A cramped cottage that needed major renovation work has been transformed into an almost unrecognisable home almost three times the size of the original.
Jody and Lucie Loughlin bought the three-bedroom semi-detached property in Portishead and knew the property needed a complete do-over.
"We’d been looking for a property for a while within my childhood hometown and it was proving difficult," said 42-year-old Jody.
"We were relocating back to Portishead from London and the search for a period property with a good size plot and scope for extension was proving a challenge.”
At the end of 2015 the couple, who met in Australia despite both being British, completed their ideal project.
They were attracted to the beautiful fireplaces, the proximity to the town's high-street and the rather sizeable plot. The house sits opposite the site where Jody went to primary school, so the purchase was also a little nostalgic.
The planning application went in immediately after purchase and the house had to have 50% of its original form removed but retained its key features. Once built the property would stand at three times its original size.
The couple quickly established that as they project managed the build themselves, they had to stay on top of the workforce to expedite things smoothly.
They hunted for alternative materials and have had many knocks on their door, post-project, inquiring as to the origins of their driveway. “It’s a self-binding gravel often used for cycle paths. Its durable, attractive and cost-effective.”
But when the groundworks were under way; an old well was discovered in the garden.
The Loughlin’s decided to make a feature of the well and installed a circular masonry surround and a metal grate for child safety.
Rumour has it that the surrounding hills of the town provided large quantities of water historically, and there are many undiscovered wells in the environs of the High Street.
The couple always keep their eye out for another venture whereby they can employ all the lessons they learned developing this home.
However, they are extremely happy with their home which provides plenty of room as the children grow.
