This cosy cottage has ‘Christmas retreat’ nailed – discover how the owner restored it to its former glory

When Rachel bought her Victorian cottage in rural Leicestershire, despite the run-down state it was in, she could see its potential. Previously belonging to the Crown Estate, she shares her three-bed semi-detached home with her partner Peter and their two Dachshunds, Mabel and Matilda.

Rachel was drawn to the property’s original features and its sense of imperfection and with a top-to-bottom renovation on her hands, she set out to transform the space into the cosy cottage it is now, and the perfect backdrop for a country-style Christmas.

Here, Rachel talks us through her renovation story, as well as her design choices…