HOME + GARDEN
over to a workshop and a tool shed, which were impractical. It was clear from day one that it needed a complete modernisation to become the forever home we envisioned. Our main goal was to open up the entire living space by combining the kitchen and living areas into a single, light-filled room that would be more family-friendly and sociable. We wanted to design a home for how we live today, which meant the original compartmentalised layout had to go.
What timeframe did you set to complete the project and did you achieve this? The timeline for the renovation was ambitious right from the start. We knew it would be a major undertaking. Initially, we planned to complete the project within a year, but securing planning consent became the first big hurdle. It took two attempts to get the approvals we needed. In hindsight, I am grateful the first application was rejected as it forced us to refine our vision, but it put us back nearly a year due to appeals and adjustments. We finally broke ground in December 2024 and moved in at the end of September 2025. The renovation itself went smoothly, with the exception of a minor hiccup with the front door, which came all the way from France with the hinge on the wrong side.
What was your vision for the final result; any style ideas decided from the very beginning? Our vision for the renovation was clear from the outset: to transform the bungalow into a contemporary property that maximises natural light and capitalises on the stunning valley views. We wanted to inject a bit of New York loft chic, which is particularly evident in the kitchen design with its clean lines and robust materials. Key elements we focused on included
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