Step inside an Essex farmhouse dressed for Christmas

Luxury homes

have been able to enjoy since they transformed their new house, and the first Christmas that they could gather their family around them under one roof.

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Smart front door

Here, the owners' springer spaniels extend an enthusiastic welcome to visitors!

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Exterior

The lake is what first sold this farmhouse to the owners. Since they bought it, the lake has been drained, cleaned and refilled, and stocked with ducks! Trees around the house have been cleared to open up the views.

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Conservatory

This welcoming conservatory is ideal for family meals and entertaining guests.

The interiors throughout were designed by Phoenix Interior Design. Find a chandelier like this at Laura Ashley.

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Hallway

Classic design and modern materials meet in this festive hallway.

The console table and mirror are both Christopher Guy at Interio. Find similar table lamps at Heathfield & Co.

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Dining room

The open-plan dining room and adjoining living room give the house a wonderful sense of spaciousness, and allow family and guests to move easily from one area to another.

These chairs are from Wychwood Design.

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Living room

The low-ceilinged living room retains its original character, yet it has an attractive modernity.

The sofas are from Andrew Martin. Find a similar rug at Laura Ashley.

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Bedroom

Luxury prevails in the master bedroom, and the furniture includes a cabinet that conceals a television.

The custom-made bed, padded headboard, cabinet and tables were designed by Susan White at Phoenix Interior Design. Find a similar bedspread at Laura Ashley and lamps like these at The White Company.

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Dressing room

The owners chose a soft turquoise in this feminine dressing room, linking it to the calming adjacent bedroom.

The dressing table is from Knowles & Christou, and the chair is from Andrew Martin.

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Bathroom

For all its white-and-cream simplicity, there are some wonderfully elaborate touches in the bathroom. This polished-aluminium bath is a show-stopping focal point.

Find a similar bath at Aston Matthews, the floor tiles are from Porcelanosa.