Laura Davenport has lived in twenty properties, but her seven-bedroom, Grade II-listed Georgian farmhouse in Norfolk stands out as a triumph of patience and thoughtful renovation.

“When my husband James and I found out we were expecting twins eight years ago, we relocated from London to his native Norfolk,” Laura recounts. “We lived in the house before starting any renovations to truly understand its character and needs.”

Originally part of an 80-acre estate, Laura’s home, along with its adjacent medieval cottage (now a holiday let available on Airbnb), offers breathtaking views of the unspoiled Waveney Valley. “It was the first and last house we viewed,” Laura says. “Every corner tells a story, from the well and original pump by the scullery door to the lead-lined washer, meat locker with its original shelves, thick slate worktops, and servant bells. Above all, it felt like a family home.”

The move took place during a sweltering August heatwave, with the twins arriving just three weeks later. The family spent two years adjusting to country life before embarking on an 18-month renovation. “This meant the twins could explore without causing too much damage while we tackled the renovations,” Laura explains.

The renovation, which commenced in 2018, included rewiring, replumbing, floor leveling, ceiling repairs, and external masonry work. Thirty original windows were restored, and bespoke doors were installed. Countless hours were dedicated to sanding and painting cupboard doors, and restoring brass hinges. “I enjoy working with inherited pieces like old hooks and salvaged handles, as these details truly enhance the home,” Laura notes.

Throughout the house, Laura has maintained a calm and simple decor to highlight the property’s original features. Soft greens and greys, delicate off-whites, subtle pinks, and an occasional inky blue create a harmonious palette. The kitchen, painted in a soft, chalky white, features beautifully crafted cabinets and Delft tiles behind the Aga, which were too lovely to remove. “We spend most of our time in the kitchen—eating, doing homework, and enjoying countless cups of tea and wine,” Laura shares.

The scullery, with its original bread oven, lead-lined washer, and authentic Norfolk pamment brick floor, retains its historic charm. “The undulating brick floor, worn over centuries, adds wonderful character. When the twins were young, they used to ‘post’ toys through the cracks, which I often had to retrieve,” Laura laughs.

The oldest part of the house includes a dining room, two bedrooms, and a family sitting room, featuring medieval beams and sloping floors. Laura, with the help of a joiner, designed floor-to-ceiling shelves and hidden storage for books and toys. “The sitting room is south-facing, always bright during the day, and wonderfully cozy with a roaring fire in the evening.”

Five bedrooms are located on the first floor, with the main bedroom connected to a nursery that has served all three of Laura’s sons. “The antique sink was invaluable during their infancy,” Laura recalls. The main bedroom is simple and serene, adorned with antique mirrors, delicate plants, and a few small antique pieces.

The family bathroom also saw a transformation. “I removed the dark yellow carpet, sanded the floor, and painted it white,” Laura adds. “It was a valuable lesson that you don’t need a complete overhaul to refresh a room’s look and feel.”

Laura concludes, “With old properties, there’s always something that needs fixing or replacing. You have to love the house’s ‘bones’ and see it as your responsibility to preserve it for future generations.”

Source: Country Living