“W
e were reminded of a bland 1980s ravelodge when we first viewed the house,” recalls Jim Smith of
his detached home in a peaceful Leicestershire village. “It was long and uninspiring, with a row of windows at the top and bottom, but the location is so idyllic that we planned to update the property to create a home suitable for retirement.”
Over the years Jim and his wife Jayne have undertaken a number of projects, including renovations and new builds. The couple have four adult children, and their sons are both in the building trade. “We started working with houses back in when first tried to retire says Jim, a former engineer, who later set up a family building business with his sons. “After restoring and remodelling our previous
Victorian house, which had 28 acres of land, we realised that the upkeep would prove difficult as we grew older, so we decided to downsize,” explains Jayne. “There were a few issues with the next house, though, such as limited car parking spaces, so we sold that one to friends and moved into rented accommodation while we looked around.”
Finding a house which met their criteria
proved difficult until they viewed a s property in a sought-after road in north Leicestershire. Standing on a substantial plot of two thirds of an acre, the house enjoys impressive country views, and in March 2022 the sale was completed. With a dated internal layout, an underwhelming entrance, and various unattractive rear extensions, the building was in need of attention. “After sketching out a few ideas we soon realised that it made sense to
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employ a professional,” says Jim. “We wanted something more open plan, with enough bedrooms for visiting family and friends, and a more attractive external appearance.” The couple approached Richard Norwood of Leaf Architecture & Design – a RIBA practice based in Leicestershire which had been recommended to them. Richard became involved at the earliest opportunity, visiting the house with Jim and Jayne prior to the purchase to gain understanding of their lifestyle and needs.
His design concept involved adding a dramatic feature entrance and extending to the rear, while improving circulation and room proportions. Externally, the building’s appearance would be unified with render and local stone, together with crittall-style glazing. “Strangely, it was the utility room which enjoyed the best views and was located centrally at the rear of the house,” recalls architect Richard Norwood. “Jim and Jayne had sketched out some ideas of their own, but the utility room still claimed the views, so I suggested reorganising the layout to allow the open plan kitchen, dining, and living spaces to enjoy the outlook. The utility room was then moved closer to the garage, which made more sense.” Designing a single storey stone extension
across the entire rear elevation increases the main ground floor living space with the extension projecting out even further to one end to form a relaxed seating area opening onto a terrace through glazed doors. Previously, the house had six bedrooms but only two bathrooms. “We wanted every bedroom to have its own bathroom,” says Jim. “Nobody really enjoys sharing a bathroom when
nov/dec 2024
HIGH POINT
“Enjoying all the detailing, such as the joinery, which we spent so much time thinking about and planning.” – Jim Smith
LOW POINT
“Wet weather meant the site was always muddy, and we spent every day covered in muck.” – Jim Smith
JIM & JAYNE’S TOP TIP
* It’s an old chestnut, but costs can spiral so it’s
worth having a healthy contingency fund.
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