A Cottage Made For Christmas

Gabrella Barren-Williams and Stuart Burgess’s cosy house is the perfect place to spend the festive season

- Vivienne Ayers

Holly Lodge Cottage, the home of Gabrella Barren-Williams, her husband Stuart Burgess and their son Callum, is the perfect name for a house at this time of year. And with its cosy and elegantly festive interior, it definitely comes into its own at Christmas.

Having lived deep in the countryside while Callum was younger, Gabrella and Stuart decided to move closer o Callum’s school once he reached his teens.

The couple hunted for a house in a pretty village they had lived in previously. ‘There were lots of Eighties’ and Nineties’ houses around, which we didn’t want,’ says Gabrella. ‘I like very modern houses, but Stuart likes period properties.’ Then they found a period cottage on the outskirts of the village. ‘It was priced above our range,’ says Gabrella. ‘I said “Let’s see it” and Stuart said “Let’s not!”.’ The couple did view the house, attracted by its quiet location. ‘It was a mix of old and new as it had been extended,’ says Gabrella. ‘The owners had renovated it and there was already a lovely Devol kitchen and a stunning bathroom. The base was there for us to add our stamp. The owners wanted to sell it quickly, so we bought it within two viewings.’