For years, art dealer Emily Hadley and husband Kev walked past this Edwardian house on the school run, so when it came onto the market just as they were ready for a change of scene, the timing felt perfect. ‘I’d spent years walking past and eyeing it up,’ Emily remembers. ‘It’s a substantial Edwardian house and properties like this rarely come up in our area. We booked a viewing immediately and made an offer the same day!’
As soon as the couple walked into the house, they knew it could become a wonderful family home. ‘It had three generous reception rooms, a good number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and the front and back gardens were a brilliant size.’
Crumbling walls and leaking toilets made it clear there was work ahead, but it was only after moving in that Emily and Kev realised the enormity of the project. ‘At times, early on, we genuinely questioned what on earth we’d done!’
For the first four months, the couple tackled the DIY every evening and weekend to make the house liveable, while juggling full-time teaching jobs and family life with their children Finn and Florence. ‘Kev and I are no strangers to hard work – the kids have spent most of their lives stepping over tools or dodging wet paint,’ Emily smiles.
But despite the chaos, it was all worth it when they were able to have their first family Christmas in the house, with 20 relatives around a makeshift table. ‘That was the moment the house really started to come into its own.’
Since then, Emily and Kev have tackled every room, making creative use of a tight budget by doing most of the work themselves and only bringing in trades when absolutely necessary. ‘The biggest challenge has been managing the costs,’ explains Emily. ‘We have expensive taste but not the funds to match it, so we’ve spent hours researching suppliers, comparing options and sourcing reclaimed or secondhand materials wherever possible to achieve a high-end finish.’
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Kev’s skills as a design and technology teacher were put to excellent use. Cleverly repurposing where possible, he created bespoke cabinetry – including a walk-in wardrobe – and crafted a dining table, and his hands-on problem solving involved converting an awkward walkway into a beautifully tiled pantry.
The kitchen saw the most dramatic change. ‘We wanted something timeless and hardwearing,’ recalls Emily. They chose plywood carcasses from Naked Kitchens, which they painted themselves, pairing them with solid-oak door fronts and sleek quartz worktops. ‘It took a long time – we cooked in the dining room and washed dishes in the bath for far longer than we’d planned! But once it was finished, it totally transformed how we use the house. It’s still the room we’re most proud of.’
Every room has been decorated and restored with the same thoughtful, practical approach. In the downstairs hallway, geometric encaustic tiles were inspired by a Pinterest image. ‘We searched for months to find an affordable version,’ Emily says. ‘It was a big investment, but makes such an impact.’ The dining room has also been reimagined, with built-in cabinetry, bifold doors and festoon lighting leading to the decked garden. ‘That indoor-outdoor connection is a game changer,’ adds Emily. ‘We use it all year round – even in winter, it’s such a great space.’
Upstairs, the boutique-hotel-inspired main bedroom features panelling and eclectic furniture, while the large copper bath in the ensuite – sourced from India – is a showstopping centrepiece. ‘We love pieces with history and character,’ explains Emily. ‘Our style is traditional with a touch of bohemia, so we like to blend vintage and contemporary with personal touches.’
Art is at the heart of the Hadleys’ home. After 20 years as a primary school teacher, Emily made a bold career change, launching The No 13 Art Gallery to champion emerging artists. ‘Rather than working in a traditional gallery space, I showcase art in our home. It’s a constantly evolving gallery where original works and prints are woven into everyday life.’ This has inspired Kev, who now paints his own bold, expressive takes on daily scenes. ‘We want our home to feel like a quirky hotel or a stylish restaurant, a place where people feel relaxed and surrounded by things that spark conversation.’
Now that the house is finished, Emily and Kev’s thoughts are turning to what might come next. ‘We’re considering creating a garden room or converting the loft,’ Emily says. ‘We might even get a glimpse of the sea from up there!’
For now, though, the Hadleys are content. ‘We’re so proud that everything here is the result of our own vision and hard work,’ concludes Emily. ‘It’s taken a lot of time, and more patience than we ever thought we had. But we’ve created the family home we dreamed of – full of love, laughter and creativity.’
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