BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNTRY HOUSE

This family had been determined to not take on another project, that is, until they saw this thatched beauty

Having outgrown their chocolate-box cottage, Helen Jackson was adamant the next family home would definitely not be a building project. ‘With two young children and busy lives, my husband Paul and I were determined to find a house we could move straight into, with the minimum of fuss or upheaval,’ Helen recalls. ‘The thought of messy, dusty building work filled me with dread.’

But after hunting for a suitable property in Buckinghamshire, they drew a complete blank. ‘We were all so attached to our cottage, we knew it would be hard to find anything to compare, particularly since we’d deliberately restricted our search to a five-mile radius,’ she says. ‘This part of the world is beautiful. It’s perfect for Paul’s commute and the children are settled here.’

After many viewings, only one property held any appeal. ‘This thatched house ticked several boxes, including a large garden and garage,’ Helen says. ‘Despite its tranquil location and views, I was worried. A renovation on that scale would be a massive project – just what I hadn’t wanted. We agreed it wasn’t for us.’

Months later, the situation took a twist. ‘A visit from my in-laws coincided with an open weekend at the thatched house,’ says Helen. Viewing the property with a more open mind, as the Jacksons strolled from room to room, obstacles were replaced with opportunities. ‘We began to feel excited, realising that the house offered incredible potential,’ Helen adds. ‘The short-term inconvenience would result in a fantastic family home.’

Having discussed in detail how best to reconfigure the house, the couple snapped it up and contacted an architect. ‘We agreed that repositioning walls on the ground floor and incorporating Crittall doors in the living room would inject much more light and improve the downstairs flow,’ says Helen. ‘Plus, if we built out at the back, we could create a new utility room and enlarge the kitchen. We also felt the attic could be a wonderful playroom.’

They moved in February 2017 and began work while waiting for planning permission for the ground floor alterations. The black beams were stripped and, on the first floor, the bedrooms were decorated and bathrooms replaced. ‘That first phase was fairly straightforward and didn’t prepare me for what was to come,’ Helen reveals. ‘When the structural work to remove walls started downstairs, I remember walking in at the end of the first day and being aghast. It looked as though a bomb had gone off.’

Over the next few months, the couple and their builders worked tirelessly, bringing their vision to fruition as smoothly and quickly as possible. ‘It was really hard work,’ Helen recalls. ‘We stayed in a holiday cottage for just three weeks of the sixmonth project, but for the rest of the time, we were in the house. I became project manager by default and was inundated with build decisions.’ But by August, the work was complete.

‘When embarking on this journey, I dug deep and discovered that, despite its stresses, undertaking a major build project is incredibly rewarding,’ says Helen. ‘We love our thatched home and its rambling garden, where we’re enjoying making precious memories with Isaac and Emilia as they grow up.’

❝WHEN EMBARKING ON THIS JOURNEY, I DUG DEEP AND DISCOVERED THAT, DESPITE ITS STRESSES, UNDERTAKING A MAJOR BUILD PROJECT IS INCREDIBLY REWARDING❞

❝WE REALISED THAT THE HOUSE OFFERED INCREDIBLE POTENTIAL. THE SHORT-TERM INCONVENIENCE WOULD RESULT IN A FANTASTIC FAMILY HOME❞

❝IT’S SUCH A TRANQUIL SPOT. THE VIEWS FROM OUR TERRACE ARE INCREDIBLE, PARTICULARLY THE BREATHTAKING SUNSETS❞

Exterior The façade has been revived with a fresh coat of paint. Front door in Pearl Colour, Little Greene. Tiles, Bert & May

Living room The original inglenook fireplace with its woodburning stove is a delightful focal point. Sofa and footstool, Laura Ashley. Rug, Loaf. Flowers, Fullers Flowers. Cushion in Peony & Sage’s Feather & Egg fabric, made by Clarabelle Interiors. Walls in All White, Farrow & Ball

Kitchen Helen painted the reclaimed wooden bench a pale blue. Bench in Pearl Ashes, Fired Earth. Pendant lights, Shackletons Home & Garden. Cushions made by Clarabelle Interiors

Kitchen Contemporary and classic blend together beautifully in this light and airy space. Roman blind in Sky ticking by Ian Mankin. Cabinetry in Linen, DEVOL. Milk clock, Newgate Clocks

Living room Helen zoned the L-shaped room to create an inviting space. Mirror, Nordic House. Cabinet and stool, The Old Flight House Study A dark feature wall was chosen for the couple’s study. Walls in Dock Blue, Little Greene. Desk, The Dormy House Living room New Crittall doors contrast perfectly with the antique French chair. Chair, Home Barn

Dining room A bargainfind sandstone fireplace, bought on ebay for £150, has been cleverly teamed with panel-effect wallpaper. Table, Home Barn. Runner, Maison Brocante. Floor tiles, Floors of Stone. Flowers, Fullers Flowers

Main bedroom The restful palette was inspired by Helen’s favourite Cabbages & Roses fabric. Curtains and cushions in Hatley Dove, Cabbages & Roses. Quilt, The White Company. Bedside table, Loaf. Walls in Blackened, Farrow & Ball