This 1920s five-bedroom house in Wales was bought 12 years ago by a local magazine editor and her husband, a civil engineer. It was in a bad state of repair and everything needed doing. Over the years they have extended with a loft conversion and a conservatory to provide extra space for the family.
They first spotted the house 12 years ago when they were driving around the area looking for properties but it had a 'Sold' sign up outside. The next day there was a 'For Sale' one instead, so they rushed to see the estate agent to organise a viewing.
Previously it had been owned by an elderly woman and was in a bad state of repair. 'Everything needed doing,' say the owners, 'but we could see the potential it had to become a proper family home. It had a 1960s boiler, virtually no kitchen, beige and orange carpets everywhere and handrails in the bathroom, but you could hear the seagulls and it was just minutes from the water.'
For the first few years they modernised their new home and redecorated the entire house, before taking on some more extensive renovations when their children were older.
1/10 Exterior
'We added the conservatory to make the most of the light and then, three years ago, we decided to go for a loft conversion and side extension,' say the owners. This gave them a utility area and downstairs shower room, while the loft was converted into a beautiful main bedroom with a lovely sea view.
2/10 Living room
Living near the sea has inspired the couple to go for a coastal theme in their home. The living area is painted in soothing neutral shades with nautical accessories dotted around the room adding to the relaxed feel.'We painted above the picture rail in the same colour as the ceiling to highlight architectural features,' say the owners.
Furniture
John Long Suite Centre
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3/10 Living room fireplace
In their living room the couple kept the original fireplace, but added instant warmth with a woodburning stove. The original fireplace is the perfect spot for displaying decorative hanging hearts.
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4/10 Living room coffee table
A vintage-style nautical trunk makes the perfect living room coffee table and also helps the owners to hide away clutter and store blankets and throws for the colder months. 'We favour different shades of blue and have added in lots of washed-out wood and striped accessories. Wherever possible we try and support local companies and have two lovely coastal-themed interiors shops just up the road.'
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5/10 Kitchen
Rather than replacing the whole kitchen, the couple bought new cabinet doors to give the space a new look without breaking the bank. Clever storage makes it quick and easy to find the things they need in the kitchen.
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6/10 Seaside-themed accessories
Throughout their home the couple have lots of seaside-themed accessories, which give the place a homely feel. Distressed furniture, wooden signs and stripy patterns add charm and character throughout. 'We've made the most of the seaside location and welcomed the theme into our decor.'
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7/10 Conservatory
The couple added a conservatory to bring light into their home and provide an extra room off their kitchen. The nautical theme continues through into this new space with the striped sofa and distressed dining table and chairs. 'Adding a conservatory was one of the best things we did,' say the owners. 'It's such a bright, sunny space.'
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8/10 Main bedroom
With their loft converted into a bedroom, the couple now have a fabulous light-filled space to wake up in every morning. They carried on the pastel theme with the vintage floral bedspread. 'The best thing about this space is that we've finally got our sea view.'
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9/10 Bedroom bath
By extending the upstairs of their home the couple were able to create a big main bedroom, which includes this gorgeous roll-top bath in the corner. It makes the most of the space rather than having two separate smaller rooms, and the turquoise accessories add colour to the neutral backdrop. 'The window is low enough so you can enjoy the views while soaking in the bath.'
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10/10 Bathroom
The main bathroom has been kept simple with a neutral colour scheme and a few seaside-themed accessories. Stripy towels add character to the space. 'Now that we've got the house just as we want it, there's plenty of space for everyone to do their own thing,' say the owners. 'You can often find us relaxing in our favourite place on the sofa in the new conservatory soaking up the sun. It's just perfect.'
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