HOME FOR CHRISTMAS

Kari and Jeff Young have given a dated Victorian property a new lease of life, creating a charming family home that's ideal for festive get-togethers

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When Young is preparing her characterful Victorian home for Christmas, she is often stopped in her tracks by the sight of the traditionally decorated tree in her inviting drawing room. ‘To me, the view from our hallway, featuring the beautiful staircase with its ornate spindles, restored cornicing and lovely double doors, is simply magical and epitomises Christmas in our home,’ she says.

Back in 2008, when the couple first viewed the house, it was a far cry from the elegant home that Kari and Jeff have since put their hearts and souls into. At the time, the pair were hunting for a larger, detached property with more space for their daughters, Clemmie, Mimi and Tallulah. Kari, who was expecting Ottilie, was keen for all the children to have their own bedrooms, ideally on the same floor. ‘I had this vision of going from room to room in the evenings, reading bedtime stories, without having to climb lots of flights of stairs at the end of the day,’ she says.