I first met Melanie at the Listed Home Owners Property Show 2 years ago where she was presenting on the work she does for Chesterton Humberts. Heritage buildings and their histories are so important in this country particularly and I have always loved to learn about the past. 

I have been chatting with Melanie on Twitter ever since and then bought her first book House Histories: The Secret Behind Your Front Door (second book out soon) - a fascinating book with the social and human history behind each house.
 
I majored in heritage buildings and gardens at University - as well as the screamingly modern I adore period homes and interior design, and find having a foot in the past and one firmly in the tomorrow an advantage.

When we run our Period Home Interior Design workshops, I discuss with home owners how they can start some basic research for their project. But I always recommend hiring a house historian before doing any refurbishments to a period home.

I have worked with them a few times on special projects and have found them invaluable in helping me taking the house forward into the 21st century whilst keeping the patina of old age well and truly alive.

I am delighted that she has accepted to take part in our interview series.