Reader's HOME ‘My new-build has CHARACTER'

Vintage styling and clever decorating ideas have helped Paola to create a home filled with country cottage charm

We came to Cambridge from Italy on a family holiday in 2011 and fell in love with the place,’ says Paola. ‘After the busy streets of Rome, we found this city so peaceful. I love cycling and the quietroads, but there’s also so much culture here.

‘It was my dream to live in a Victorian property but, although they were beautiful, I was put off by how much work they needed. Then I spotted this house on a development.

We loved the location and the area so, after much discussion with my husband, Sandro, we chose to buy this new house off-plan from local developers.