Christel Cowdrey moved from Sweden to England with her family in the 1960s, modelled in London, and has travelled the world for work and business – yet, for the past 10 years, her home and her heart have been in an idyllic corner of England. Now, as her twin sons follow in her adventurous footsteps, she is welcoming guests into her family home and starting a whole new chapter...

The Cowdrey Cricketing Family’s Offham Home

Christel Cowdrey moved from Sweden to England with her family in the 1960s, modelled in London, and has travelled the world for work and business – yet, for the past 10 years, her home and her heart have been in...

When Victoria and David left London for Surrey they had no idea that such a wonderful home was just around the corner, down a pretty leafy lane. An expansive Arts & Crafts house, with more than a touch of Betjeman about it, it just needed their personal touch to turn it into something truly special...

Arts & Crafts Surrey Home

When Victoria and David left London for Surrey they had no idea that such a wonderful home was just around the corner, down a pretty leafy lane. An expansive Arts & Crafts house, with more than a touch of Betjeman...

Despite moving to London and starting a family, the Weald will always be home to Ben Parker. So, when he and his French wife, Perrine spotted a large Georgian farmhouse in need of refurbishment, a deal was struck and the transformation began...

Goudhurst Country Refurbished Retreat

Despite moving to London and starting a family, the Weald will always be home to Ben Parker. So, when he and his French wife, Perrine spotted a large Georgian farmhouse in need of refurbishment, a deal was struck and the...

Grand, imposing and seemingly a Georgian rectory, this family home in the heart of the High Weald is not what it seems. For, behind the rambling roses and historic facade lies a thoroughly modern house – built only 10 years ago by a family inspired by the popular series, Grand Designs...

Georgian Style Grand Design

Grand, imposing and seemingly a Georgian rectory, this family home in the heart of the High Weald is not what it seems. For, behind the rambling roses and historic facade lies a thoroughly modern house – built only 10 years...

Leaving behind an Arts and Crafts house to move nearer their boys’ school, the Smith family were faced with a huge, unfinished shell of a building – but one that was surrounded by wild-flower meadows and incredible rolling hills. This was all the inspiration they needed to transform the house into their home...

From Blank Canvas to Family Home

Leaving behind an Arts and Crafts house to move nearer their boys’ school, the Smith family were faced with a huge, unfinished shell of a building – but one that was surrounded by wild-flower meadows and incredible rolling hills. This...

Setting the scene has been Emma Clarke’s professional role for many years. So, when the opportunity arose to create her own, domestic show-stopper, she was more than qualified – as her magnificent home demonstrates...

Country Lodge Guest House

Setting the scene has been Emma Clarke’s professional role for many years. So, when the opportunity arose to create her own, domestic show-stopper, she was more than qualified – as her magnificent home demonstrates.

After spotting the potential of this Victorian house near Camden Road in Tunbridge Wells, Justine Hodgson-Barker, an interior designer, and her husband James set about transforming it into a stylish yet functional family home

The Stylish Family Home

After spotting the potential of this Victorian house near Camden Road in Tunbridge Wells, Justine Hodgson-Barker, an interior designer, and her husband James set about transforming it into a stylish yet functional family home.

When Jilly Sharpe left Peckham, south London, for Broadstairs, she needed a home and a way to make a living. Belvidere Place, a run-down and dilapidated Georgian building that had been neglected for 200 years, was to be her saviour – but only once she had carried out some serious salvation of her own ...

Belvidere Place – Broadstairs Boutique B&B

When Jilly Sharpe left Peckham, south London, for Broadstairs, she needed a home and a way to make a living. Belvidere Place, a run-down and dilapidated Georgian building that had been neglected for 200 years, was to be her saviour...

It is often said that ‘mother knows best’. In the case of this 1920s home in Dorking, Surrey, it would be hard to dispute this – especially when you discover that the mother in question is an award-winning artist and a designer who has helped her daughter transform a simple family home into a masterpiece...

Modern Styling in a 1920s Home

It is often said that ‘mother knows best’. In the case of this 1920s home in Dorking, Surrey, it would be hard to dispute this – especially when you discover that the mother in question is an award-winning artist and...

When Sarah and Dean made the decision to move to Kent from Hertfordshire, they agreed that they would only buy a house they both truly loved. When they found this 16th century Wealden farmhouse near Ulcombe, in need of restoration and decoration, they knew they’d found the one...

