HOME FOR Christmas

LOVINGLY RENOVATED BY CLAIRE AND SIMON, THIS YORKSHIRE STONE VILLAGE HOME IS THE PICTURE-PERFECT SETTING TO HOST CELEBRATIONS

- MAXINE BRADY

Living room

Claire describes her style as modern country. 'I'm drawn to traditional furniture and natural materials. I love mixing old with new to create a timeless look that is both elegant and cosy.'

BUY THE KEY PIECES

Walls in Silver Birch matt emulsion, £48 for 2.5ltr, Neptune. Freya corner sofa in Sky, £1,099, DFS. Dieppe console table, £639, Arighi Bianchi. Knit throw, £25, Tesco

THE LAYOUT

Off the hallway is the open-plan living and dining area, which opens up to the kitchen at the back of the house. There's also a WC and utility here. Upstairs, there are three bedrooms and a bathroom. The family have converted the basement into a home office and a place for their teenage sons to hang out.

When looking to downsize, Claire and Simon swapped a detached new-build property for this charming Yorkshire stone house situated in a Lancashire village in the picturesque Ribble Valley. At first the renovation felt daunting, but they soon embraced the challenge, turning this house into a warm and welcoming home, which is the perfect setting for celebrating Christmas with family and friends.

WHY DID YOU BUY THIS HOUSE?

'We'd always lived in new-build houses, but Simon and I had long dreamed of living in a period home that was full of character. When Simon needed to relocate for work in 2021, we started house hunting in the Ribble Valley. We found this house but sadly, it had been neglected for some time. We inherited tired grey walls, a worn-out kitchen and shabby carpets. The boiler wasn't fit for purpose either so we couldn't have the hot water and the heating on at the same time! I cried the first night that we lived here as I was overwhelmed by how much work lay ahead of us.'

HOW DID YOU TACKLE THE RENOVATION?