Falling for the charms of an old property is a common tale, but perhaps less so when your own personal history is intertwined with it. But this was the case for Amanda and Warren East, who had regularly visited the beautiful Grade II*-listed building over the decades. "We were living in the house opposite for 27 years," explains Amanda. "Ours was a 1970s 'box' and although we'd changed it a lot, it was not the most characterful of houses." Then their neighbours, who were both in their nineties, left the house to a college in Cambridge, who in turn decided to sell.
Thorne Island, a Grade II* listed coastal fort built in the 1850s as part of the defences of Milford Haven, has been placed on the market for £3 million by Plotfinder. Once a military stronghold guarding one of Britain's largest natural harbours, the island later became a hotel before being converted into a family home. Covering 2.49 acres, it provides restored living accommodation and self-sufficient energy systems in a highly secluded location, offering an ambitious housing project to those looking to renovate a house.
Noakes Cross Farm is a 14th-century Grade II-listed farmhouse in Essex that has undergone a sensitive renovation to adapt it for modern living. Part of Fenn Wright's Signature collection of distinctive homes, the project carefully balances rarely seen historic features with practical contemporary spaces. The result is a property that perfectly blends medieval structure and detailing with light-filled, functional family living areas.
"To fix all the problems with our quirky old house without losing any of its magic, so that we could feel joy every time we arrived home," says Alan.