Restored Rustic Wealden Farmhouse

When Sarah and Dean made the decision to move to Kent from Hertfordshire, they agreed that they would only buy a house they both truly loved. When they found this 16th century Wealden farmhouse near Ulcombe, in need of restoration...

A gardener’s cottage built in the 1930s by Vita Sackville-West, which overlooks Sissinghurst Castle, makes a tranquil retreat for National Trust gardener Claire Abery, whose ‘make-do-and-mend’ approach is perfectly fitting for this former Land Girls’ billet

Sackville West Gardener’s Cottage in Sissinghurst

A gardener’s cottage built in the 1930s by Vita Sackville-West, which overlooks Sissinghurst Castle, makes a tranquil retreat for National Trust gardener Claire Abery, whose ‘make-do-and-mend’ approach is perfectly fitting for this former Land Girls’ billet.

After more than 30 years in rural Suffolk, Francine Raymond decided it was time to downsize her home – and her poultry flock – and move closer to her family in Whitstable. Five years later and her seaside ‘chalet home’ is a credit to the fashion illustrator and stylist-turned writer – who documented her move to Kent in her book, Flying the Coop...

Wonderful Whitstable Chalet

After more than 30 years in rural Suffolk, Francine Raymond decided it was time to downsize her home – and her poultry flock – and move closer to her family in Whitstable. Five years later and her seaside ‘chalet home’...

Rob and Caroline, the couple behind Brick House Farm are experts in hospitality: from running a popular pub in Tenterden, to hosting rustic weddings at their smallholding near High Halden. This natural ability to make people feel welcome is evident in their home – inducing our writer to slip off his shoes, sink into the sofa and make a request for hot tea and buttered scones...

Beautiful Farmhouse and Wedding Venue

Rob and Caroline, the couple behind Brick House Farm are experts in hospitality: from running a popular pub in Tenterden, to hosting rustic weddings at their smallholding near High Halden. This natural ability to make people feel welcome is evident...

Linda Carter’s Hastings retreat has provided her and her family with a convenient coastal bolt hole, not too far from their main home in Kilndown. Filled with finds that she has tracked down at French brocantes over the years, Linda has transformed this former run-down fisherman’s cottage into a simple, yet chic, holiday rental for visitors to the town to enjoy...

Fisherman’s Cottage Turns Coastal Retreat

Linda Carter’s Hastings retreat has provided her and her family with a convenient coastal bolt hole, not too far from their main home in Kilndown. Filled with finds that she has tracked down at French brocantes over the years, Linda...

Peter and Jilly Burnet’s spacious farmhouse has provided the couple with a glorious family home for over twenty years. Spread over three floors, this stunning property has borne witness to many a party, celebration and even church fêtes...

Spacious Family Farmhouse

Peter and Jilly Burnet’s spacious farmhouse has provided the couple with a glorious family home for over twenty years. Spread over three floors, this stunning property has borne witness to many a party, celebration and even church fêtes.

After coming to Goudhurst as a hop picker at 19, Suzanne Stobbs knew she’d love to return one day to live in the village. Now Suzanne and her husband Tim have found their perfect family home in an idyllic position in the heart of Goudhurst...

Welcome Home

After coming to Goudhurst as a hop picker at 19, Suzanne Stobbs knew she’d love to return one day to live in the village. Now Suzanne and her husband Tim have found their perfect family home in an idyllic position...

When curtain maker Annette Poole decided to move from Battle to Hastings, she researched lots of properties before finding a hillside home to suit her family. After three years of renovation work, she has created a unique interior to reflect her creative eye and passion for soft furnishings...

Remarkable Renovation

When curtain maker Annette Poole decided to move from Battle to Hastings, she researched lots of properties before finding a hillside home to suit her family. After three years of renovation work, she has created a unique interior to reflect...

When Nick and Sonja walked into Goudhurst’s old disused Methodist Chapel they knew they could make something truly special from the 2,000 square feet of space bounded by solid Victorian brick and soaring Gothic windows. A year and a half later they have succeeded in creating a stunning family home whilst preserving the integrity of this historic building...

Minimalist Chapel Renovation

When Nick and Sonja walked into Goudhurst’s old disused Methodist Chapel they knew they could make something truly special from the 2,000 square feet of space bounded by solid Victorian brick and soaring Gothic windows. A year and a half...

After deciding to sell a home in Camberwell and let another in Canterbury, Dan and Chris made the decision to settle in a graceful apartment in an elegant Victorian house. A little over three years later, and after an extensive remodelling of space they have succeeded in creating a beautiful home where style triumphs effortlessly over fashion...

