OLD HOME, NEW LIFE

In February 2020, we bought the house of our dreams in a Conservation Area in Highworth. I’m not sure of the house’s age but it used to be a butcher’s and then, later, it was used as the local police house. We think that the rear extension dates from this time and believe it was a lock up and office. Many things could have put us off this house, from the busy road to the tiny kitchen, but we instantly fell in love.

Unfortunately, the previous owner had bodged repairs rather than conserve the house, meaning we have had to deal with a chimney fire, crumbling walls, leaks, dodgy electrics, furniture beetles in the fire lintel, 8ft tap roots from a holly tree into the lounge… I could go on. I know we have bought a money pit and that we are a couple of years away from finishing – fixing issues and just maintenance jobs – but I know we’ll get there. I just wanted to thank you for the magazine, especially for the wonderful renovation tips. Sharon Willis

This month’s star letter writer receives this delightful Luxury Prosecco Afternoon Tea hamper. It comes with 12 decadent brownies, a delicious loaf cake, 75cl bottle of Prosecco, fine bone china mug and tea! Worth £85 from charmingbakery.co.uk