Having dreamt of living in the countryside for many years, Greg and Karen Bracken finally bit the bullet in 2015, making the decision to leave London. ‘Originally our search focused on Kent and Sussex,’ says Karen. ‘It was only when my brother moved to north Essex that we realised just how beautiful the area is. As soon as we viewed this Tudor house, built in 1483 – with its ancient exposed beams, ogee door frames and priest hole – we knew we’d found our home.’
The couple had been warned that the original kitchen was disproportionately small compared with the size of the house. Undeterred, they added an extension to their renovating to-do list and proceeded with the purchase. Extensions on listed properties are never straightforward but, by working with the local listed building department, Greg and Karen were able to achieve the generous addition they were after.
This story is from the June 2020 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 June 2020 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
