POSITIVE outlook

Having found a property with the glorious views they craved, Caroline and Keith Parker set to work converting it into their ideal, modern home

- ANNABELLE GRUND

HOME TRUTHS

THE PROPERTY A detached bungalow, built in 2000

LOCATION Cornwall

ROOMS Sitting room, kitchen-diner, studio, office, utility room, two bedrooms, (both en suite), bathroom

PURCHASED 2015

PREVIOUS PROPERTY We lived in a new build in a nearby village,' says Caroline.

After decades living in different spots along the North Cornwall coast near Newquay, Caroline and Keith Parker moved to a smart new-build property a few miles inland. However, Caroline was soon itching to return to their old haunts. 'I missed the views over the Gannel Estuary so much that it felt like a gaping hole,' she: says. We're hands-on, habitual renovators and we'd made major changes to every other house we'd owned, so we were hankering for somewhere with real potential for improvement, too.'

After investigating several properties, they found a bungalow perched high above the estuary that ticked their boxes. The old-fashioned decor was ripe for refreshment and the layout was dated, but the location was perfect, the views stunning and the possibilities clear. Over the next two years the couple revitalised the property, redesigning the ground floor to be more open plan, and converting the loft into a main suite. Every room has been completely refurbished and redecorated, and every inch of space utilised, with a neat home office on the landing and concealed storage in the eaves.

‘Keith has both building and architectural know-how, so aside from a bit of plumbing and electrical work, we did everything ourselves,' says Caroline. “I knew we'd be spending all our time in overalls but we absolutely love the process, because it's so satisfying.'