A BOLD RENOVATION JOURNEY
From derelict clubhouse to dream home
In July 2020, while the UK was deep in lockdown, Caroline, a GP, and her partner made an unconventional move: they bought a crumbling former Conservative Club. While much of the UK was retreating into comfort and playing safe, this couple saw potential in a building that had been abandoned for more than 15 years.
The property, originally built in 1834, was purchased for £ 210,000. It had long since ceased functioning as a social hub and had fallen into disrepair. But to Caroline and her partner, it offered the space and character that modern homes often lack. What followed was a handson, often chaotic renovation, with the couple doing most of the work themselves, all while raising four children
“ We didn’ t go into it lightly,” Caroline says.“ It was a huge project, but we fell in love with the bones of the building, the history, the big rooms, the high ceilings. We knew it could be something special.”
Over the last four years, the couple have poured heart and soul into transforming the once-neglected space into a warm, character-filled home. complemented what was already here.”
“ The ex-display painted kitchen featured a mix of base and wall units in cream and muted pale green with wooden worktops. It also included a large island and breakfast bar.
“ I didn’ t even know you could buy ex-display kitchens, so coming across The Used Kitchen Company when we were searching for our dream kitchen on a budget was a real discovery.
One of the most exciting discoveries came early on, when they pulled up some old flooring and found a set of original pavement lights, thick glass bricks once used to allow sunlight into the basement.“ We were amazed when we found them,”
The investment included a kitchen, which they installed themselves, sourcing a stylish ex-display Wren kitchen from The Used Kitchen Company. The oak worktops lend a rustic, timeless feel, and they paid just £ 5,000 for it, saving them thousands in the process.
“ We didn’ t want to lose the building’ s character,” Caroline explains.“ We tried to keep as much of the original as we could, and made sure anything we added
“ The ex-display Wren kitchen fitted perfectly with the vision we had for the renovation. We wanted a traditional style to blend with the character of the house, but with a contemporary touch.
“ The kitchen strikes that balance beautifully and has become the heart of our home. The island not only shapes the room but also provides the perfect space for the kids to hang out while we cook or do their homework.”
36- REFURB & RESTORE