Olivia Botrie has brought modern comforts and family-friendly functionality to her early 20th-century home – all while respecting its original character

Having lived in a handsome 16th-century farmhouse in rural Essex for 45 years, downsizing was much less of a wrench for Gill Jerram than she had imagined when an opportunity arose to build a beautiful

A very clever (and small) extension has paid big dividends for Janet and Pete Hanson

Even though it had yellowing walls and brown carpets, this house was perfect for Joanna Thomson and her husband Ian

Being brave allowed Lisa and Lee to bring their neglected property back to life

For one family, renovating their kitchen unlocked light, space and a new way of living