'I built my dream house from scratch’

As a co-presenter of Loose Women and a mum, Andrea McLean juggles her day like a circus pro. But despite her hectic schedule, the former GMTV weathergirl recently squeezed in an extra project with her builder fiancé Steve Toms, 39 - pulling down a bungalow and building their dream home.

With fiancé Steve Toms

"I had grand ideas when I designed our house," says Andrea, 39. "I wanted eight bedrooms, but Steve kept me in check."

Andrea and Steve - who met in 2004 while working on a home makeover show - bought the dilapidated bungalow in Ashtead, Surrey, for £425,000 last year. They spent almost as much again building their new place, before finally moving in at Christmas, along with Andrea's son Finlay, seven, and their daughter Amy, two.

"I wanted a minimalist, sharp-lined design," says Andrea.

The house has five bedrooms, three bathrooms, two studies, a playroom, gym, utility area, lounge and kitchen - which Andrea calls "the heart" of her home.

"I'm not the best cook in the world," she admits. "But I make sure we eat together as a family every evening."

"It took Steve weeks to install this fireplace - he was very grumpy by the end of it!"

After dinner, Andrea's gorgeous living room with snuggly sofas comes in handy. Morning TV has programmed her body clock to switch off early. "I can't stay awake past 9pm, so I always fall asleep there!"

"Finlay and Amy adore their four pet goldfish. They call the tank their 'pod'."

Born in Glasgow and raised in Trinidad And Tobago, Andrea moved house seven times by the age of 15. Now she's determined to put down roots, saying: "We've designed our home exactly for our needs. We're never moving again!

"We haven't had a housewarming party yet, but when we do, I'll invite all the Loose Women girls. It'll be a riot!"

Andrea is supporting Little People's Plates to highlight the importance of nutrition for children aged nine months to three years. Visit Littlepeoplesplates.co.uk .

Andrea's Tips

Choose natural colours and elements like stone and wood to create a feeling of calm.

Shop around. You don't have to spend a fortune to get an expensive look.

Check out specialist interiors publications for trends and keep an eye out for pieces you like.

Keep your furniture simple, then jazz it up with cushions, pictures and vases of flowers.

5 funky buys

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Fruit bowl, £24, Objects Of Design (01488 71236); Clock, £17.99, Sainsbury's (0800 636262); Vase, £49.50, Marks & Spencer (0845 302 1234); Aquarium, £184, Reef One (01603 710339); Stool, £44.91, Drink Stuff (0870 428 0958)

WORDS:OLIVIA BUXTON COMPILED BY: SALLY GILLAM PHOTOGRAPHY: JAMIE HUGHES, ALPHA PRESS HAIR & MAKE-UP: SARA BOWDEN

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