Finding an idyllic retreat in the Devon countryside proved the perfect solution to help Rebecca and Simon Walker inject balance and calm into their busy working lives
FEATURE MARISHA TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHS JAMES FRENCH
Running a business from home means the line between work and family life can begin to blur. This was certainly the case for Rebecca and Simon Walker, whose rented farmhouse in West Berkshire has been the nerve centre for their landscaping and tree surgery business for 15 years, and they were beginning to feel the strain: ‘With little separation between our personal and work lives, we were keen to buy a country retreat to escape to,’ says Rebecca.
They focused their property search on the South Hams area of Devon, where they’d spent many happy holidays over the years, but finding the right place proved frustrating. After months of searching and numerous unsuccessful viewings they’d almost given up hope, when a newly renovated 17th-century cottage came on the market in the hamlet of East Cornworthy, just a stone’s throw from the wooded banks of the River Dart. ‘I went to view it straightaway and, despite the miserable February weather, I still remember the feeling of excitement as I drove along the lane and pulled up outside Forager Cottage,’ says Rebecca. ‘It was a quintessential stone cottage, and it was gorgeous.’
The previous owners were architects and had done a great job of sympathetically remodelling the house, adding a new kitchen, updating the bathrooms and opening up the downstairs living spaces. A glass side extension had also been added – a beautiful space for dining and entertaining – while the historic character of the building had been retained throughout, which Rebecca loved. ‘There were wonderful original features, like the huge fireplace in the living room and the thick stone walls – and not having to do anything structural to the cottage was appealing, too. I put in an offer there and then, before Simon had even had a chance to view it!’
The couple completed on the house in September 2020 and spent long weekends settling in, running their business remotely from the light-filled conservatory, and getting to know the local area. ‘Having the river close by was a big selling point for Simon, who’s a keen sailor. We found a small marina two minutes away where we store our rib boat, and spend long days exploring the river and surrounding coastline.’
Everything seemed perfect until their first winter, when water started running into the bedrooms af
