'It's the Covid project that keeps on giving'

Being forced to carry out some major DIY during lockdown has given Catrin Stuart and husband Jono an outdoor space that's popular all year round

- 

Having lived everywhere from Scotland to France with her husband Jono when he was a professional rugby player, Catrin Stuart was keen to return to her roots in Swansea, where she'd lived for many years, and make a home by the sea. The couple had already done up one house in the area, but they wanted something larger with more outdoor space, so took on a tired and neglected detached Edwardian property within walking distance of the beach. After ripping out and installing two bathrooms and replacing the roof, a kitchen extension highlighted to Catrin that the back terrace was in urgent need of attention. 'We changed the back of the house and put in smart new Crittall-style doors that let in plenty of light, so the contrast was even more obvious outside. It's a nice big space, and it was a shame not to make the most of it.'

THE PROJECT