ALL IS bright

Mary Maddocks and Raoul Parekh turned a dilapidated Victorian wreck into a light and airy home, full of seasonal cheer

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Julia and Charles Annandale’s Grade II listed timber-framed home in Hampshire is the ideal venue for Christmas celebrations. There are plenty of bedrooms to accommodate visiting loved ones, a spacious kitchen for cooking and catching up, and a dining room designed for the ultimate candlelit banquet. Add to that a cosy sitting room where family of all generations can gather in front of the roaring fire for fun and games. ‘The oldest part of the house dates back to the 15th century,’ says Julia, ‘so it has definitely seen its fair share of parties.’

The couple bought the property in 2001, when their two sons, Hamish, Will and Tom, were still at home. Fortunately, it was well maintained and needed only a few improvements, including new bathrooms, boilers, wiring and a fresh coat of paint. ‘ We also reupholstered a lot of the furniture we’d brought over from our previous home, as it had become a little tired,’ says Julia. ‘The different fabrics have given old pieces a new lease of life – it’s also the best way to add any pattern to a heavily beamed room, where wall space is sparse.’

Flooring has been kept quite simple, however. ‘ We love the original brick in the dining room, and kept the timber floor exposed in the halls,’ explains Julia. ‘But for the sitting room and bedrooms, I wanted a much cosier feel so opted for a neutral carpet; it definitely makes the rooms warmer and more inviting.’

Unsurprisingly, work on such a large old house is continuous. Over the years, the busy pair have updated it when they have had the money and time to think about how they want each room to look. ‘Charles and I have just spent a whole month decorating,’ says Julia. ‘Thankfully, we’ll be putting tools and brushes down to relax and enjoy the holidays.’

Christmas for the Annandales is a community event, where locals get together for a mass celebration. ‘There’s carol singing and wine served in the village hall,’ says Julia. ‘Then we head home to open up our presents with my parents, the boys and their partners. We’re very lucky that we get to enjoy the festive season with the people we love, in the home we love, and in the village we love. What more could we possibly wish for?’