Ever fancied taking on a ‘fixer upper’, in other words a property that needs repair, restoration and some modernisation? Lily Jackson has done just that, transforming a Kedington bungalow into a smart, new-look home. Here are her thoughts with a room-by-room pictorial tour
I think initially you were considering buying a one bed flat in Clare yet instead went for a’ fixer upper’ in Kedington. Why the change of direction?
I recognised the potential the bungalow offered in Kedington – once you looked past all the mould and spider webs! The fact the bungalow was freehold was a big plus for me as the flat was leasehold, and as it is somewhere I want to live long term it was much more appealing to me. The bungalow in Kedington was in need of some repair/restoration so it meant I was able to do whatever I wanted to make it my own.
I think David Burr may have guided and helped you a little in deciding on the Kedington project?
Gareth Gold at their Clare office was a big help in pointing out the potential of the property, and to view it as a long term investment where, potentially, money could be made.
It must have been nice to have an estate agent supporting and taking an active interest in getting you on the property ladder and creating an investment?
Yes, very helpful on every step along the way. They answered any questions or queries I had and Gareth was very proactive in guiding me through the purchase and helping me to see what might be possible.
Sounds as though you have some interior design skills and maybe some DIY talent. Have you done all, or some of, the work on your home?
I did the initial clear out, stripping the wallpaper and sugar soaping the walls. The property needed central heating put in, plastering throughout, new electrics, plumbing, windows and gas installation -however, all of this was beyond my capabilities and I had to have professional advice. The interior design was my project once the main building work was completed.
What piece of work or design are you most proud of?
As this was my first project I’m very pleased with everything that I’ve achieved from the interior design to the landscaping of the gardens. Overall I’m proud that I could convert a 1950s bungalow into a modern, stylish home.
Lily paid £175,000 for the property and spent around £41,000 on further work and renovations. David Burr say it is now worth circa £250,000.
What next? Will you keep what sounds like a desirable property, or might you sell?
I’m so proud of all I have achieved and my aim is to live here for the next few years so I can enjoy it. Although that’s not stopping Gareth trying to convince me to take on another ‘fixer upper’!
Key rooms
Kitchen
I was after a light kitchen with the units and worktops, however, I wanted to add a modern twist with the black handles on the cupboards to match the black accents throughout the rest of the house. The kitchen is actually the exact kitchen that was here when I bought the property – there wasn’t anything wrong with it. I just didn’t like the colour so couldn’t justify spending thousands on a new kitchen so I paid a slither of the price and got the whole room ‘professionally wrapped’!
