Article from The Mirror newspaper from June 2002.
HOME TRUTHS
In recent years Barbara Dickson has starred in the TV series Band Of Gold and several musicals. She recently released For The Record, a double album featuring all her hits. Jon Mellor discovers that when she isn't working, Barbara escapes to her Victorian vicarage in the Lincolnshire Wolds, which she shares with husband Oliver and their three sons.
What do you most remember about the house in which you were brought up in Dunfermline?
I lived there until I was 15 but went back years later for a newspaper article. The thing that impressed me and astonishingly I hadn't remembered was the view. It was a council house on top of a hill overlooking the River Forth.
Describe your present house.
It's a rambling old vicarage with a cottage attached and set in 11 acres. Curiously, it's quite a hike from the church and stands on its own on the edge of the village.
How much did you have to do to the house when you moved in?
Lots. We've restored it to what we think is fitting for a house of that age with rich colours and bold gothic furnishings. It is a listed building and has cost an absolute fortune. At the moment, the kitchen roof is being replaced with hand-made local tiles, which would have been there originally.
Are you and your husband both involved in the restoration?
Yes. We have great fun looking for light fittings and wallpaper to suit the house. Everything has to be big and bold. It was designed by a famous architect and it has fascinating architectural tricks like a fireplace with a window over it. It's really quirky. I am very lucky to live in this wonderful house and I feel like its custodian.
