Having had her fingers badly burnt in a bidding war for another property, Katy Hamilton wasn’t confident when she found that a house on a quiet private road in an area she’d always loved was unexpectedly on the market. ‘It’s very rare for houses to come up for sale here and they’re always snapped up,’ she says. ‘The agent was holding an open day when potential buyers could view it, so my ex and I went along. We could see how special it was, but didn’t feel hopeful that our bid would be successful.’
As it turned out, they were wrong. The 1930s house had only ever had three owners, the decor was tired and dated, the rooms small and cramped, and all the utilities needed replacing – a major renovation was clearly necessary. ‘I’m not sure if that’s what put people off, but to my amazement our bid was accepted,’ says Katy.
The couple wasted no time planning a major extension with their architect. But first, everything from the plumbing to the electrics had to be replaced. ‘The electrician was surprised to discover three different sets of electrics in the house – it was a total muddle,’ says Katy.
Denne historien er fra April 2020-utgaven av Country Homes & Interiors.
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Denne historien er fra April 2020-utgaven av Country Homes & Interiors.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Sowing the seeds for a life of abundance
The perpetual rhythm of planting, tending and harvesting brings a feeling of hope and fulfilment to Diana Yates, and it extends beyond her Greenfields garden to all of her life
Cabin fever
Offering cosy, doll's house-sized country retreats, cabins combine modern comforts with an immersive experience of nature
'Building boats has become my passion'
Wooden boat builder, Obioma Oji
Cover-up job
Durable and decorative, cladding is a brilliant way to protect your home's exterior without compromising its aesthetics
Flights of fancy
Replace or refurbish your staircase and you'll elevate the appearance of your home at every level. Here are the steps to take...
TRUE BLUE
A firm favourite for decorating, blue is one of the most restful, mindful shades in the colour spectrum. Stylist and interiors expert Sara Bird shares how to use it in your country home
COUNTER INTELLIGENCE
Practical and inspiring ideas for selecting the best kitchen worktop for your space
A GARDEN GLOW-UP
As late summer days begin to shorten, extend your time outdoors with a blend of practical and decorative lighting
TRÈS BELLE
Sharon and Tony Dallas have turned their dilapidated Grade II-listed house in Essex into an enchanting home with a considered colour palette and French treasures galore
HOME AT LAST
Having often walked past their dream property over the years, Rich and Emma Proud finally became its owners and turned it into a comfortable home for three generations of their family