When we first moved from Surrey to West Dorset, we weren’t planning to take on a full renovation. But fate had other ideas. After two houses fell through, we found our now-home, an older property with good bones and lots of potential. What followed was a full renovation journey, complete with extension, rewiring, new windows, and reconfiguration of almost every room.
Here’s what we learned along the way.
1. Don’t Rule Out a Renovation (Even If You Think It’s Not for You)
I was adamant I didn’t want a house that needed work. My husband was more open to the idea, but I had three young children, I wanted simplicity. But when our other options fell through, we took a chance on a 1980s house in a village we loved, near family. It needed everything. But somehow, seeing the potential and trusting each other helped us take the leap and we’re so glad we did.
2. You Can’t Plan for Everything
We went in with spreadsheets and timelines, but living through a rewire, a double-storey extension and winter storms with three small children wasn’t exactly smooth sailing. We ended up moving out for a while, and I learned quickly that no matter how much you plan, there will be surprises. Having a strong team and support network made all the difference.
3. Think About the Big Picture Early
Creating a proper driveway, relocating walls, and opening up the back of the house for a big kitchen-dining space were decisions we made early and they paid off. It’s easy to get lost in taps and tiles, but getting the layout and structure right first helped everything else fall into place.
4. Make Bold Design Choices You’ll Love
I nearly didn’t go for the pink kitchen. It felt too risky. But it’s now one of my favourite things in the house. Same with our ensuite, which had no window, we added a sun tunnel and it completely changed the space. Sometimes the bold decisions are the ones you’ll love most.
5. Expect It to Take Time
Even now, a few years on, there are still jobs left to do and that’s okay. When you’re balancing work, life, and kids, things naturally take longer.
We’ve DIY’d the garden, slowly made the office into a calm working space, and still have ideas for the future. It’s a journey, and that’s part of the fun.
Looking back, I can’t quite believe how much we’ve done. Would I do it again? Surprisingly, yes. The process taught me so much, not just about renovating, but about trusting my gut, adapting when things change, and creating a home that really works for our family.
Love Sarah x
Our Dorset Life 
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