About Me

Hello, I’m Hayley. Welcome to Living in Wisteria!

I live in a beautiful old cottage on the Dorset–Hampshire border with my husband Dan, our two teenagers, and our mischievous beagle, Dexter. We’re lucky enough to have both the New Forest and the sea on our doorstep, the perfect mix for family adventures and finding calm in the chaos.

This blog was born from my love of home and lifestyle, and from our ongoing renovation journey. We moved into our 120-year-old cottage during lockdown, and what started as “a few improvements” quickly turned into an 11-month (and counting!) extension project. I share the real highs and lows of renovating a period home, with honest lessons learned, design tips, and plenty of behind-the-scenes stories.

But home for me is more than bricks and mortar, it’s also about food, family, and creating memories. I’ve run my wedding cake business for over 15 years, and baking is still at the heart of our home. You’ll often find me in the kitchen testing recipes, decorating cakes, or sharing simple bakes that bring comfort to busy weeks.

When I’m not covered in flour or paint, you’ll usually find me in the garden, planning our next planting project or dreaming of the day Wisteria once again winds its way across our cottage walls.

If you love home renovation inspiration, cosy interiors, family life, baking recipes, gardening ideas, or simply the occasional Dexter story, you’re in the right place. Grab a cup of tea, make yourself at home, and join me on this journey of Living in Wisteria.