DECK THE HALLS

Harriet Hastings restored a traditional Suffolk long house and built a new barn alongside it, providing space for all the family, especially at Christmas

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For Harriet and Stevie Congdon, it was an unwitting 'try before you buy' situation that led to them eventually securing their Suffolk house. The couple, founders of the UK's original iced biscuit company, Biscuiteers, were friends with the former owners, architects Sir Michael and Lady Patty Hopkins, and frequently stayed as guests. Michael had bought the property from the church in the 1960s and created the open-plan space that exists today,' explains Harriet. 'When Michael and Patty moved to another place, we made a spontaneous decision to make it ours.'

The house was structurally sound but missing elements needed for modern family life. 'And it was going to be a home for our young children and dogs, so needed to be warm, comfortable and feel relaxed rather than formal,' says Harriet.