THE owners of this house in Boundary Road, West Bridgford bought their home in 2002. They'd always had the intention to refurbish it and create a contemporary family home and, after nine months of hard work, their idea had become reality. They'd extended and refitted to create 2,100 sq ft of stunning accommodation.
Jenny, the owner, said: "We knew that this would be the home where we would have our children and we knew how we wanted it to be. We bought because it was in the catchment area for good schools and then set about the extension work, fitting new electrics, plumbing... the whole lot. We had good builders and, as we were living in the house at the time, we drove the work and it was done quickly."
The couple have put a lot of time and effort into making this house their home and say they concentrated on what they wanted, rather than what would add value. This strategy has also added desirability, as the interior is finished beautifully.
Accommodation is now extensive and yet practical. There is an entrance hall, living room, family room, stunning kitchen/dining room, a garden or sun room, a study and ground-floor WC. Upstairs, there are four good-size bedrooms and a family bathroom.
An example of this combination of style and practicality can be seen in the sun room, where bookcases have been built around the doors to create a lovely flow to this storage and display facility – a feature mirrored on the top-floor landing. Jenny said: "We used the same joiner to create these bespoke bookcases as we used to craft the doors in our en suite."
One of her favourite rooms is her bedroom and en suite bathroom. "Because we have bespoke wardrobes on the landing, our bedroom is just a bedroom with a great big sleigh bed and a TV – our own little area in which to relax. Our en suite is actually bigger than the main bathroom. It is great to come up here with a glass of wine – it's our own spa area."
The couple have kept on top of trends, updating the en suite just a year ago with Villeroy & Boch sanitary ware, including a walk-in shower, an oversized bath, his-and-hers matching wash hand basins... there's even hidden storage.
Three years ago, the kitchen was updated again and it is this room that comes a close second in the favourite rooms stakes. Jenny said: "I designed the kitchen myself and spent a lot of time researching and planning and took loads of advice to make sure I got it just right. It's a cook's kitchen; it really works and, with concealed appliances, it never looks untidy."
This stunning room has a central island providing sitting and working space and, and there's a zip tap and waste disposal.
High-gloss black units contrast with the white Corian working surfaces to add glamour to this practical room, while stainless steel De Dietrich appliances continue the practical yet stylish theme. Appliances include a hob, double oven and double fridge.
The property is reached through substantial remote-controlled double gates, which open to an "in out" driveway with extensive parking and a garage.
Gardens are landscaped to include lawns and an attractive patio which links the internal accommodation to the gardens and creates an ideal entertaining area.
Add all this to the family-focused location and you have a superb family home.
As Jenny said: "We are on the main bus route, in fact there is a bus stop across the road.
"The leisure centre is across the road and they have some great half-term clubs for the children, and we are just a 10-minute walk into Bridgford or a quick drive from the countryside or the ring road."
The couple are now looking for a final renovation project, having made such a success of Boundary Road. They have two children and Jenny said: "We will stay in West Bridgford.
"The children are settled in school here but I'm 47 now and thought, if I do another project now, it will be finished by the time I'm 50 and then that will be it."
Steve Parker, associate director at FHP Living, said: "We've had great success with open days and are offering house-hunters the chance to view this house first hand this weekend – come along to the 'open house' this Saturday 11am-2pm."