A woman has transformed a leaky coastal house into something stunning - which boasts "almost Mediterranean" views.
Dee Phenna, 35, snapped up the property near Denbigh in 2016, reports WalesOnline.
She knew then that it was beset by problems - but decided that the end result would be worth the hassle.
Dee then set about renovating the building, following on from the previous owner's work.
She said it had been a "bland and ugly 1950s home" previously, before time was spent updating it.
Dee added that the previous owner was honest with her when she bought the house, admitting that it still needed work.
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But she always knew what it could become - and has since been proved right.
Dee said: "We used to walk the dog and watch this house being renovated.
"So when we spotted it on the market as we were looking to move in 2016 and as soon as we walked in, we both knew it was the house for us.
"We had sea views in our previous home and it was something we were keen not to lose.
"As soon as we stepped in the front door and looked through the large open space making the most of the most spectacular views it took our breath away. It felt almost Mediterranean."
Stunning sea views can be a very good reason to overlook the cracks, literally, that might be waiting inside your new home.
But Dee, originally from Denbigh, knew it was love and could see the potential to create her new family dream home.
She said: "I love a house with character and my husband loves modern design.
"The fact that this house ticked both boxes with an ultra modern exterior and open-plan living space while still keeping some of the character inside with a quirky layout and some low ceilings giving a cottage feel in what was the original basement, pleased us both."
Dee continued: "The house had gone through a huge renovation by the previous owners, transforming it from a bland and ugly 1950s home into a modern and interesting home.
"The previous owner was very open and honest that there were still some issues including damp problems and layout issues which would need to be fixed, but overall it was a blank canvas."
The damp issues in the basement were known to Dee as they moved in but they were major and had to be tackled immediately before a gym could be created in the space.
She added: "We've added a small extension so that we have a nicer entrance at the back of the house with huge bi-fold doors which give the space an outdoor feel when opened up.
And we no longer have the awkward trip of traipsing through the spare room when guests are staying and we want to go to the gym."
One area where Dee's vision was put to good use was the optimising of the property's location - if you're lucky to have a sea view, you need to ensure that there are as many connections to it as physically possible.
So as well as the addition of the bi-fold doors that seamlessly connect the main living area to a sunny terrace, that could be mistaken for being somewhere in the south of France not somewhere near Colwyn Bay, the couple restored as well as added balconies.
But there was also a leak to deal with.
Dee added: "We had to tackle the roof terrace because the house was getting flooded every time it rained.
"And when we decided that we would add two walk-on roof lanterns, one above the dining room and one above the living room, we hadn't realised that it was actually a concrete roof so cutting through it was a nightmare.
Dee has been posting the renovation on Instagram as @maric_living, where she has gained a significant following.
Her inexpensive and creative ideas has made her a popular source of inspiration on social media.
Dee said: "I've always preferred to upcycle furniture with paint and new handles, rather than buy new!
"I painted our oak sideboards in the dining room using Frenchic paint and added new handles because I felt the colour and style was no longer working in the room.
"I also recently specifically bought IKEA Malm units for the bedroom because it was the only range I could find which provided everything to fit the space perfectly so I upcycled them with paint, wall stickers, new handles and rattan webbing to fit the room perfectly!"
And she continued said: "I think this house is an ongoing project so it's hard to say how long it has taken or how much it has cost, but we have made the decision to wait, save and do things properly wherever we can because this is our forever home so it doesn't make sense to have to constantly re-do things!
"And I think any house you buy, even if it seems perfect or immaculate inside, I would always want to put my own stamp on it and make changes!"
