Selfbuilder_and_Homemaker_-_September_-_October_2019

project, insulation is an important part of

meeting Building Regulations, and the property

is kept cosy with a variety of products - the

kitchen/lounge/diner floor floats above six

inches of Celotex insulation laid between the

joists, with underfloor heating laid by the

couple themselves.

The cavity walls have four inches of slab

insulation, while upstairs, which features

sloping ceilings in order to keep volume, foil-

backed insulation was used with additional

insulation in the overlapping eaves.

The interiors of the cottage fit the building

perfectly, and create a beautiful family home

for the couple and their two children.

Downstairs is the open-plan family kitchen,

lounge and dining room, with large-scale

marble floor tiles. The kitchen boasts an island

complete with marble worktop and a belfast

sink, while a contemporary chandelier from the

casts a glow over the informal seating area.

The beautiful wooden dining table was made

by Patsy’s Place in Liverpool; the same sewing-

machine stands used to support the table are

also used to lovely effect under the sink in the

main bathroom. Seating pews came from the

old church that Mark’s grandmother attended,

adding further family history to the home.

The sitting room in the old part of the

cottage boasts a pool table and snug, and a

fireplace in the dividing wall opens on both

sides, so when the dual-aspect woodburner is

installed this will also warm the kitchen.

The open-tread hardwood staircase from

StairBox leads up to a glass-balustraded

landing, the use of glass adding further to the

open plan airiness that the property enjoys.

The galleried landing looks down on the

kitchen, and two stunning chandeliers flood

the rooms below with dramatic light. “With

most of the lighting in the house being

recessed spots we have only three suspended

lights, so we felt that these should make a

statement,” says Jodie.

Upstairs are four bedrooms, one each for the

couple’s two children, an ensuite guest

bedroom, and an ensuite master bedroom – all

“There was a lot of

soul-searching and

digging deep, but

often I $nd myself

sitting on the top

stair looking out of

the windows at the

garden, and

thinking – wow – it’s

been worth it!”

INSPIRED

The family bathroom features a

roll-top claw-foot bath and

patchwork-inspired tiles that

were also used in the ensuite

74www.sbhonline.co.uk september/october 2019