Winter Warmer
Rich colour, natural fabrics and a roaring fire make Amy and Nigel Miller-fox’s cosy cottage the perfect setting for seasonal gatherings
Property consultant Amy Miller-fox knows better than most not to judge a book by its cover when it comes to houses. But she almost dismissed the Northamptonshire home she now adores because of its compact size when seen from the road. Fortunately, Amy and her husband Nigel decided to view the Grade II listed cottage anyway, and were delighted to find that it was deceptively roomy.
The couple fell in love with the contrasting proportions of the rooms as well as the unusually spacious plot. ‘There was room for a garage and a large garden for our two springer spaniels to run around in,’ says Amy. ‘We put an offer in on the same day.’
Luckily, the house didn’t need very much work. The kitchen and breakfast room had been thoughtfully extended by the previous owners and Amy can’t fault the practical Chinese slate floor and ergonomically designed units. With double doors leading straight out onto the terrace, the room offers all the entertaining space the couple need during summer. Winter is spent mostly in the older, original part of the cottage, where furs, throws and comfortable seating create a cosier feel. ‘I couldn’t live without the logburner,’ says Amy, ‘ it’s one of my favourite features of the house.
Upstairs, the pair were forced to renovate the bathroom, which had not been damp-proofed. ‘It had cracked tiles and multiple leaks so we were unable to use the shower. We decided to pull the whole lot out and start again,’ says Amy. ‘But it was a fascinating experience and gave me the chance to design a new scheme around the magnificent copper bath that we had inherited.’
Since moving into their home in 2011, Amy and Nigel have held a Christmas party each year, which focuses their minds on their tree and decorations – though Amy admits that they are usually still being put up on the morning of the event. ‘Every year I make a promise that I’ll have everything completed beforehand, but always end up behind schedule,’ she laughs. ‘The party is now a firm tradition with around 80 guests from the village attending, and it really launches the festive season for everyone.’
On Christmas Day itself the pair’s extended family arrive for a traditional roast turkey lunch. This Christmas will be extra special as it’s Amy and Nigel’s first as husband and wife following their wedding earlier this year. ‘After all the entertaining, we look forward to taking lots of long and leisurely winter walks in the countryside, and we couldn’t ask for a more welcoming home to return to,’ says Amy.