Run-down Cottage Undergoes Amazing Renovation
Transforming Foxcote Cottage: A Journey of Renovation
Foxcote Cottage, an 18th-century end-of-terrace property, underwent a remarkable transformation under the guidance of its new owner, Kirstin Eriksson. The cottage, which had been neglected for years as a rental home, was discovered by Eriksson in a bankruptcy sale.
Eriksson, a visionary with a keen eye for design, worked with local architect Apex Architects to obtain planning permission for the extension of Foxcote Cottage. The interior walls, affected by rising damp, required extensive work, and she knew she would have to re-screed floors, rewire electrics, and partially rebuild some of the walls. All windows and doors needed replacing, and the kitchen, living room, four bedrooms, and two bathrooms were in dire need of an update.
Maximising light and visual connection to the garden was pivotal in Eriksson's decisions during the transformation. The dining area was extended with a new-build addition, featuring tongue and groove panelling for a sympathetic country look. Above the dining table, a skylight was installed, and patio doors led out into the garden, allowing daylight from sunrise to sunset.
The kitchen, positioned at the centre of the open ground floor layout, avoided an overtly functional look by using a glass splashback and matching the wall paint hue to the cabinetry. The bathroom, previously located on the ground floor at the furthest corner of the cottage, was moved to make space for a good-sized family bathroom on the first floor, sacrificing a bedroom in the process.
The garden, once a tangle of weeds and overpowered by three enormous pine trees, was rejuvenated to complement the cottage's new look. The garden's design was not left unnoticed, with Kerryn Harper-Cuss, who has worked in interiors publications for 25 years, providing insights on the transformation.
The sitting room, with its gallery wall adorned with artworks in shades of blue, and the bedrooms, painted in a shade of grey-green, completed the cosy and inviting feel of the renovated Foxcote Cottage. The sitting room was partially knocked through to the kitchen, creating a wide opening that maintains the feel of two separate spaces.
However, the story does not end here. After the successful renovation of Foxcote Cottage, there is no information available about Kirstin Eriksson's current professional activity. The cottage, now a testament to her vision and hard work, stands as a beacon of restoration and design in the heart of the countryside.
