Speakers

Serena Dobson is a hands-on renovator, for the last three years Serena has been restoring her Georgian farmhouse (Hillside House) in rural Lincolnshire. She lives there with her husband, two children, Dolly the Collie and twelve rescue chickens - balancing family life, a job in executive search and the ambitious renovation of this former tenant farmhouse.

Taking a sympathetic approach to the property’s heritage, Serena is committed to preserving its character whilst introducing bright, bold interiors rich in colour and pattern. Her style blends respect for Georgian architecture with confident, creative design, a love of bold colour and texture and the joy of creating a truly magical family home.

Working to a tight budget, she and her husband have taken on much of the project themselves, learning new practical skills along the way and proving that imagination and determination can go further than deep pockets.

In 2025, her efforts were recognised when she was named runner-up in the ufurnish.com Home Awards (Best Bathroom category), celebrating her ability to combine period sensitivity with striking, characterful design. She documents the journey via Instagram (@renovating_hillside_house).