Clare Pearne began collecting decorative treasures as a child and now she has found the perfect setting for them: a period cottage with a secret garden
FEATURE KAREN DARLOW | | STYLING PIPPA BLENKINSOP
KITCHEN
The bespoke cabinets have been designed to complement the original Gothic arched window – one of the real showstoppers in this cottage.
GARDEN
This walled space wraps the cottage on three sides creating a ‘secret’ element. This is very much a cottage garden and Clare has tried to achieve an unmanicured look, encouraging cow parsley, bluebells and primroses to grow amongst annuals and shrubs
HOMETRUTHS
A detached cottage built in 1830, with Victorian additions
Sitting room, conservatory, kitchen-diner, two bedrooms, bathroom
Somerset
DINING AREA
Cockapoo Bungle guards his favourite spot by the fire, which creates a cosy welcome as you see it from the front door.
SITTING ROOM
Even though the cottage ceilings are low, large windows and warm-white walls create a light, bright feel.
BEDROOM
The main bedroom is furnished in a traditional style. Elsie the cat makes herself comfy on an old cast-iron bed.
Unlatching the gate in a high stone wall covered in wisteria and stepping into a secret garden brimming with spring flowers marked a turning point in Clare Pearne and partner Steve Pattinson’s house search. They set eyes on the pretty Georgian cottage and its garden and decided this should be their new home.
Clare and Steve were looking for a renovated character property with an easily managed garden and room for family, with a shop, pub and bus route nearby. The cottage didn’t match anything on their wish list but the pair had fallen for its charms. ‘Our hearts took over and all our must-haves were forgotten,’ says Clare. They soon moved in and set about updating the cottage, living in the house as it was refurbished. At one stage there was no kitchen or bathroom and the pair had to rely on neighbours and cook on a camping stove. ‘It was pretty horrendous, but you soon forget the hardships once it’s finished.’
Steve strippe
