All in the mix

From the bazaars of Morocco to the English countryside, Alison Coldridge has taken inspiration from near and far when decorating her home

- SARA EMSLIE

Third time lucky, as they say, certainly rings true for Alison Coldridge and her husband Simone, recalling the ups and downs of house hunting. Both their number one and number two choices fell through, but they eventually succeeded with this gate house not far from Winchester. Its fairy tale-like appeal instantly won them over. ‘The exterior reminded me of a gingerbread house, with its white wooden windows and scalloped tiles,’ says Alison.

Built in the mid-1800s, the property isa charming brick and flint construction with a gabled roof and period arched detailing on the windows. An intriguing configuration of rooms downstairs means that each leads directly into the next; something that, in hindsight, Alison realises is ideal for juggling the demands of family life with a toddler and recently-arrived baby sister in tow. “The step-free flow downstairs means that, while cooking, we can see our daughters playing in the living room;’ she says. ‘What’s more, it was the reason this property was overlooked by many other house hunters, so we were able to get it at a steal.’