COUNTRY CASUAL

Hannah and Tom Coulson traded in town life to fulfil their dream of creating a rural family home

A rural idyll in Shropshire with beams and an inglenook fireplace is enhanced with a soft palette, natural textures and pretty floral prints

Hannah and Tom Coulson always wanted to move to the countryside to raise a family. ‘Tom and I both have happy childhood memories of village life. I remember fondly the long, scenic walks and Sunday lunches in cosy pubs,’ says Hannah. In 2016, they decided to make this a reality, eventually coming across their perfect home near Shropshire, within easy reach of work and family.

‘We loved that the cottage was south-facing and had a charming country garden,’ says Hannah. ‘It had such a homely feel when you walked in with exposed beams and an inglenook fireplace. With some reconfiguration we knew it had the potential to make the ideal family home.’

Later that year the couple moved in and work on the house started straight away. The entrance was moved from the side to the front of the house, and a hallway and cloakroom were created by knocking through from the store shed. ‘The pretty porch you now see was made by my father with reclaimed beams from the sitting room,’ says Hannah. ‘It looks like it’s always been there!’

The biggest change made to the cottage was moving the original bathroom from the ground

floor to the unused landing on the first floor. This not only gave them a family bathroom, but with a clever Jack and Jill door, they were able to fit in an en suite to the master bedroom, too. Relocating the bathroom meant the couple were able to open up the sitting room and improve the flow through the cottage. ‘When the wall came down between the two spaces, it was so exciting seeing how the sitting room was going to look for the first time,’ says Hannah.

The discovery of dangerous electrics running along a central beam meant they had to rewire the whole house. But by the time Hannah discovered she was pregnant with her daughter, Beatrice, in 2018, the major work had all been done and the pair could focus on the decor and finding interesting pieces for their newly renovated home.

Using a soft palette, natural textures and pretty floral prints has ensured that a classic, cosy rustic style has naturally emerged. ‘It’s warm and inviting,’ says Hannah. ‘And, most importantly, it is now the country home we had always envisaged for our family.’

Favourite Item ‘I love the classically beautiful Fresco Birds wallpaper in the master bedroom, which is a modern take on the ancient art of fresco painting’

KITCHEN-DINER Open shelves were added in the alcoves to break up the run of units. They work perfectly with the rustic cottage feel. Rangemaster Nexus 110 dual-fuel range cooker in White and chrome, £2,249, Currys. Walls in Off White estate emulsion, £46 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball

DINING ROOM The eye-catching wall mural and chandelier make for a beautiful space. Similar spindle chairs, £179 for two, John Lewis & Partners. Wall mural, £57, Aurora Wallpapers on Etsy

SITTING ROOM A large wood burner feature and interesting pieces of furniture bring the area to life. Chiswick sofa in Cream, £1,099, Next Home. Large footstool, from £320, The Furniture Tailor on Etsy. Tweedmill wool throw in Ink, £49, Hurn & Hurn

MASTER BEDROOM The beautiful wallpaper, mismatched cushions and vintage accessories add a touch of feminine elegance without being too frilly or fussy. Fresco Birds wallpaper, £87 a roll, Barneby Gates. Similar rattan headboard, £355, Crown French Furniture. Small Artur lamp base in stone crackle glass, £121, Pooky, is a close match

NURSERY ‘We wanted a traditional but pretty space for Beatrice,’ says Hannah, ‘so opted for calming greys and whites mixed with natural textures that can easily be adapted as she grows.’ Sleepi mini cot, £349, Stokke. Aftas round jute rug, £60, La Redoute, is similar

BEDROOM An outdated, dark wood dressing table was repainted in a soft pink and now takes centre stage in this light room. Madison daybed with trundle, £199, Dunelm. Dressing table painted in Setting Plaster estate emulsion, £46 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball

BATHROOM A roll-top bath and the wood panelling capture the country feel. Cambridge roll-top bath, £490, Soak. Pink towels, from £8, House of Fraser