![The renovation game](https://cdn.magzter.com/1509000563/1667470364/articles/rcHxwGslK1667554798677/THE-RENOVATION-GAME.jpg)
Welcome to the house of fun - a home of secret slides, hidden doors, pop-up screens, and wonky dimensions. Nothing is quite what it seems in Jane Fordham and Craig Bonner's extraordinary home of two halves.
Their period house welcomes you with its low-slung front windows and blossoming climbers round the door. Head round the back, however, and you'll spot a contemporary zig-zag glazed corridor that links the Grade II-listed building with its revamped and very contemporary stables and garage block.
"Our initial plan was to self-build," says Craig, a financial director. "We had always dismissed the idea of buying a period house because we always thought they could be oppressive with their low ceilings and small windows, but we fell for this as soon as we saw it. It had a really positive feel to it."
Not only was the property in the right location, but it also had planning permission to convert the stables and garage, offering scope to fulfill at least part of their self-build ambition.
"The only thing we needed to address was how to create a link between the two and how to modernize the outbuildings without faking it," says Craig.
With no deadlines or time constraints, the couple moved into the old cottage with their young children and started to plan for a home which, above all else, would be fun to live in.
"We created a significant mood board that included space, light, fun, and play," says Craig. "Then we broke every rule in the self-builder's book by just making it up as we went along. I was happy to adjust things 'on the go', while Jane is much better at planning and detail."
Esta historia es de la edición December 2022 de Homebuilding & Renovating.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición December 2022 de Homebuilding & Renovating.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
![WHY I CHOSE...TO HIRE AN INTERIOR DESIGNER](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/16135/1366590/HVGaVM8OS1690365129807/WHY-I-CHOSETO-HIRE-AN-INTERIOR-DESIGNER.jpg)
WHY I CHOSE...TO HIRE AN INTERIOR DESIGNER
Hiring a professional to help in an area you're not confident with can be invaluable. Ben Adam-Smith did just that by employing an interior designer to inject character into his and his wife Kay's self-build
![HOW TO PREVENT YOUR HOME OVERHEATING](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/16135/1366590/hX14NFRVF1690364169583/HOW-TO-PREVENT-YOUR-HOME-OVERHEATING.jpg)
HOW TO PREVENT YOUR HOME OVERHEATING
With UK summers getting hotter, what steps can be taken to prevent overheating in homes? We outline what you can do to have a comfortable property all year round
![Multifunctional home office](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/16135/1366590/bQF1NRgYn1690363801834/MULTIFUNCTIONAL-HOME-OFFICE.jpg)
Multifunctional home office
How to create a hybrid space that's suitable for both work and home life
![Build a new garage for less](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/16135/1366590/5KDvQf5qT1690363297353/BUILD-A-NEW-GARAGE-FOR-LESS.jpg)
Build a new garage for less
Taking on a self-build or renovation project? Then factor in a garage from the beginning you can benefit from economies of scale and efficiency tactics, says Tim Phillips
![The golden rules of house design](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/16135/1366590/e0bkx8WUk1690362548667/THE-GOLDEN-RULES-OF-HOUSE-DESIGN.jpg)
The golden rules of house design
Designing a house is hugely exciting, but knowing where to start can also feel daunting. With the help of some top architectural experts, we bring you the golden rules that will ensure you create the home of your dreams
![THE HEALTHY HOME](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/16135/1366590/bGny7OvYU1690362181629/THE-HEALTHY-HOME.jpg)
THE HEALTHY HOME
PART THREE: BOOSTING BIODIVERSITY IN OUR HOMES
![Victorian overhauls](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/16135/1366590/-vVfv5HqF1690361443158/VICTORIAN-OVERHAULS.jpg)
Victorian overhauls
A carefully conceived extension could be the key to unlocking the potential of your period property without compromising its character. Let our selection of innovative schemes be your inspiration...
![Bird's eve view](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/16135/1366590/loPicgK-V1690360761899/BIRDS-EVE-VIEW.jpg)
Bird's eve view
Peter and Romney Lelliott opted for an upside-down new build, enabling them to enjoy far-reaching country views from the elevated living space of their contemporary new home
![A collage to treasure](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/16135/1366590/EsAcQt8Zp1690358184836/A-COLLAGE-TO-TREASURE.jpg)
A collage to treasure
Kirstin Eriksson has transformed her Cotswold property by taking it from a neglected cottage to a perfect family home packed full of clever design ideas
![Hidden, paradise](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/16135/1366590/cGwHImDb51690357484190/HIDDEN-PARADISE.jpg)
Hidden, paradise
With hard work and a lot of initiative, Minnie and James Vosper lovingly brought their run-down home into the 21st century