As first-time buyers we were keen to find a project we could develop over time, ideally in a quiet, rural spot,' says Michaela Shoebridge. We'd been renting locally for two years, keeping a keen eye on properties that were coming onto the market-and this four-bedroom bungalow, in the countryside on the outskirts of Hull, was perfect. We loved that the rooms were well proportioned and logically laid out on one level. It had a generous footprint, large back garden and bags of potential to extend and add value.'
The property had been built in the 1980s and although it needed updating, it wasn't in bad condition. The majority of the house had been decorated in magnolia, apart from a jazzy red kitchen! The layout had a cohesive feel, however, with all the rooms leading from an L-shaped hallway. One side opens into the living, dining and conservatory area, which has a central fireplace to create a divide between them, with the kitchen and utility room accessed from the dining area. On the other side of the hall are the bedrooms, study and family bathroom.
Unfortunately, we had a big setback while we were waiting for the sale to go through-the North had a severe cold snap and the water tank froze, causing the pipes to burst and flood the entire house,' explains Michaela. There was a lot of water damage which had to be addressed before we could think about anything else. Our priority was to remove the old water tank and replace it with a new combi boiler which we relocated to the utility room'. The main bathroom was re-fitted, with extra space created by the removal of the water tank, allowing for a shower and small bath. They also removed an old fireplace to reveal the brickwork, installing a double-sided log burner that serves both the living room and dining area.
This story is from the June 2023 edition of Country Homes & Interiors.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 2023 edition of Country Homes & Interiors.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
A day in the country
The TV presenter and author stays close to home in the Wye Valley, walking at dawn and ending the day making supper for friends
MINIATURE MARVELS
Tiny but mighty mini bulbs bring sparks of colour to springtime garden borders and containers
UP THE GARDEN PATH
Affordable and easy to lay, these DIY path ideas will add form and purpose to your garden, providing a fast track to planting, focal points and outdoor rooms
Bring the family
Rediscover the simple life with these gloriously back to nature staycations that kids and adults will adore
'Handmade glass looks watery and beautiful'
As anyone who surfs will know, despite the crash, chaos and roar of the ocean, there is a strange moment of peacefulness when you ride a wave.
Knock on wood
Transform damaged and dingy wooden flooring with expert techniques to return its structure and shine
COLOUR CONFIDENT
Breathe new life into your kitchen with a colourful design from Magnet
STOCK UP
The best ideas for maximising food storage in the kitchen, from walk in pantries to woven baskets-and everything in between
STORAGE STORIES
Faced with cluttered rooms and overflowing cupboards, four homeowners found smart solutions to help them get more organised
Installing fitted wardrobes
Everything you need to know about integrating built-in storage into your bedroom