Third time lucky, as they say, certainly rings true for Alison Coldridge and her husband Simone, recalling the ups and downs of house hunting. Both their number one and number two choices fell through, but they eventually succeeded with this gate house not far from Winchester. Its fairy tale-like appeal instantly won them over. ‘The exterior reminded me of a gingerbread house, with its white wooden windows and scalloped tiles,’ says Alison.
Built in the mid-1800s, the property is a charming brick and flint construction with a gabled roof and period arched detailing on the windows. An intriguing configuration of rooms downstairs means that each leads directly into the next; something that, in hindsight, Alison realises is ideal for juggling the demands of family life with a toddler and recently-arrived baby sister in tow. ‘The step-free flow downstairs means that, while cooking, we can see our daughters playing in the living room;’ she says. ‘What’s more, it was the reason this property was overlooked by many other house hunters, so we were able to get it at a steal.’
The entrance hall leads you through to the sitting room, then into the kitchen, and finally to the extension where double doors open out onto the wrap-around patio garden. ‘It suits us perfectly’, she says. ‘Because one room flows into another downstairs, it’s great for entertaining. Adults gather in the kitchen and catch up over drinks, while children race from room to room and, in the summer, spill out into the garden through the French doors.’
Effortless Flow Meets Family Living
Each room is also connected by the decor: all soft tonal hues, natural textures and splashes of pattern interspersed with vintage pieces. ‘I’ve visited car boots my whole life – my mum’s also a fan – and I love nothing more than hunting for pre-loved gems so, naturally, my home’s filled with them,’ says Alison.
A plaster-like pink wall colour beautifully enhances the honey tones of the stripped pine doors, as well as the woven baskets and rugs. What is most striking is the floor, where stripped pine floorboards have been painstakingly elaborated with a chequerboard design thanks to some white floor paint, several rolls of masking tape and hours of Simone’s time. ‘Over the past three years, my DIY-savvy husband has executed many of my decor visions, including painting the design on the hall and sitting room floors,’ she smiles.
A Home That Reflects a Life Well Travelled
‘When we moved in, we pulled up tired carpets and were delighted to find salvageable solid wooden flooring hidden underneath.’ Richly exotic but with a warmth that is soothing and evocative, there is a sense of a love of travel that conjures up souks in Marrakesh and beyond. ‘My taste is influenced by Morocco and the Middle East,’ says Alison, ‘which is where my Italian husband spent his childhood, and we lived together for a few years after university.’
But there also is a gentle English floral feel throughout the house. Framed botanical prints, painted antique furniture and flowery fabrics – all collected over the years – nicely echo the wildflowers planted outside. It works a treat, keeping the visual conversation alive throughout and, together with the art, books and ceramics on display, adds an extra layer of personality. ‘My mother-in-law, Giuse Maggi, who is an artist with impeccable taste, gave me a brilliant piece of advice: keep the walls white or neutral and let your soft furnishings, rugs, books and artwork do the talking,’ she muses.