We live in FAMOUS PLACES

How does it feel to call a heritage property home? We meet two women fortunate enough to live in houses with historic appeal

- ELLIE FENNELL

'I feel daunted, but privileged'

Louise Ellis, 55, is head gardener at Audley End, near Saffron Walden, one of the finest Jacobean houses in England.

She lives in a cottage within the property's kitchen garden.

Walking home through the gardens after our visitors have left is a wonderful 'commute'. The twinkling glasshouses stand silent, the lowering sun warms the redbrick walls, and the beautiful array of flowers and fruit glow in its last rays – it's the perfect way to unwind.

Having worked in social care, I retrained as a gardener in my mid-30s and my first role was as a trainee at Audley End. I've now found my dream job, leading this talented team of gardeners and living in a beautiful two-bedroom, 19th-century cottage onsite. The gardens keep us busy year-round, planting around 50,000 bulbs in the winter and 15,000 bedding plants in spring. It’s slightly daunting being trusted to care for such a historic property’s gardens, but I also feel very privileged.