'We returned TO OUR ROOTS'

Hard work, vision and a little bit of luck allowed Debbie and Neil to totally revamp a rundown bungalow and add their own chapter to this family story

- MARISHA TAYLOR

COME ON IN!

ABOUT ME I'm Debbie Goodwin, a project manager, and I live here with my partner Neil Clague, a transport supervisor, and our five dogs.

MY HOME A two-bed converted bungalow built in the 1960s in East Cheshire. We bought it in 2016.

WHEN WE MOVED IN The property was in probate and very outdated - not much had changed from when it was built in the 1960s! AND NOW Everything has been replaced, from the roof to the electrics. The upstairs has been transformed into an impressive master bedroom and en suite.

STYLE TIP It's worth investing in the big key items when renovating, like the windows, doors and essential structural changes that are going to stand the test of time.

Without doubt, my love of architectural design is something I've inherited from my parents,' says Debbie. 'My family connection to this property began in the early 1960s when, before my brothers and I were born, my dad Bryan worked for a local builder and helped build a row of bungalows.

Then by chance my parents found a plot of land just around the corner and together from scratch built our now family home. Growing up, my parents were always so practical and a constant source of inspiration.

Having moved away years before, Neil and I were keen to return to my old neighbourhood to be closer to my family, and to find something that had more space for our five dogs. We were not sure if we would find anything within budget but there's only so long you can think about doing something before you need to put it into action. So we put our house up for sale and kept a keen eye on the property market.