ABOUT US
Welcome to Briar Cottage — a cosy, characterful escape in the village of Paxton. We’re Louise and Kenneth, and this cottage has been a true labour of love. What began as a dream to create a welcoming countryside retreat soon grew into a full renovation journey that we tackled together.
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When we first visited Briar Cottage, it had so much charm and we could instantly see its potential. Although we knew that it would be a huge renovation project we took the plunge!
The renovations began in November 2024 when we completely stripped back the cottage taking care to preserve as many original features as we could. Over time, we restored much of the original character, redefined the rooms, and eventually added thoughtful details that make the cottage feel warm, comfortable, and ready to welcome guests. Every space has been carefully designed to create that instant feeling of calm the moment you step inside.
Briar Cottage before renovations
WHY DID WE BECOME HOSTS?
Our journey to becoming hosts really grew from the way we love to travel as a family. Exploring new places - whether close to home or further afield - has always been one of our favourite things to do. We often take our dogs with us on holiday because they’re part of our family, and over the years we’ve discovered just how special it is to find places that truly welcome four-legged guests.
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Although we also enjoy travelling abroad, we’ve been genuinely impressed by the beauty, variety, and charm the UK has to offer. Some of our favourite memories have come from exploring what’s right on our doorstep, and that inspired us to create a space that allows others to do the same.
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With my passion for interior design and Kenneth's trade skillset, Briar Cottage felt like the perfect project for us. Combining our skills to bring Briar Cottage back to life has been incredibly rewarding, and we hope our guests fall in love with the cottage and the local area as we have.