Rural bliss

Taking on a wreck in the country was far from straightforward for Wendy and John Gillah, but now they’re reaping the rewards

- SEAN O'CONNELL

SITTING ROOM

‘Adding wall panelling introduced a period feel,’ says Wendy.

Walls in Strong White estate emulsion, £49.50 for 2.5ltr; panelling in Shadow White estate eggshell, £67 for 2.5ltr, both Farrow & Ball. Antique French style overmantel mirror, £369, Homes Direct 365, would work here. For log carrier baskets, from £48, try Marquis & Dawe

HOME TRUTHS

THE PROPERTY

A 1940s semi-detached

LOCATION

Kent

ROOMS

Sitting room, kitchen-diner, snug, office, three bedrooms (one en suite), two bathrooms

PURCHASED 2015 PREVIOUS PROPERTY

‘We had a detached Arts and Crafts house nearby,’ says Wendy.

SNUG

A wood burner creates an attractive focal point.

Clearview Pioneer 400P stove, £1,374, Direct Stoves. Blackcurrant throw, £85, Bronte by Moon, is similar. Try the Dormouse Herringbone rug, £245, Vegan Haven

After deciding to downsize from their elegant Arts and Crafts house in Tunbridge Wells, Wendy and John Gillah were under no illusions as to why they were buying a 1940s semi a few miles further out in the Kent countryside. ‘It was the worst house in the best location,’ says Wendy.