MAKING HISTORY

After falling in love with a dated 17th-century cottage, Alice and James Geddes extended it to create a welcoming family home

Adding a sensitive extension has enhanced the character of this 17th-century cottage in Berkshire

Alice Geddes and her husband James bought their 17th-century Berkshire cottage knowing it needed lots of work, but having renovated other properties, they were undaunted. ‘It hadn’t been touched for around 40 years but we could see its potential,’ says Alice. ‘I loved its air of “secretness”, and its beautiful surroundings.’

The couple also liked the fact that it would give their sons, Angus, now 14, Lachy, 12, and Archie, 8, freedom to roam. ‘It also had so many original features, such as old floor tiles and even a bread oven, which gave it so much character,’ says Alice. ‘We knew that we could transform it into something fantastic.’

‘We lived here for a year before we decided exactly what to do,’ says Alice. The couple then came across a local company called Hartwood Oak, specialising in oak-framed extensions. ‘We liked their work, so we asked them to do the remodelling work throughout as well as building an extension to house the new kitchen,’ says Alice. ‘Instead of dealing with lots of builders, we decided it was easier to work with just one company.’

Such a radical programme of building work meant the house had to be gutted, so Alice, James and the boys decided to move out for the duration of the project. ‘We lived in a static caravan in the garden for nearly a year,’ says Alice. ‘It was important to be on site and also exciting to see the work taking place.’

The couple wanted an extension in keeping with the cottage and which suited its surroundings. ‘We didn’t just want a box on the end of the house,’ says Alice. The result comprised a weathered timber façade with large windows to the sides and back to allow for uninterrupted views over the countryside.

The kitchen also incorporates a dining area, positioned where the back door was once located. With the structural works complete, Alice sought the help of her friend, interior designer Lisa Cook, who helped her select the colour palette. ‘I was keen to keep the cottage feel but also wanted a sophisticated look,’ says Alice and the resulting soft blues and elegant greys, achieve this. ‘It’s cottage style with flair,’ says Alice.

Now that the renovation is complete, Alice and James are delighted. ‘The interior space flows from the kitchen to the beamed rooms elsewhere and the soft colours of the decor and warm tones of the wood bring it to life,’ says Alice. ‘The most beautiful countryside for walking and cycling is right on our doorstep, yet we’re only 20 minutes from a town, so it’s a really convenient location. It’s the perfect family home.’

KITCHEN The stunning vaulted ceiling brings the wow factor in this new addition to the cottage. Bespoke cabinetry by John Britten from Oakley Furniture. Cupboards painted in Ammonite; island painted in Hague Blue, both estate eggshell, £62 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball

DINING AREA Taking pride of place here, classic farmhouse furniture creates a country-style feel. For a good match, try the Dorchester table, £249; and kitchen chairs, £120 a pair, both The Cotswold Company. Linenstars Grey linen tablecloth, £26, Etsy, would work well here

SITTING ROOM Alice opted for soft colours to complement the muted honey hue of the beams. Sofa and chairs upholstered in Hammond Ivory linen, £102m, Colefax and Fowler. Walls in Cornforth White estate emulsion, £46.50 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball

SNUG Pink floral curtains add warmth to this room. Curtains in Paris Rose in Raspberry fabric, £75m, Cabbages & Roses. Hamptworth sofa, £975, Willow & Hall

EN SUITE The positioning of the bath creates symmetry. Chalice freestanding bath, £1,637, Drench. The antique chair was recovered in a fabric similar to Sudbury Park, £52.80m, Colefax and Fowler. Vanity unit (right) painted in Wimborne White estate eggshell, £62 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball

ANGUS’ BEDROOM Alice has layered throws on the bed to help turn this space into a cosy den. Faux-fur throw, £250, Oka. Plain wool throw, £75, John Lewis & Partners, is similar. Feature wall painted in Dix Blue estate emulsion, £46.50 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball

MASTER BEDROOM Yellow accents add vibrancy while evoking a feel of spring in this relaxing space. Try Jaipur throw in Turmeric, £140, Christy. Cow Parsley cushion, £35, John Lewis & Partners, would work here. For similar side tables, try Provencale side tables, £350 each, Laura Ashley