In some of the older and more central suburbs of Cardiff while strolling down a quiet residential road you might discover a cute little building tucked away at the bottom of someone's garden, or next to one of the many back lanes that sprawl through the city streets.
Cardiff's old coach houses have long been a historic and intriguing addition to the street scene in places like Cathays, Roath, Canton, Splott and Grangetown.
They have also, over the years, been the base for local businesses, used as commercial workshops as the distant memory of coach and horses trundling down the capital's streets faded away.
But the past forgotten coach houses of Cardiff have also, through the years, been converted into unique and charming little houses by developers and renovators with vision, creativity and patience.
And it was out on such a stroll down Dalcross Street in Roath that the saviour of one of these period coach houses stumbled across it.
Enthusiastic property renovator Steve Lane remembers: "I purchased the house in April 2018, I noticed it whilst out walking in the area and was immediately taken by the character of the property.
"It was in very poor condition, mainly in its original state, and required a huge amount of work to upgrade it to a high standard property.
"When I acquired it, the coach house still had all the features of where horses would have been stabled years ago."
But the 56-year old, originally from Penarth, was not phased by the work required to bring this charming two-storey building back to life, even though for a small property the 'to do' list was rather big.
But that list was made even longer by the fact that the coach house was part of a larger property purchase.
The coach house is at the end of the garden of a three-storey main house on the corner of Dalcross Street and Donald Street and Steve planned to convert the whole site.
Steve says: "The main house has had many former uses but most recently was a glass workshop with living accommodation above.
"This main building is currently undergoing conversion into a one bedroom semi detached house, two one bedroom apartments and a ground floor two bedroom apartment with basement.
"It's always been a really exciting project to bring the property back to life, but there have been many daunting days also as the amount of work became apparent, but I could always see the finished vision in my mind so the inspiration was always there."
But the coach house conversion is where Steve has had to get really creative.
His challenge was to not only optimise the space but produce a stylish, high-end design that would appeal to professional buyers but at the same time keep the character and 'essence' of the period building.
Steve says: "In many ways it would have been easier and less expensive to knock down and rebuild, but my passion here was to restore an old coach house that was part of the historic landscape of the area.
"I love open-plan where people can share the same space and maximise the feel of mixing the kitchen and living area, for me, this optimises the warm and homely feel of a property."
So the floorplan was easily decided upon, based on how people prefer to currently live, within sociable open-plan spaces but Steve gave the interior design equal thought and consideration.
The objective of the transformation of the coach house was to treat it as a luxury, not basic, modern makeover.
Steve says: " The age of the property inspired me to create a subtle industrial theme.
"I wanted a contemporary finish so opted for a palette of various tones of grey with white walls and used copper accents throughout the property to add interest to the design.
Steve says: "The pendant lights, shelf brackets, copper effect wall, tap and artwork were all selected to create the vision I had from the start of the renovation. Even the slate caps on the newel posts of the staircase were selected to add a feature.
"My favourite aspect of the design is the copper effect wall in the kitchen combined with the matt grey finish of the cabinets, I think it works really well."
When Steve adds up all the aspects of the renovation project to achieve the incredible transformation, it is indeed a long list.
The project had to include modern additions such as uPVC glazing, roof windows and the addition of a high-end bathroom, kitchen and tiling.
But it was the building work that obviously took most of the time, budget, and sweat and tears.
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Steve says: "All the walls required rectification, a new roof and timbers, new insulated ground floor and new floor to the first floor, new partitions, plasterboard and plastering throughout.
"The bath stone has been carefully restored and a bespoke lead design has been added to the facade of the roof section. In short, I have done everything!"
At the beginning of the coach house conversion, the biggest challenge for Steve and his team was the work involved in converting a 140-year-old property into a home for 21st century living, but then the coronavious pandemic struck and the real challenge began.
Steve says: "We started in November 2019, but then four months later Covid arrived and everything became more difficult with many delays.
"Obtaining materials was particularly difficult over the working period so it truly has been a labour of love."
This intrepid renovator has a few words of advice to pass on to anyone who stumbles across an unconverted coach house and is tempted to transform it, or any period property about to undergo a renovation.
Steve says: " Take plenty of time to carefully plan your renovation and have a realistic budget before you start. This will help things run smoothly but be prepared for hidden problems and challenges along the way.
"Also ensure you have the knowledge of current regulations and, if in doubt, speak to your local council planning office.
"Always consider how you are going to live in the space you are creating. Plan the look you want to achieve and try to hold onto that vision throughout the project. Making changes can result in delays and extra costs."
Called The Mews House, this contemporary pad in the heart of the vibrant suburb of Roath visually draws you in from the moment you step inside.
The kitchen of the open-plan ground floor space grabs the attention immediately and focuses it to the rear of the room and hence maximises the feeling of space.
The uncluttered, seamless design again is a space enhancing feature of the room.
The accent of dark contemporary grey furniture placed on each wall visually balances out the space on the two side walls, with the dark grey kitchen on the third, far wall creating a totally balanced and harmonious design.
The area is softened with plants, artwork and cushions.
The artwork is a clever choice as the feature brown 'strip' within it echoes and mimics the tactile brown copper-effect kitchen splash back and connects the two spaces.
The wood of the kitchen island breakfast bar stools join the brown toned party to increase the visually connectivity and also makes sure the eye has something interesting to settle on centrally within the space.
Without this central island the room might have felt a bit like a corridor, with all the furniture and units hugging the walls.
Up to the first floor and the high-style and clever design continues.
The bed is tucked away behind a new partition wall at the top of the stairs - needed for privacy, noise reduction, health and safety and to create a more intimate sleeping zone.
But instead of the wall extending right up to the ceiling, the wall stops short and this has two benefits.
The vaulted ceiling can flow the length of this bedroom space uninterrupted and therefore is allowed to fully shine, plus the sleeping space can benefit from light coming in from the roof window above the stairs.
At the end of the first floor a full four-piece bathroom has been easily accommodated, with a statement free-standing bath arguably the star of this room's design show.
Many people renovating a project become attached to the property as they resuscitate it, restore it back to life and create something beautiful as the end of the product, and there are particular aspects of this project that gets Steve very excited.
He says: "I love the well planned bathroom with a walk-in shower and separate bath, a real luxury, but my favourite feature is the vaulted ceiling on the first floor; it has created a unique light and airy space."
It's clear to anyone chatting to Steve about the coach house that he has fallen in love with the rebirth of this property and so he has pushed the makeover to the limit with the materials used, the interior design and also the budget.
Steve says: "If I thought about the cost of the renovation for too long I would probably need a drink, so it's best not to think about it, but no expense has been spared!
"I am proud to have restored an old Cardiff coach house into a stylish new home."
The Mews House is on the market for £185,000 with estate agent Moginie James, give their Roath branch a call on 029 2048 4898 to find out more.