Mynthurst Mansion – Victorian Splendour

After deciding to sell a home in Camberwell and let another in Canterbury, Dan and Chris made the decision to settle in a graceful apartment in an elegant Victorian house. A little over three years later, and after an extensive...

When Jenny and Doug Branson decided to make a move to Dorking they initially set their sights on Victorian properties. But for interior designer Jenny, a chance viewing of a new build property proved to be an irresistibly blank canvas...

New Build Home with Scandi and 60s Design

When Jenny and Doug Branson decided to make a move to Dorking they initially set their sights on Victorian properties. But for interior designer Jenny, a chance viewing of a new build property proved to be an irresistibly blank canvas.

For twenty-six years Debbie Rix and her husband Tony have been evolving their generously proportioned Victorian home to suit the various stages of family life. Peaceful and calm, the beautiful gardens which surround the house now provide Debbie with the perfect spot in which to develop her plans for her latest novel...

Novelist’s Charming Victorian Home

For twenty-six years Debbie Rix and her husband Tony have been evolving their generously proportioned Victorian home to suit the various stages of family life. Peaceful and calm, the beautiful gardens which surround the house now provide Debbie with the...

In light of the release of her new book Have You Been Good? Vanessa Nicolson shows Wealden Times around the house that was once owned by her grandparents, Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson. Following a few alterations, Vanessa has created a beautiful family home surrounded by stunning gardens tended by her husband, avid plant collector Andrew Davidson...

Vita Sackville-West’s Grandaughter’s Home

In light of the release of her new book Have You Been Good? Vanessa Nicolson shows Wealden Times around the house that was once owned by her grandparents, Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson. Following a few alterations, Vanessa has created...

After years of rural living, seasoned property renovators Catherine and Rupert decided to move their growing family to a spacious Victorian townhouse in the heart of Sevenoaks. After extensive modernisation, in a very short timeframe, they have succeded in creating the ideal space to accommodate the needs of their family including the bespoke kitchen Catherine has always dreamed of...

Monochrome Home – Remarkable Rebuild

After years of rural living, seasoned property renovators Catherine and Rupert decided to move their growing family to a spacious Victorian townhouse in the heart of Sevenoaks. After extensive modernisation, in a very short timeframe, they have succeded in creating...

After years of rural living, seasoned property renovators Catherine and Rupert decided to move their growing family to a spacious Victorian townhouse in the heart of Sevenoaks. After extensive modernisation, in a very short timeframe, they have succeded in creating the ideal space to accommodate the needs of their family including the bespoke kitchen Catherine has always dreamed of...

Victorian Townhouse with a Modern Twist

After years of rural living, seasoned property renovators Catherine and Rupert decided to move their growing family to a spacious Victorian townhouse in the heart of Sevenoaks. After extensive modernisation, in a very short timeframe, they have succeeded in creating...

When jeweller Catherine Hills and her family decided to relocate from the hustle and bustle of Islington to Tunbridge Wells they happened upon a Victorian villa tucked away down a peaceful street. Several years later, and with a wonderful new boutique in The Pantiles in which to showcase her creations, Catherine and her husband James continue to evolve their home, re-working rooms as projects arise...

Harry Potter Jeweller’s Magical Home

When jeweller Catherine Hills and her family decided to relocate from the hustle and bustle of Islington to Tunbridge Wells they happened upon a Victorian villa tucked away down a peaceful street. Several years later, and with a wonderful new...

When Nina and Nick found Chilverbridge House, a stunning 17th century, Grade II-listed manor house with a semi-converted granary and coach house in Arlington, they knew it was exactly what they had been looking for. Over the last eight years they have poured their hearts and souls into the property, transforming it from a total wreck to a luxurious B&B within convenient reach of Glyndebourne...

Luxury Coach House B&B

When Nina and Nick found Chilverbridge House, a stunning 17th century, Grade II-listed manor house with a semi-converted granary and coach house in Arlington, they knew it was exactly what they had been looking for. Over the last eight years...

Blending soaring ceilings with middle-eastern furniture finds, the success of Lorraine Kerr’s barn conversion lies in her ability to inject a little quirkiness into a traditional, beamed interior to create a stunning family home...

Barn Conversion with Moorish Charm

Blending soaring ceilings with middle-eastern furniture finds, the success of Lorraine Kerr’s barn conversion lies in her ability to inject a little quirkiness into a traditional, beamed interior to create a stunning family home.

