A Home in the Heart of Essex
Leekim Stewart, a 43-year-old homeowner, has found her dream home in the countryside of Essex. Alongside her husband and two young children, she now lives in a six-bedroom property that was once a converted barn. The house, purchased for £1,160,000, offers vaulted ceilings and an abundance of character—qualities that were high on their list when they began searching for new homes.
Leekim’s journey into homeownership started with a clear vision. She and her husband sought a space that could accommodate both their personal styles: Leekim’s maximalist approach and her husband’s minimalist preferences. Since moving in during March 2023, they have been busy transforming the property into a true reflection of their personalities.
A Unique Property in Maldon
The home is located in Maldon, a picturesque town in Essex. Surrounded by nature, it's a place where life moves at a slower pace. Leekim describes the area as ideal for raising children, despite being a change from her previous lifestyle. She enjoys the local cafes and restaurants, such as Mrs Salsbury for breakfasts and afternoon teas, and Black Pig for its exceptional lobster.
Leekim also shares her experience of buying the property. They found it on Rightmove, looking specifically for a converted barn with vaulted ceilings and lots of character. The decision to purchase came after selling their previous business, which provided them with enough funds to buy their former home in Chelmsford outright. They then secured a mortgage to cover the remaining costs.
Financial Considerations
The monthly cost of living in the home includes a mortgage payment of approximately £2,700 and bills totaling around £1,200. Leekim notes that the mortgage process was generally smooth, although there was one challenge related to the land registry not correctly reflecting the ownership details.
She also mentions that the property required significant rewiring due to safety concerns and has a thatched roof, which adds to the charm but also requires careful maintenance.
Interior Design and Personal Touches
Leekim’s interior design style blends modern elements with the history of the barn. Inspired by places like Soho Farmhouse and her past experiences in Shoreditch, she has created a space that feels both welcoming and unique. Her favorite room is the bedroom, which she completely renovated herself using IKEA units. This transformation earned her a nomination for the UFurnish.com Home Awards.
She emphasizes the importance of having enough space for her family, including three additional rooms for work and a playroom. To maximize storage, they added under-stairs storage, a window seat, and a bookshelf unit.
Future Plans and Challenges
While the current home meets many of their needs, Leekim has plans to extend the kitchen to create an open-plan living space. This would make it easier to watch the children while cooking. She also mentions that they hope to move abroad one day, drawn by the affordability of housing elsewhere.
Despite the challenges, Leekim feels that the property has become a true home. She continues to find inspiration in her surroundings and the creative possibilities of the space. For those interested in learning more about her journey or sharing their own stories, there are opportunities to connect through various channels.