I would say it’s a bit plain rather than ugly. Is it made of stone and has the stone been painted? It looks like it was last refurbished maybe in the 70s looking at the windows and front entrance. I agree with Sarah that new windows and entranceway will make a huge difference. I like the Agate Grey she has suggested. Country cream or pale taupe window frames would also suit.

I think it will be a beautiful home with a little love. Your first picture shows a hedge right across the building, which seems to cut the building off from the garden. That might be something I would reconsider, but there are probably other areas that could be more of a priority.

Dormers like this

Thankyou for your comments it's gave me a bit more confidence now
Could anyone suggest a nice porch
I've room to make the entrance bigger if need be
Will prob get quotes for the dorma to see if it's in budget but the entire inside needs to be re done so I need to watch the pennies so to speak
Is there any way that the colour of the windows can be seen on some kind of cgi?
I like the taupe and possibly soft grey but the stone work is kinda a funny colour and don't want to make it look worse by choosing wrong colour windows
So the porch might be a good move?

I think you can transform the porch quite simply by a new cottage style door and side panels (equal either side) then lay sandstone paving on the floor. It’s a little bit non slip unlike quarry tiles which would be lethal! You could have a wooden door or composite. Most of the window and door companies do traditional cottage style doors (try Hursts who do all the RAL colours) as well as more modern ones.

Hi Julie,

Congratulations on finding a house you love! Transforming the exterior into a more charming, cottage-style look doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some affordable ideas to help you:

1. Update the Front Door

• Replacing the door with a traditional cottage-style door, such as one with a wooden finish or soft pastel color, can make a big difference. Adding a decorative door knocker or a small canopy/porch above the door also adds charm.

2. Windows and Shutters

• If possible, replace windows with cottage-style frames (like Georgian grids) or add decorative shutters painted in muted greens, blues, or creams to give it that cozy look.

3. Exterior Walls

• If the budget allows, adding a soft render or repainting in a light, natural tone (e.g., cream or pale grey) can give a fresh, cottage-like feel.
• For a more affordable option, consider using wooden cladding on a small section or even faux cladding to add texture.

4. Landscaping and Greenery

• Add climbing plants like wisteria, roses, or ivy around the doorway or along the front wall for an instant cottage vibe.
• Use planters or window boxes with flowers and greenery to create a welcoming atmosphere.

5. Lighting and Accessories

• Install traditional-style outdoor lighting (e.g., lanterns) near the front door or along the path.
• Adding a small garden gate or some decorative gravel paths can elevate the overall look.

6. Roof Touches

• If the roofline feels bare, consider affordable accents like a thatched-effect ridge trim or a small decorative gable.

These simple updates can give your home a charming makeover and help it blend beautifully with the village setting. Let us know if you’d like further help with ideas! Good luck!

Small changes and addition to your house will do the work because it is not an ugly house. Adding things: 1/ The proposed porch canopy for the entrance door and garden door are very positive ideas, I will add to it a barbecue grill porch attached to the house or free standing one just in front of the kitchen to garden door.

2/ a/ Changes : do not make great change on the facade of the house, because the stone covering is really nice, you can accentuate the stones by painting with mid brown the joints. My advice is to try different colours in very small portion to make your choice and then do it overall the building. b/ I really liked a lot the entrance door it is like the 70`s. But yeah you should change, 70`s is quite dark for 21 century. Change the door to dark blue, black, or yellow to accentuate the change. But you should think about the harmony with the things in the entrance, if you ever choose a blue door, place a blue postbox at the entrance. If you install blue window frames, place a a thcick woodwork mid brown coloured, park bench kind of thing in the garden. Brown is an universal colour, so Wood is the harmoniser in every part of the home.

Note: some interior designer advice is to cover up the stone or the wood. I personally never liked covering something natural with unnatural things. I prefer the nature taking control on my view. I prefer the nature friendly homes. Your home can be like this.

"In my opinion, there is never an ugly house, but a house that a talented architect didn`t touched it yet." My personal quote Oruc Kenan Yildirim. (Maybe Frank Lloyd Write said it and I was impressed by it, but forgot where did I read it).

Oh and a last detail, as I am a pottery maker too, I loved the earthenware tiles on the entrance, it made me remember somehow French and Italian homes. Earthenware tiles are my child time love. I have weakness toward them.

Let a talented architect just touch this home. You will see him/her making marvels from anything.

I actually really love the doorway. 70s vibes are coming back in this year. Maybe you could go with it. Embrace the solid wood door, have a really trendy plant pot at the door way.

Nice idea Charlotte; 70`s with some touch of 21st century can be very nice

Lovely property, and so so much potential. Feel free to DM us for a free consultation if you are interested.

https://www.houzz.co.uk/hznb/photos/bungalow-remodel-and-extend-phvw-vp~140032440

It is a lovely house, just plain blank canvas to add your own style! The ideas here are excellent and simple changes for now - paint, lighting, wall art, wall panelling even can add so much before any major changes. It would be nice to see before and after pics.