WORTH THE WAIT

Becky Eades poured her heart and soul into this former blacksmith's cottage, turning it into a bright, pretty home for her family

- ALICE HUMPHRYS

She had resisted stepping into the dated, derelict cottage for almost a year, but when Becky Eades finally set up a viewing, she realised that the property was exactly what she wanted and didn't want-in equal measure. After completing our first house renovation, the last thing my husband and I were after was another project, Becky says. 

The couple's first home had been perfect for them and daughter, Iona. But when Becky found out she was expecting their second child, Fyfe, in 2016, she knew they would soon outgrow it. Spotting the larger, dilapidated property online, Becky had concerns about the amount of work required. Despite continuing to house-hunt, nothing ticked all the boxes, and I'd often find myself taking a little detour to see whether that cottage was still on the market,' she reveals.

Noticing that the price had dropped, the couple decided to take a closer look. The whole place was covered in Virginia creeper when we first visited,' she recalls. We could hardly get through the front door. But even though it was dark, riddled with damp, and in a much sorrier state than anticipated, all I could see was potential. I felt the cottage had been waiting for me and that I had to rescue it.'