Finding her own way
Lancashire Life|April 2020
After splitting from her partner, Pippa Nixon has gone to town re-decorating the home they shared in Urmston and has found her own style in the process
Karen Wilson
Finding her own way

Pippa Nixon bought this three bedroom Victorian terrace in Urmston with her former partner in 2016. She has transformed it from a tired and dated former rental property into a stylish and contemporary living space.

‘We couldn’t afford to buy in Altrincham or Sale,’ said Pippa, who had previously been renting in Manchester city centre. ‘So when a friend told us Urmston was the next up-and-coming area, we decided to view this three bedroom Victorian terraced house. It had been rented out for eight years, the kitchen was manky and every wall and ceiling was wallpapered, but I loved the exposed brick, high ceilings and coving.

‘We decided to think about it on holiday, but it was under offer when we returned. Luckily it came back on the market so we moved quickly and offered the full asking price.’

The house needed extensive work, so they spent ten weeks living with Pippa’s mum while they stripped everything out.

‘With an old house every job is bigger than anticipated,’ the 27-year-old added. ‘The more stuff we pulled out, the worse it got. It needed new electrics, a full replaster and a new kitchen before we could move in, which included replacing rotten joists and moving a doorway.’

When Pippa and her partner split up, she lived with her mum while she saved the money to complete the refurbishment and her dad rented the house, which stands on a quiet cul-de-sac a few minutes walk from the centre of Urmston . When she moved back just over a year ago, she had a new job in PR and had found a lodger.

This story is from the April 2020 edition of Lancashire Life.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the April 2020 edition of Lancashire Life.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM LANCASHIRE LIFEView All
A Shopper's Paradise
Lancashire Life

A Shopper's Paradise

‘Anything is possible’ is the boast of a famous Knightsbridge shop and it could equally apply to Clitheroe, where shoppers come eager to pick up something just that little bit different, especially in the run-up to Christmas

time-read
6 mins  |
November 2020
Back from the brink?
Lancashire Life

Back from the brink?

There are signs hedgehog numbers might be recovering, and we can all do our bit to help them, says Alan Wright of Lancashire Wildlife Trust

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2020
Lancashire Life

Memories of a LANCASHIRE CHILDHOOD

Blackburn-born Sara Foster has had a string of bestsellers on the other side of the world. With her latest novel now out, she reflects on her Lancashire roots

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2020
The tale of BEATRIX'S VALLEY
Lancashire Life

The tale of BEATRIX'S VALLEY

Land once owned by Beatrix Potter is at the heart of a noisy row over how we enjoy the Lake District

time-read
6 mins  |
November 2020
Liverpool's pyramid scheme
Lancashire Life

Liverpool's pyramid scheme

We’ve seen the shape of things to come – and it’s a pyramid. But are you ready to spend the afterlife piled high with 34,591 other people in Toxteth?

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2020
Around the world in 2000 paintings
Lancashire Life

Around the world in 2000 paintings

Preston artist Martyn Hanks has spent 60 years globetrotting with his paints and brushes

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2020
WALKING THE BORDER
Lancashire Life

WALKING THE BORDER

This glorious walk in the hills around Earby takes a peek over the county line

time-read
7 mins  |
November 2020
We will remember them
Lancashire Life

We will remember them

For a hundred years the Cenotaph has been the focal point for a nation’s grief, but few know its connection to Kirkby Lonsdale

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2020
A pawfect day out
Lancashire Life

A pawfect day out

The grounds of Holker Hall at Cartmel are a favourite with human and canine visitors

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2020
A LEGACY of LOVE
Lancashire Life

A LEGACY of LOVE

An unusual war memorial in Lancaster is a haven for wildlife and young people from the city

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2020