
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.
Knock on wood
Transform damaged and dingy wooden flooring with expert techniques to return its structure and shine
COLOUR CONFIDENT
Breathe new life into your kitchen with a colourful design from Magnet
STOCK UP
The best ideas for maximising food storage in the kitchen, from walk in pantries to woven baskets-and everything in between
STORAGE STORIES
Faced with cluttered rooms and overflowing cupboards, four homeowners found smart solutions to help them get more organised
Installing fitted wardrobes
Everything you need to know about integrating built-in storage into your bedroom
