Home tour of a cosy country cottage with plenty of springtime style

All photos by Jane Dowthwaite of @MalthouseCottage

Welcome to the East Sussex home of Jack Russell terrier Louis, who shares his idyllic country cottage with his owners Howard & Jane Dowthwaite. The family moved into the cottage in 2020 and I was lucky enough to interview Jane of @MalthouseCottage for Reclaim magazine early last year.

You can still buy a physical copy or download the digital version of issue 74 of Reclaim magazine through the back issue archive and in this issue, you’ll find the full interview with Jane including adventures she had while renovating her gorgeous home. Plus, the whole magazine is packed with plenty of inspiration to create an authentic reclaimed interior yourself, so be sure to check it out.

Jane loves the style of the Arts & Crafts movement, which is evident in her living room where William Morris prints hang on the original beams and a design reference book adorns the coffee table. The look continues throughout the house with carved wooden furniture, botanical prints and ditsy-patterned linens in every room.

Tulips instantly create a fresh Spring feel so, to get that ‘bringing the outside in’ feel, display some bunches of tulips inside your home throughout April and May like Jane has.

Also, I love the way that Jane uses candles in each of the rooms to create a cosy ambience. Even though the spring sunlight comes streaming in through the bedroom window, the candles add a decadent feel that instantly makes you feel more relaxed.

To recreate this truly original farmhouse look yourself, it’s a good idea to shop secondhand and only buy vintage pieces that you love. Head to antique fairs to source unique pieces and, if you’re on a budget, car-boot sales are a great place to find items that you can upcycle.

Also, keep an eye out for floral or botanical designs – in curtains, artwork, on ceramics and even painted onto furniture. This brings a really fresh botanical look into Jane’s home and helps it to feel like spring and summer all year round.

I think Jane’s vintage farmhouse style refers back to a time when life was much more simple and that brings with it a sense of calmness – who could fail to feel relaxed in the freestanding bath or when snuggled up on the squishy linen sofa? I can just imagine reading by candlelight in the warm spring evenings and feeling truly relaxed in this cosy cottage.

What do you like best about Jane’s rural home? Let me know in the comments below and please also share your own tips for achieving a fresh, spring vibe in your interior.

Be sure to follow Jane @MalthouseCottage on Instagram to hear about her latest updates and pick up a copy of Issue 74 of Reclaim to read the full interview about the renovation of this pretty vintage-inspired cottage.