Meet the Owner of Forest Cottage
- Jakki Pay
Creative Director - Fashion and Interiors
When I first met Jakki, she owned a cool property in Shoreditch. She was the first to the party, always an early adopter—whether it be an undiscovered area in London on the cusp of happening, or bringing a brave new trend to the high street. When city dwellers Jakki and her husband Dave decided to leave their beautiful Hackney house and head for the country, we were really surprised.
Luckily for us, they discovered Forest Cottage with its beautiful surrounding woodlands. They could see the full potential of this magical place. This has become a great success story for Love Locations, with magical Christmas in the woods and amazing summer-themed shoots. I revisited Forest Cottage to see if Jakki and Dave had any regrets or if this had become their forever home.
Escape to the Country
What was the final straw or decision that made you leave London, and when?
My husband was working in an office with no windows. We were both working long hours, so for the winter months, we barely saw daylight, and I was travelling loads for work, always heading to an airport. Those were all the catalysts for us to start looking for a different lifestyle. Our criteria were an hour from London maximum, as we would still need to come into London to work, plus woodland and land. We finally made the move in June 2009 and moved in on our wedding anniversary.
Have you had wobbles?
Yes. Getting up at 5 am and driving into London five days a week was tough, especially for the first few years, as we were living on a building site while we renovated the house. Also, moving to a small village where we didn’t know anyone was daunting.
Was it love at first sight with the house?
The land, yes—the house, not so much! It was being used as an illegal kennel, so picture six-foot-high chain link fencing and a lot of dog mess. We took a friend and his daughter with us on our second viewing, as he was an architect, and I wanted to ask him if the things I wanted to do to the place were possible. He said yes, but then asked us why, as we had a gorgeous house in Hackney. Our goddaughter put it so beautifully: “Why would you move to this house? It smells!”
What was it about the house that made you move?
The space and the potential. We could see that with some work and some love, the house would be perfect for us. It was small with a lot of land and with a wonderful village pub a five-minute walk away.
What work have you done, and is it ongoing?
We kept the outer shell but painted it black, then knocked through inside—several small rooms went, and low ceilings were removed to create a large open-plan vaulted ceiling living room. We redid the kitchen and bathrooms, added a staircase and created a loft workspace, and generally decorated throughout. We installed a new metal roof, oak decking, new driveway, and landscaping. During lockdown, we built a gym and an extra office in the garden. We are almost done now. We dream of installing a swimming pool, and we have a friend with a digger, so let’s see!
What are your favourite spots and magic moments there?
My favourite spot is sitting on the back deck in our outdoor living room on a warm evening, watching the sun sink behind the trees and listening to the sounds from the forest—it’s magical. Seeing deer strolling through the garden still gives me a thrill.
Has it been a healing experience? Has it brought you calmness and tranquillity, or a different experience?
Yes, immeasurably. It has grounded us both and kept us sane. During tough times, walking through the woodland and just being in and listening to nature is so healing and really helps you slow down, breathe, and refocus.
How do you feel about it, a few years on?
I still have a pinch-me moment every time I get home. It still feels like a holiday home—almost too good to be true.
Talk me through a summer’s morning at the property.
We wake up as it gets light—no need for curtains as we have complete privacy. We have a quick coffee and then head out into the woods for a circuit around the woodland, listening to the birds singing, then into the gym for a workout or a yoga session. Then, if it’s warm and dry, we have breakfast outside on the deck, and we’re ready to start the day.
Are you stayers?
Yes, this is the longest we have ever lived anywhere. In London, we bought, did up, and then sold, moving on to the next property. This one is different—it’s our forever home. We dream one day of having a foreign bolt-hole for the winters as they are hard, but nothing concrete yet.
Do you still need a city weekend fix?
Very rarely. We pop into London to see friends and treat ourselves to a good evening out, but we are always itching to get home to our cabin. When we do go away, it tends to be to seek sun and beach life rather than the bustle of a city.
How has it changed you?
It has made me realise that people and place make you happy, not things. I know that sounds trite, but our friends in the village never ask about our jobs—they want to know about us as people, our likes, hobbies, and dreams. Living here has given us such a different perspective on London life, and I think it’s made us calmer and more content with our lives.
Plans for the future?
Scaling back on work, spending more time outside, and when the weather is terrible, travelling to warmer climes.
Your hardest moment?
First winter in the house. It was a building site, and we were snowed in for five days with no power, no heating, no phone, no internet. I remember walking two miles down frozen country lanes to the nearest garage/shop and wishing for the convenience of a delivery!
Your happiest moment?
A sunny early morning coffee in the woodland, listening to the birds singing and taking a moment before beginning the day.