Set amid emerald lawns and fragrant flowers, it is at once comfortably cluttered and refreshingly basic, a place where artistic duo Steve and Shani have personalised each room with flamboyant artwork, unusual sculptures and quirky finds. The couple upped sticks from London 20 years ago, and today, at last, their home is how they want it to be: a laid-back yet stimulating bolthole to raise a family with the all-important barn-cum-artists’ studio just a stone’s throw away.

The kitchen, with its exposed beams, comforting Aga and rustic slate floor is undoubtedly the heart of the home, and yet the back of the house – the oldest part – is unbelievably soothing on all the senses. Even the bathrooms, with their simple, hand painted motifs and original fittings have an inviting elegance to them while the bedrooms are cosy and enchanting. Colours here are mellow and faded, while materials, such as oak, stone and copper, invite you to touch their solidity and permanence.

Yes, this is a tranquil dwelling, a home to be lived in by the entire family, where everything is used and where every piece of art, every scrap of fabric and every treasured possession echoes the spirit of its owners.