Remote Control

Katherine and Matt Whitchurch oversaw the conversion of a Suffolk shop into their family home from thousands of miles away

- Anna Tobin

Katherine and Matt Whitchurch moved to Dubai with their daughter Anna, now 12, and son James, 11, in 2008 when an exciting job opportunity arose for Matt, a management consultant. ‘it was a fantastic experience for all of us,’ says Katherine, who was a teacher. ‘i got a job in the children’s school, we met people from all over the world and made some really good friends. it was never the plan to stay forever though; we always viewed it as short-term.’

The couple began preparing to return about two years ago. Their youngest child, Joe, now eight, was born in Dubai and the family had outgrown their UK house, which they had been renting out. They sold it and began house hunting from the Middle east. ‘We searched online and then this former menswear boutique came up. We both remembered coming here to go shopping and thinking what a lovely house it would make because it was full of such interesting features.’

The grade ii-listed shop, dating from the 16th century, was being sold with planning permission to be converted into a home. The couple’s offer was accepted before they had viewed it, but a complication with the mortgage meant that Katherine and Matt had to install a temporary kitchen and bathroom before the sale could go ahead, but they finally got the keys in 2016.