When Jenny Tudor and her husband moved into their spacious double fronted Victorian house they knew they had found a home to settle in. After a few careful moderations this sizeable property is now perfectly suited to accommodate the couple’s large and active family, plus their three chinchillas, providing them with an ideal space for the activity they love the most, entertaining...

The Forever Family Home

When Jenny Tudor and her husband moved into their spacious double fronted Victorian house they knew they had found a home to settle in. After a few careful moderations this sizeable property is now perfectly suited to accommodate the couple’s...

Using her keen eye for vintage and unusual design, Sam, with the help of her husband Richard, has tranformed her family’s award-winning sixties-built home into a haven for unique and fascinating finds...

Vibrant 60s Design Home

Using her keen eye for vintage and unusual design, Sam, with the help of her husband Richard, has transformed her family’s award-winning sixties-built home into a haven for unique and fascinating finds.

When Christine and her partner Kevin decided to downsize they chose to design and tailor the perfect space to meet their new requirements. Through careful planning and a knack for maximising on space, they have transformed a small courtyard cottage from cramped and compartmentalised into stylish open-plan living...

Courtyard Cottage Open-Plan Living

When Christine and her partner Kevin decided to downsize they chose to design and tailor the perfect space to meet their new requirements. Through careful planning and a knack for maximising on space, they have transformed a small courtyard cottage...

When Katie and Richard yearned for a change from their 1960s family farmhouse, they embarked on an epic project to realise their dream home from scratch. Twenty-one months, and 35 tonnes of Turkish marble, later the couple have created a stunning, technology-filled retreat with views out over the Kentish countryside to die for...

Contemporary Gadget-Filled Home

When Katie and Richard yearned for a change from their 1960s family farmhouse, they embarked on an epic project to realise their dream home from scratch. Twenty-one months, and 35 tonnes of Turkish marble, later the couple have created a...

Over a relatively short period of time, Sandra Dowse has grown her idea of creating personalised homewares and accessories into an incredibly successful online business with orders coming from all over the world. John Graham-Hart finds out how she and her husband Richard juggle working from home alongside raising their young family...

The Home of Pickle Pie Gifts

Over a relatively short period of time, Sandra Dowse has grown her idea of creating personalised homewares and accessories into an incredibly successful online business with orders coming from all over the world. John Graham-Hart finds out how she and...

When John Aspinall acquired Port Lympne in the 1970s, he rescued the impressive mansion from decades of neglect. Flanked by endangered species on all sides, this grand building opened as a hotel and wedding venue in 2014, and offers a remarkable opportunity for guests to enjoy a unique break, where it’s possible to meet some of the rarest animals in the world ...

Port Lympne’s Dramatic Restoration

When John Aspinall acquired Port Lympne in the 1970s, he rescued the impressive mansion from decades of neglect. Flanked by endangered species on all sides, this grand building opened as a hotel and wedding venue in 2014, and offers a...

When Anna Deacon and John Taylor decided to downsize, Hastings’s art scene lured them to the coast where they have transformed a hillside property using their enviably creative approach to interiors...

Artists’ Vibrant Hastings Home

When Anna Deacon and John Taylor decided to downsize, Hastings’s art scene lured them to the coast where they have transformed a hillside property using their enviably creative approach to interiors.

After five years of painstaking restoration, chef, writer and photographer Alastair Hendy has succeeded in returning his Grade II listed 16th century merchant’s house in Hastings Old Town to its pared-back Tudor glory...

The Christmas House – Tudor Restoration

After five years of painstaking restoration, chef, writer and photographer Alastair Hendy has succeeded in returning his Grade II listed 16th century merchant’s house in Hastings Old Town to its pared-back Tudor glory.

Inspired by the Charleston principle – to seek out only the most beautiful or interesting pieces to furnish their interior – Matthew Fox and his partner Chris have transformed a dilapidated antiques shop on Burwash High Street into an enviably unique destination, the ideal base from which to explore all that Kent & East Sussex has to offer...

Pelham Hall – Opulent Burwash B&B

Inspired by the Charleston principle – to seek out only the most beautiful or interesting pieces to furnish their interior – Matthew Fox and his partner Chris have transformed a dilapidated antiques shop on Burwash High Street into an enviably...

When creative London couple Roni and John decided to relocate to the country, they initially set their sights on a Kentish Georgian property. But once they’d happened upon a pretty 17th century cottage they knew they had found what they had ultimately been looking for...

