A former high-dependency care unit which had originally been built as a four bedroom bungalow was listed in our December 2020 auction with a guide price of £275,000. It attracted huge interest and there were many bidders including six on the telephones – after spirited bidding the hammer fell at £393,000 to occasional developers, Trevor and Lisa.
They were searching for an interesting project, something more challenging than another internal refurbishment scheme, as well as the potential for creating a unique family home. They were also attracted to the unspoilt views to the rear of the garden.
Upon revisiting the house in Spring 2024, the most obvious modification is the addition of the first floor and the full-height glazed entrance screen.
As Trevor says, “The general layout of the ground floor has remained similar to the existing with the addition of a rear extension to enlarge the lounge and kitchen areas with bifold doors to each. Underfloor heating with upgraded insulation has been installed to the entire ground floor. In addition, a steel frame has been incorporated within the structure to accommodate a new first floor providing a master bedroom suite and second guest suite each with an ensuite and dressing room. The master suite benefits from a balcony overlooking the countryside to the rear of the property.”
The couple originally bought the property to renovate and sell on, however as the development progressed they decided to tailor the finish to their personal taste and put down roots there for the foreseeable future.
And at the rear of the property, there have been external changes too. Lisa added, “The front and back gardens have been landscaped and an extensive patio has been added to the rear. The existing façade of brick and UPVC cladding has been replaced with silicone render and larch boarding.”
Were there any unexpected issues that you uncovered as the work progressed? “None property related, however the aftermath of the Covid pandemic did impact on the price and availability of materials” said Trevor.
They are attracted to buying at auction because of the certainty and speed of completion, with Lisa adding, “There is no risk of sellers pulling out or last minute price negotiation. Since completing this project we have purchased another property through Auction House East Anglia.”
Trevor and Lisa have taken over two years to complete and acknowledge that a full team of construction workers would have finished in a much shorter period. When they decided to keep the house for themselves they wanted to ensure it was finished to their own tastes and hence have carefully and meticulously created the delightful property that is now their family home.
And what aspect of the development are they most delighted with? Both agree that it is the sense of space and light achieved throughout the dwelling, in particular the kitchen/family room with the bifold doors and large roof lantern as well as the efficiency and controllability of the underfloor heating system.
