Take a tour of this 19th-century cottage in Devon

This two-bedroom, semi-detached cottage near Honiton in Devon was built in the early 1800s.

This two-bedroom, semi-detached cottage near Honiton in Devon was built in the early 1800s. The owners have completely renovated and decorated every room, bringing its original features back to life. They have lovingly transformed a small, dark and fussy cottage into a bright and modern country property full of rustic charm.

1/10 A country cottage full of rustic charm

house exterior with white windows and garden

(Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole)

2/10 Rustic living room with check cushions 

living space with white walls and sofa

(Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole)

An exposed brick porch opens into the living room. Original doors and quarry tiled floors are all part of the the cottage's charm. The walls have been painted in a soft white to maximise light, creating a simple backdrop for the unusual one-off pieces of furniture. Mix-and-match scatter cushions add texture and colour to the neutral sofa.

Similar sideboard
Oak Furniture Land
Similar mirrored windows
The Cotswold Company

3/10 Christmas living room with log fire

white living room with sofa and fire place

(Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole)

Unusually shaped windows and an open fire were the first features that attracted the owners to the cottage. A cheap pine fire surround was removed to give the chimney breast an organic country look. The comfortable sofas are strewn with throws and cushions to create a cosy atmosphere. The Christmas tree, decorated with Nordic-style ornaments, completes the traditional look.

Ektorp armchair
Ikea
Similar table
Raft

4/10 Cosy country living room with woollen throw

white sitting room with blue sofa and christmas decor

(Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole)

The living room leads into the country kitchen on the right, where rustic charm is reflected in the simple Christmas scheme. An abundance of foliage from the owners' garden has been used on walls and mirrors to create a simple, natural festive style. Cosy cushions and throws entice you towards the sofa.

Similar heart of twigs

Gisela Graham

5/10 Cream country kitchen with twig artwork

kitchen area with cabinet and worktop

(Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole)

A proper dining space was high priority so the owners demolished and rebuilt a poorly laid-out kitchen and decrepit lean-to. Because the property is listed, planning permission was needed. Work went ahead after approval to create a new galley-style kitchen leading out to a large and airy dining room with a skylight, which is perfect for entertaining.

Similar kitchen units
Ikea
Similar solid wood worktops
B&Q

6/10 Cream galley kitchen with hat wall display

kitchen area with cabinets and dark flooring

(Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole)

In the galley kitchen an oven and wall cabinets run along one wall, with a large cupboard and practical walnut worktop for preparation opposite. Slate flooring continues the country theme, and a butler sink adds a vintage touch. The grout between the metro wall tiles has been left slightly uneven to give them a rustic rather than urban look.

Similar slate flooring
Fired Earth

white hallway with walled pictures

(Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole)

With plenty of natural light, the stairwell is an ideal spot to display photos. A mix-and-match approach to colour makes for a stylish display. Letter wall art - such as the yellow 'B' shown here - is a great way to add a personal touch to a space. Use it individually or to spell out a whole word, such as your name.

Similar frames
Zara Home

8/10 Neutral bedroom with mahogany sleigh bed

white bedroom with wooden bed and carpet floor

(Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole)

In the large master bedroom, dated woodchip wallpaper was removed and replaced with smooth, chalky white walls. A dark sleigh bed takes pride of place and matches a reclaimed mahogany chest of drawers. Co-ordinated striped roman blinds keep the look smart and simple.

Sleigh bed

Island Furniture Co
Blinds
Malabar

9/10 Neutral country bathroom with traditional cabinets

white bathroom with bathtub and washbasin

(Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole)

The unusual bathroom layout adds quirky interest to the room. A soothing taupe and white scheme is gently warmed by dark wood flooring, whilst tongue-and-grove pannelling suits the cottage's traditional roots. The driftwood frame of the mirror acts as a reminder that the coast is never very far away in Devon.

Similar driftwood mirror

Oka

10/10 White guest bedroom with mirror feature wall

white guest room with bed and pillows

(Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole)

A fresh blue and white scheme complements an inherited antique bed in this stripped-back but chic guest bedroom. A collection of painted mirrors makes for a simple decoration, as well as creating the illusion of space in a small room. A delicate garland of real ivy is a gentle reminder of the festive period.

Shell button cushions
Olivia James Design

Similar bed linen
Cath Kidston

Lisa Fazzani
Deputy Editor

Lisa is Deputy Editor of Style at Home magazine and regularly contributes to sister title Ideal Home. She has written about interiors for more than 25 years and about pretty much every area of the home, from shopping and decorating, crafts and DIY to real home transformations and kitchen and bathroom makeovers. Homes and interiors have always been a passion and she never tires of nosying around gorgeous homes, whether on TV, online, in print or in person.