Creative Couple Relocate to the Countryside

When creative London couple Roni and John decided to relocate to the country, they initially set their sights on a Kentish Georgian property. But once they’d happened upon a pretty 17th century cottage they knew they had found what they...

Seagulls & Stripes Hastings B&B

Following the birth of their first child, Jon and Sara decided they would like to return to England from Stockholm to begin a new life. Having always talked about starting their own business, the couple decided on Hastings to begin...

Over the years Tina Atkins has turned her love of homemaking into a successful business, Liberty Bee. Taking inspiration from her travels across the UK and Europe, Tina has steadily grown her brand whilst maintaining a busy family lifestyle...

Beautiful Butterfly Cottage

Over the years Tina Atkins has turned her love of homemaking into a successful business, Liberty Bee. Taking inspiration from her travels across the UK and Europe, Tina has steadily grown her brand whilst maintaining a busy family lifestyle.

When Luke Hannam and his wife Tess decided to relocate from their South London home to a sleepy village near the South Coast, they found the perfect place for their young family to grow and stumbled upon an ideal opportunity for Luke’s career as a painter to blossom...

Artist Luke Hannam’s Residence

When Luke Hannam and his wife Tess decided to relocate from their South London home to a sleepy village near the South Coast, they found the perfect place for their young family to grow and stumbled upon an ideal opportunity...

“Wherever possible we’ve tried to use local artists and craftsmen – there’s such a wealth of talent in this part of the world, ” says Louise

Triumphant Burton Home Restoration

When Louise Convert and her family bought their seaside home they’d already tackled the renovation of three local properties. The building they had settled on – a Burton, in a lovely secluded position – had been converted into three flats,...

Sally and Rob yearned for a change of scenery, making the decision to move from bustling city to tranquil countryside. After a two year search, they finally found their dream home and embarked on a considerable renovation which would see them start their own farm...

Lidham Hill Farmhouse Near Rye

Sally and Rob yearned for a change of scenery, making the decision to move from bustling city to tranquil countryside. After a two year search, they finally found their dream home and embarked on a considerable renovation which would see...

The feeling of space is enhanced by the enormous mirror in the sitting room, that despite its size – “People said we’d never get it in,” Pippa laughs – works really well

Treasure Trove in Tenterden

Having downsized from a large Georgian property where they ran an award-winning bed and breakfast, Pippa and Mike Carter decided to move to a small cottage just down the road in order to buy a place in France. Having devoted...

Vicky and James have converted a cluster of former farm buildings into a superb, eco-friendly 21st century family home that won them the Ashford Borough Council 2009 Design Award for Building Conservation...

Fantastic Eco Conversion

Vicky and James have converted a cluster of former farm buildings into a superb, eco-friendly 21st century family home that won them the Ashford Borough Council 2009 Design Award for Building Conservation.

Fashion insider Lionel Copley’s home is testament to his unique eye for design. The Georgian property is the latest in a succession of transformative projects that Lionel has undertaken across Hastings Old Town as well as being a wonderful showcase for the talented local suppliers and businesses that he is keen to support...

Fashion Insider Transforms Georgian Hastings Property

Fashion insider Lionel Copley’s home is testament to his unique eye for design. The Georgian property is the latest in a succession of transformative projects that Lionel has undertaken across Hastings Old Town as well as being a wonderful showcase...

Philippa MacKinnon has employed her enviable organisational skills to sensitively transform her Victorian grange from a dilapidated space, untouched since the 1960s, to a chic and functional family home with ingenious storage solutions...

Victorian Grange Transformation

Philippa MacKinnon has employed her enviable organisational skills to sensitively transform her Victorian grange from a dilapidated space, untouched since the 1960s, to a chic and functional family home with ingenious storage solutions.

Keen to embark on a new challenge, Dawn Rose has capitalized on her experience as former head of Home Buying for both Selfridges and House of Fraser to launch her own homeware and soft furnishings business, Ragged Rose, which she runs from her vibrant Georgian home..

Vibrant Georgian Home of Ragged Rose Furnishings

Keen to embark on a new challenge, Dawn Rose has capitalized on her experience as former head of Home Buying for both Selfridges and House of Fraser to launch her own homeware and soft furnishings business, Ragged Rose, which she...

The starting point for the design of Phoebe’s sitting room was the painting by artist Emma Green which is now mounted above the fireplace

Interior Designer’s Tunbridge Wells Home

Interior designer Phoebe Oldrey and her husband Miles moved out of London in search of somewhere that could offer growing space for their two young boys.