• SHROPSHIRE COTTAGE

Hannah Coulson has created a picture-perfect family home in the heart of the Shropshire countryside

The rustic charms of this property are brought to the fore with soft neutrals and natural textures throughout

Moving back to the countryside had always been Hannah Coulson’s plan. ‘I have happy childhood memories of village life. I fondly remember playing in the fields and seeing the same familiar friendly faces in the local shops – it was a lovely village community,’ says Hannah. In 2016 she and her former partner decided to turn that idea into a reality. ‘We wanted to stay within easy reach of work and family, so searched within a 10 mile radius of Oswestry and eventually we found this home in a picture-perfect location.’

The cottage was south facing and had a charming country garden, with fruit trees and climbing roses, all in a peaceful semi-rural setting. Since the town was only a 10 minute drive away, it offered the perfect combination of town and country life. ’The cottage had such a homely feel when you walked in, with the characterful exposed beams and inglenook fireplace. Apart from being a bit outdated, it was in fairly good condition, and with some reconfiguration we knew it had the potential to be a wonderful home.’

In 2016 the couple moved in and work on the house started straight away. The first thing they did was open up the driveway, as there was only space for cars in single file. The entrance was then moved from the side to the front of the house and a decent-sized hallway and downstairs cloakroom were created by knocking

❝THE RECONFIGURATION MEANS THERE IS NOW A LOVELY SPACE❞ FLOW THROUGH THE COTTAGE WITH PLENTY OF

❝MOVING THE BATHROOM UPSTAIRS FREED ENOUGH SPACE DOWNSTAIRS TO OPEN ROOM❞ UP THE LIVING

through from the store shed. ‘The pretty cottage porch was made by my father, Andrew,’ says Hannah. ‘He used reclaimed beams that came from the living room – it looks like it’s always been there!

‘We did the work in stages over the next three years, completing one project then working and saving to make sure we had enough money for the next,’ she recalls. ‘We were very fortunate to have the expertise and support of family who helped with the majority of the technical and cosmetic changes, but it was still hard juggling full-time jobs and the renovation at times.’

The biggest change made to the cottage was moving the original bathroom from the ground floor, next to the living room, to the unused landing on the first floor, which was a much more practical use of space. It not only created a family bathroom, but with a useful Jack and Jill door, an en suite to the main bedroom too. Relocating the bathroom meant the downstairs space could be reconfigured. ‘When the wall came down between the two spaces, it was so exciting seeing how the living room was going to look for the first time,’ says Hannah. ‘We spent quite some time showering at one end of the room and watching television at the other while the new bathroom was being fitted upstairs, but that little inconvenience was worth it.’

Over the years the staircase has been relocated from the living room to the dining room. ‘With its higher

❝I LOVE THE CLASSICALLY BEAUTIFUL FRESCO BIRD WALLPAPER IN THE MAIN BEDROOM, WHICH IS A MODERN PAINTING❞ TAKE ON THE ANCIENT ART OF FRESCO

ceiling it was a much better use of space,’ explains Hannah. And 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, now three, the major work had all been done and Hannah could focus on the décor and finding interesting pieces for their newly renovated home.

‘The kitchen, although dark, was in good condition,’ says Hannah. ‘So we simply brightened it up by updating the cupboards with new paint and handles, changing the worktops and sink. And replacing some of the wall units with scaffolding shelves opened up the space, giving it a more rustic feel. A large window replaced a smaller one in the living room, which meant I don’t have to stand on tiptoe any more to look out into the garden and Beatrice can now watch the rabbits as they play under the fruit trees.’ The inglenook was rendered and repainted, and the beams in both the kitchen and the living room whitewashed, making the spaces feel light and airy.

‘Working with the fabric of the house and keeping to a soft colour palette, natural textures and pretty florals has allowed a classic cosy, rustic style to naturally emerge throughout the cottage. It’s warm, inviting and most importantly, the country home we had always envisaged for our daughter.’

Kitchen-diner Natural textures of wood, wicker and ceramics are offset by the modern Rangemaster cooker, which is set into the whitewashed brick chimney breast

Kitchen Open shelves were added to break up the run of units. Reclaimed scaffold boards were fitted into the alcoves on either side of the oven, which works perfectly with the rustic cottage feel

Kitchen-diner Having a comfy sofa tucked into the corner makes the space relaxed and sociable. Hannah can cook and entertain guests all at the same time. Bella two-seater sofa, Sofology. Ranarp floor lamp, Ikea. Eurydice pink cushion, F&P Interiors

Living room A panelled feature wall gives the room an authentic country feel. For a similar sofa try the Sloane vintage distressed leather sofa, Designer Sofas 4U Hallway The focal point is the gallery wall of old framed photos. A wicker basket and old-fashioned coat hooks provide handy storage. Walls in Off-white; woodwork in Hardwick White, both Farrow & Ball Dining room The antique refectory table belonged to Hannah’s grandmother and has been sanded down, giving it a new lease of life. Similar spindle chairs, John Lewis & Partners. Still life mural, Etsy Kitchen Traditional accessories and artwork combine, adding charm and character to Hannah’s country kitchen. Still-life painting by Jeni Vidler

Living room Splashes of colour are added through artwork, textiles and pretty soft furnishings. Wafer throw in Ink, Tweedmill. Large button footstool, The Furniture Tailor on Etsy

Book nook A relaxing reading area has been created in this unused space with a bespoke bookcase built around a small, tufted glove velvet sofa, Authentic Heritage Furniture Makers Main bedroom The beautiful fresco bird wallpaper and the mismatched cushions add a touch of feminine elegance. Walls painted in Setting Plaster, Farrow & Ball. Small Artur lamp base in stone crackle glass, Pooky, is a close match

Guest bedroom Hannah injected fun into this space, with pretty wallpaper and a colourful throw. Wallpaper, Lisa, Sandberg. Throw, Iamfy

Nursery Beatrice’s room is decorated in calming greys and whites mixed with natural textures that can easily be adapted as she grows. Hannah made the canopy with some muslin and pompom trim Bathroom A roll-top slipper bath, original pretty floral watercolour and wooden panelling give the relocated space rustic charm. Find a similar bath at Victorian Plumbing