Illustration Sarah Overs Photograph David Lloyd
Knowing the best course of action to take when updating a period house is not always easy. It’s widely acknowledged that original features and character should be preserved wherever possible - yet the principle seems open to interpretation in the pursuit of good taste and convenience. We’ve all seen those property television shows where the homeowner painstakingly restores the original stained glass, but then removes a fireplace because it gets in the way of their furniture; or adds on a radically modern kitchen extension at the rear that totally changes the house’s personality. But is that an acceptable thing to do? Perhaps it depends on what the goal is: do you want to make the house work for your family in the long term, or do you view yourself as its custodian, duty-bound to preserve it for the benefit of future generations? Like most things in life, the ‘right’ answer is probably a careful balance - respecting the building’s history while evolving it to function for the 21st century. This month’s featured homeowners perfectly demonstrate how to blend old and new. I loved reading about Emily and Simon Buttrum’s renovation of a 17th-century farmhouse, which was in desperate need of repair work when they took it on (page 28). They restored as many of its existing features as possible, and complemented them with reclaimed pieces, yet made the design work for their young family. Meanwhile, Judy and Stuart Meeke took a risk when buying their listed cottage (page 52), as they wanted to open it up to bring in the light, but weren’t sure they’d be granted permission. Happily they were, and the result is a glorious semi-open-plan living space that they love spending time in. If you’re planning your own dream home, then there’s never been a better time to subscribe to Period Living. This month pay just £20 and receive a free Orla Kiely teatowel and oven mitt set, worth £30, and baking book, worth £9.99 (page 40). Enjoy the issue!