I remember waking up on a mattress in my first home with nothing but a kettle and a tree clad in fairy lights. It was four days before Christmas and my long-term partner and I were through that door the moment we got  our hands on the keys.

At the age of 23 I was officially a homeowner and I felt so mature, independent and in control. Having grown up in just one loving family home, I dreamt of the memories my partner and I would make together.

I decided that an attractively decorated house would not only help to create a feeling of comfort, but also form the foundations of a loving home. I set to work filling it with beautiful furniture, cushions, throws and pots of orchids. 

Sadly, despite my efforts, things didn’t quite go to plan between my partner and me. Suddenly, the house felt more like an enemy than a friend. I began to resent spending time there. It was cold and hostile and my only salvation was the kitchen where I filled the air with the sweet scent of baking to occupy my time and find some solace. 

After several difficult years, our relationship came to an abrupt end and I kept telling myself I could never be happy in that house; it held too many unhappy memories. 

Then I met my soon-to-be husband. I started to race home from work to see what fun and laughter the evening had to offer – within the very same walls that had witnessed all my tears of sadness. The happy memories slowly but surely took over and left no space in my head or my heart for the sad ones. 

Now, wherever my husband and I live, I will always remember what it is that actually makes a house a home. It’s nothing to do with the size of the kitchen, the designer sofa in the lounge or the paint on the walls. It’s about the love and laughter that fill it, day in, day out.

CC, Nottingham 

Further information

What makes a house a home and why does it matter so much? Our new series, 'Moving Stories', inspired by Savills new advertising campaign, explores the complex relationship between home and home-owner with funny, sad and bittersweet reflections on moving out, moving in and moving on.

We invite you to submit your own Moving Stories and we will donate £50 to Dreams Come True for every one we publish on Savills UK Blog. We'll also make a donation for every story submitted for consideration.