FINE DETAILS

Character building, that’s Holly Clements’ verdict on the six years she and husband Matt have spent renovating their pretty cottage. ‘It’s been both a labour of love and a source of stress,’ explains Holly, who says they’ve surprised themselves by how passionately they feel about doing the right thing for this house. They have certainly put the character back into their village home – the first listed and period property they’ve ever owned – and they have been handson with the renovation from the start.

Before even getting the keys, Holly and Matt