LIVING THE DREAM

The perfect house may be right on the doorstep, as Liz and Steve Hudson found to their delight

Opportunity knocked twice for this owner when she was offered the keys to a Surrey Edwardian house

The first time Liz and Steve Hudson were asked whether they wanted to buy the grand Edwardian house opposite the cottage where they lived next to Liz’s parents, they had to pass. ‘I’ve known this house all my life and always loved it,’ says Liz, ‘but we couldn’t afford it.’ Six years later, in 1998, they were asked again and couldn’t say no.

The Hudsons were in no rush to update their new home, but eventually they decided on a side extension to create a large kitchen-diner. Liz was keen to have a Neptune kitchen and was pleasantly surprised by the designer’s proposals. ‘She suggested installing a breakfast bar that would offer views out to the garden,’ says Liz, who added the long dining table. ‘I wanted to be able to host a lot of people for dinner, but for the table not to look intrusive if there were just a few of us,’ she says. ‘I found the perfect table on ebay, from a farm in Somerset.’

Liz decided to manage the whole project while working full-time. She wanted to create a space that was sociable and in keeping with the period features of her home. ‘I sourced a lot of the materials myself, as I love finding quality things that no one else has,’ she says. ‘For instance, I wanted solid wood windows, and I managed to get two sets of French doors for £150 each.’ The back doors are from a Georgian house in the village that was being knocked down. ‘I was out running one

INSPIRATION ‘I love interiors and I always look at homes for sale to see the decoration’

day and saw them, so asked if I could have them,’ says Liz.

Liz’s knack for seeking out interesting one-offs extends to the many antiques and items of furniture that she has upcycled to create her characterful room schemes. They blend with lively colours, patterned textiles and rich textures for an overall eclectic look and relaxing feel.

This warm, inviting home has become the ‘pre-party house’ in the village. ‘I’ve lived here all my life, so we know everyone,’ says Liz. ‘People drop by on their way out for drinks. We love sharing it with friends.’

KITCHEN-DINER ‘I don’t like everything to match,’ says Liz. ‘I like the richness of the combination of materials and colours.’ Walls in Pink Ground modern emulsion, £46.50 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball. Splashback in Mexican Brick/metro tiles in Special Green, from £94.50sq m, Milagros. Oak parquet flooring, £44sq m, Havwoods, is similar

BEDROOM White painted boards and layered pink patterns create a casual New England feel. Cushions, £90 each, Osborne & Little. Try the Cottage gingham rug, from £19.99, Modern Rugs

SITTING ROOM Antique finds and upcycled pieces exemplify Liz’s distinctive style. Walls in Mole’s Breath; wall panelling and joinery in Purbeck Stone, both from £46.50 for 2.5L,farrow & Ball

BEDROOM The beautiful antique screen inspired the colours of the room. Corbeille French bed, £1,495, The French Depot, has the same look. Bedside lamp, £280, Oka

LANDING A vintage French poster makes a fun focal point. Crystal chandelier, £10, car-boot sale