When the daily grind gets too much, the lure of upping sticks and starting a new life in the country can be hard to ignore. In this brand-new special edition from the makers of Period Living magazine, we'll meet the people who threw caution to the wind and chased their countryside dreams. From woodland cabins to mountainside boltholes, take a tour of these spectacular isolated retreats and find out what it is about the slower pace of life that works for these homeowners.
Welcome
Simple pleasures • Embracing a less-is-more philosophy, Lis and John Boyle have carefully adapted and restored their cherished Peak District farmhouse, which has been home to Lis’ family for three centuries
In love with the Lakes • The Griffin family fell under the spell of the Cumbrian landscape many years ago, and when their dream house went on the market they snapped it up and started renovating
Artist in residence • When she moved to a house with extraordinary countryside views, Jo Lloyd took the opportunity to indulge her love of iconic, nature-inspired William Morris designs
Inside story • This elegant country home came with extra responsibilities – a diary full of guest bookings and ten rooms to update. Undaunted, Amanda and Peter Jaques-Walker worked hard to give the house a glamorous new look
Milestone cottage • Alison Lewis planned to mark her 50th birthday by buying a diamond ring, but instead she bought this gem of a house – and has never looked back
Love at first sight • Clare Pearne’s love of vintage treasures began when she was a little girl, but now she and partner Steve have found the perfect setting for them: a cottage with its very own secret garden
Golden days • A twist of fate led André and Lisanne Hedger to realise their dream of owning a chocolate-box thatched cottage in the heart of the countryside – the perfect place to create happy memories with their young family
A home from home • Danielle Bux found the ultimate country escape from her hectic US lifestyle in this 17th-century cottage, which she renovated remotely during the pandemic
A good life • Chantal and Rob Powell have used sympathetic methods and materials to give their ancient Dorset farm a new relevance for the 21st century
Pure escapism • Lettie and Stephen Corbett returned to a favourite holiday spot to renovate a seaside cottage on the Isle of Mull, creating a colourful, blissful family retreat
Living a fairy tale • Will and Sarah Leslie inherited a baronial-style castle in poor repair, and are slowly turning it into a fantasy family home
Top of the class • Buying and restoring a run-down old schoolhouse proved a steep learning curve for Ciara and Harvey Appelbe, but they succeeded in creating an inviting family home
The outlook is good • A wartime relic has made a bright and unusual coastal home for Evelyn McNamara. Her inspired renovation is perfectly matched by its views of sea and sky
New horizons • After visiting Ireland on a painting holiday, Sue and Mark Gilkey decided to take the plunge and buy a traditional cottage there with an inspiring coastal setting, and sweeping views of the sea
Mountain rescue • A quick sketch on a paper napkin led to a new look for an old forester’s cottage in Snowdonia, as Lucinda Griffith spotted renovation potential that others had missed, and all on a tight budget
Calm restored • This former police station is now a welcoming family home for Jo and Nigel Tutton, who have worked hard to preserve and restore its beautiful period features
Period Living: Rural Retreats