After moving to West Dorset in 2021 and taking on a full renovation of our 1980s village home, it’s safe to say the house looks (and feels) very different now. We transformed a dated three-bedroom into a bright, modern four-bedroom family space tailored to the way we live as a busy family of five.
Here’s a walk through each room and how we’ve made it our own.
Kitchen / Dining / Snug
This was the biggest transformation. Originally, the back of the house was made up of a small kitchen, separate utility, and a long living-dining space that ran from front to back. We reconfigured the entire downstairs to create an open-plan kitchen, dining and snug area, the heart of our home.
We knocked through walls, added a one-and-a-half-storey extension, and created something that’s both functional and full of character. The pink kitchen (Farrow & Ball’s Pink Ground) was a bold choice, but one I adore. The space is flooded with light, and we spend most of our time here—whether it’s the kids at the island doing homework or hosting friends over a glass of wine.
Utility
The old utility was cramped and dark, so we reworked the space to make it smaller but far more efficient. There’s now dedicated storage for coats and school bags, plus a tucked-away laundry area. It might not be the biggest space, but it works so much harder for us now.
Living Room
We created a separate living room when we reworked the ground floor layout, giving us a cosy, quiet space away from the open-plan kitchen. It’s where we unwind in the evenings, and I love how calm and comfortable it feels. It’s still evolving (we’re always tweaking cushions and throws!) but it’s a lovely retreat.
Main Bedroom & Ensuite
We carved out space in our bedroom to add an ensuite—without any windows! It was a challenge, but adding a sun tunnel brought in beautiful daylight. At one point I panicked it looked like a shipping container, but now it’s one of my favourite rooms. The bedroom itself feels grown-up and restful, which is just what we need.
Main Bathroom
The main bathroom was dated and tired when we moved in. We completely reconfigured it to create something more spacious, with a freestanding bath and soft neutral tones. It’s a space that now feels like a proper retreat, especially when I get five minutes to myself!
Garden
This was a huge job. The back garden originally had concrete, tarmac, and the parking space (!). We wanted a safe, green space for the kids and a more peaceful feel overall.
We moved the parking to the front and completely DIY’d the back garden: adding decking, lifting the concrete, and planting a mix of soft grasses, perennials, and climbers to create a cottage-style garden. It’s now a really lovely place to be in warmer months and a transformation we’re especially proud of.
Kids’ Rooms
Each of the children’s bedrooms has been updated to reflect their personalities and ages. We’ve tried to create spaces that will grow with them; practical, colourful and cosy. They’re still evolving as they get older, but it’s lovely seeing how much they enjoy having their own space.
This house has come a long way from the wallpapered rooms and 80s fittings we first saw on FaceTime. We’ve made it our home and I love it.
Love Sarah x
Our Dorset Life 
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