BEST LISTED HOME

Beverley and Andy Brown’s Grade Ii-listed flint and chalk cottage in West Dorset dates back to the mid-1700s. It is thatched, its walls are two-feet thick, and the floors slope, but the Browns fell in love with it, as did the Period Living team.

Since moving in, the couple have worked with the local conservation officer to carry out a sympathetic renovation, which has included removing the cement render that was suffocating the walls. ‘It is not over-restored – you can still see the lumps and bumps, and the history and evolution of the house is clearly visible,’ says Beverley (pictured above).

Style editor Pippa Blenkinsop says: ‘Owning a listed property is full of challenges and regulations, and with her light touch and approach to restoring this dreamy cottage, Beverley has risen to those admirably, creating a comfortable, relaxed home where the original features have been allowed to shine.’

Sponsored by The Sash Window Workshop,

specialist in manufacturing and installing high-quality, traditional timber windows and doors, designed to improve energy and preserve the character of your period home. (sashwindow.com)