{"id":32662,"date":"2024-04-17T10:27:26","date_gmt":"2024-04-17T08:27:26","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/576af495-83a1-4f16-a2c5-0d5d170c7e57"},"modified":"2024-04-17T11:36:37","modified_gmt":"2024-04-17T09:36:37","slug":"renovated-17th-century-cottage-in-devon","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/homesantiques\/rss_feed\/renovated-17th-century-cottage-in-devon\/","title":{"rendered":"Renovated 17th-century cottage in Devon"},"content":{"rendered":"

Finding an idyllic retreat in the Devon countryside proved the perfect solution to help Rebecca and Simon Walker inject balance and calm into their busy working lives.\nFeature Marisha Taylor. Photographs James French <\/p>

By <\/p>

Published: Wednesday, 17 April 2024 at 08:27 AM<\/p>

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Running a business from home means the line between work and family life can begin to blur. This was certainly the case for Rebecca and Simon Walker, whose rented farmhouse<\/a> in West Berkshire has been the nerve centre for their landscaping and tree surgery business for 15 years, and they were beginning to feel the strain: \u2018With little separation between our personal and work lives, we were keen to buy a country retreat to escape to,\u2019 says Rebecca.<\/p>

They focused their property search on the South Hams area of Devon, where they\u2019d spent many happy holidays over the years, but finding the right place proved frustrating. After months of searching and numerous unsuccessful viewings they\u2019d almost given up hope, when a newly renovated 17th-century cottage came on the market in the hamlet of East Cornworthy, just a stone\u2019s throw from the wooded banks of the River Dart.<\/p>

\u2018I went to view it straightaway and, despite the miserable February weather, I still remember the feeling of excitement as I drove along the lane and pulled up outside Forager Cottage,\u2019 says Rebecca. \u2018It was a quintessential stone cottage, and it was gorgeous.\u2019<\/p>

The previous owners were architects and had done a great job of sympathetically remodelling the house, adding a new kitchen<\/a>, updating the bathrooms<\/a> and opening up the downstairs living spaces. A glass side extension had also been added \u2013 a beautiful space for dining and entertaining \u2013 while the historic character of the building had been retained throughout, which Rebecca loved.<\/p>

You might also like <\/strong>18th-Century farmworker\u2019s cottage in Wiltshire<\/a><\/p>

\u2018There were wonderful original features, like the huge fireplace <\/a>in the living room and the thick stone walls \u2013 and not having to do anything structural to the cottage was appealing, too. I put in an offer there and then, before Simon had even had a chance to view it!\u2019<\/p>

The couple completed on the house in September 2020 and spent long weekends settling in, running their business remotely from the light-filled conservatory, and getting to know the local area. \u2018Having the river close by was a big selling point for Simon, who\u2019s a keen sailor. We found a small marina two minutes away where we store our rib boat, and spend long days exploring the river and surrounding coastline.\u2019\u00a0<\/p>

Everything seemed perfect until their first winter, when water started running into the bedrooms<\/a> after a period of heavy rain. \u2018The whole roof needed replacing, just as the country went into its third lockdown and travel was restricted, which meant everything had to be managed remotely.\u2019 Luckily, the couple found a good local builder to manage the job, and while his team was working on the cottage, they decided to add a small extension at the front for a boot room<\/a> and larger entrance hall.<\/p>

\u2018As keen walkers, beach-goers and owners of a large dog, we really needed that extra space for drying off wetsuits, coats and muddy paws,\u2019 explains Rebecca. \u2018It\u2019s made such a difference to how we use the space.\u2019<\/p>

The rest of the interior was in good decorative order, as the previous owners had recently painted it in serene shades of blue, grey and white. It was a perfect blank canvas for the many inherited items and antiques<\/a> that Rebecca had amassed over the years, and she was raring to add character with furnishings and splashes of colour<\/a>. \u2018I wanted to create a luxurious but comfortable feel, with personality and charm \u2013 somewhere with warmth to come home to after long dog walks or days out on the river.\u2019<\/p>

As such, Rebecca\u2019s aesthetic encompasses a welcoming mix of styles and eras, and modern pieces sit harmoniously alongside inherited items or vintage finds from antiques fairs<\/a> or markets: \u2018I love the combination of old and new, it makes for a much more interesting home.\u2019<\/p>

In the conservatory, a zinc-top Barker & Stonehouse table marries seamlessly with antique chapel chairs: \u2018We bought them 25 years ago for our first-ever home,\u2019 says Rebecca. \u2018At the time we couldn\u2019t afford much but invested in these \u2013 they are still as solid as the day we bought them.\u2019 Similarly, the squishy yellow sofa in the living room presents a plush, modern focal point, but looks perfectly at home surrounded by antique wooden furniture and other vintage<\/a> items.<\/p>

Outside, Rebecca and Simon landscaped the garden to make the most of the steep terrain. Wooden steps lead to a summerhouse with expansive views across the Devon countryside, and a walkway leads to an al-fresco dining<\/a> area that feels like an extension of the house, perfect for sunny lunches. \u2018We now have zoned areas both inside and out so, even when there\u2019s a house full of people, you can always find a quiet corner,\u2019 Rebecca enthuses.<\/p>

Buying Forager Cottage has given the family the breathing space they needed: \u2018It\u2019s a really special place, and a beautiful location,\u2019 says Rebecca. \u2018We\u2019re so pleased we followed our dream \u2013 balance in our lives has been restored.\u2019<\/p>

@forager_on_the-dart. The cottage is also available as a holiday rental via boutique-retreats.co.uk<\/a><\/em><\/p>

– James French –<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div>
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– James French –<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div>
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– James French –<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div>
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– James French –<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div>
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– James French –<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div>
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– James French –<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div>
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– James French –<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div>
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– James French –<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div>
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– James French –<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div>
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– James French –<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div>
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– James French –<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div>
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– James French –<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/div>