After a life changing move from London, Annie Jackson and Nicholas Dawe found a 14th century cottage overlooking the South Downs to transform into their own artful, comfortable and decorative home. It was a dark rainy October evening when Annie Jackson first set eExtended Text the cottage where she and her partner Nicholas Dawe and their son William now live. ‘I noticed that despite the weather, the cottage was light inside, which is unusual for a property of this early date.’ Annie recalls what an exacting brief they had set themselves. ‘Ever since our decision to leave London for the country we were determined to find a house with character, history and a large garden for William. It seemed to take forever. Most cottages for sale were either near a noisy road, or too dark. We were looking for in a quiet but not too remote location. When I drove up the drive I was sure this was the right home for us.’