only three small windows had looked out onto the surrounding countryside. Fixed and sliding aluminium doors were specified, with timber replacement windows to the front elevation, and skylights dropping additional light onto the dining area and landing.


“Building right beside other homes during lockdown did fill us with guilt, when people were trying to enjoy time out in their gardens and make the most of the good weather, but our neighbours were so understanding – particularly the owner of the attached bungalow,” says Donald. “To allay fears of overlooking, we invited the relevant neighbours on site as soon as the new bedroom level was completed, so that they could go upstairs and see our outlook for themselves. Since completion, we’ve received many compliments on the design from local people.” Externally, the property is now unrecognisable, and the interior has also been transformed with the removal and repositioning of walls, which has dramatically improved the layout and flow. The entire house was also rewired and newly plumbed, with underfloor heating installed in several rooms. “Our project didn’t qualify as a new build, despite only leaving one wall standing, because we were using existing elements such as the foundations, so it was categorised as a remodel and extension, which meant that we


34 www.sbhonline.co.uk


did need to pay VAT,” says Donald. “Overall, we spent around £400,000 on the building and remodelling work, with additional money for the fitout, including the kitchen.


Matching the colour of the kitchen island to other paintwork has created a cohesive feel, and although the couple chose muted internal shades, with predominantly white walls for most rooms, they followed the advice of the painter, who suggested a darker and more dramatic colour for the snug to the front of the house. Donald found the grey plank-effect ceramic tiles, which have been laid over underfloor heating through many of the rooms as a hard-wearing and practical flooring. is suggestion of an open tread staircase was vetoed, however, and instead a specialist carpenter crafted the substantial feature staircase. “We moved into the completed house in 2022, and the snagging list since then has been minuscule,” says Anne. “Without exception, every member of our team has been fantastic, and they all worked together from start to finish to deliver a home which surpasses our expectations and has allowed us to breathe new life into a property that means so much to us as a family. We didn’t want to create a show home, and although the interiors are fairly pared back and minimal, it is most definitely a place where we feel relaxed.” 


TOP TIP


* Trust your gut instinct as much as anything


else when choosing your team, then listen to what your architects, builders, and craftspeople have to say – and be open to taking advice.


sep/oct 2024


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68