Madeline and Mark Lambert

Ridge Farm has been our home since October 1980. We brought up our two girls here and have no intention of moving out in the near future. We love its position -- away from roads and traffic, surrounded by our own land and with sweeping views over the countryside -- and have over the years made the house and garden our own.

We believe, from the evidence we have found, that Ridge Farm was converted from a former barn that dates from some time between 1802 and 1820. The barn was converted into a dwelling in 1886 and extended to the rear to create what is now the main kitchen and dining room. The Annexe was completed in 1982 and for 25 years was the home of Madeline's mother. In 1990 we added the conservatory at the front of the house and a large extension at the far end.

Madeline trained as a cook and is a keen upholsterer. She has worked as a rep for a travel company, for a picture framer and for a specialist china shop. Mark is a former writer turned photographer, designer and IT consultant.