East Bierley bungalow renovation was a labour of love

Despite having a front garden like a jungle after being empty for 18 months, the current owners of this charming three/four-bedroomed home in the village of East Bierley, were not put off by its appearance.

“When we walked into the hallway, the stripped pine doors really hit us and it felt welcoming and just right.”

Built in 1951 to an exact specification, the owners were amazed by the thickness of the walls. “They are typical of builds at that time, so that hanging a picture is not as easy as in a new-build with walls that are paper thin.”

Thick walls were certainly a benefit for neighbours, as its is believed that the original occupants – who lived there for many years – gave piano lessons to local children.

When they moved in 14 years ago, they quickly got to work. “We had a new roof, and the drive was concrete, which we block paved, then the front and rear gardens were redesigned to make them more manageable.

You’d certainly be led up the garden path if you wanted to work from home. “The second garage was then refurbished, electricity was installed and it was boarded out and a loft window put in. This then became my office for ten years.”

They also recently refurbished the kitchen. “We opened it up into the dining/sitting room to make it a sociable area for entertaining and added the conservatory which has two radiators and because it is north facing, it never gets too hot. In the summer we can use it as a dining room, again with the doors open into the garden.”

Solid oak floors were put down to compliment the stripped pine and a new bathroom was installed with slipper bath and top quality sanitary fittings. “We like to think the bathroom decor is in keeping with the age of the bungalow.”

The loft conversion was a huge project which was done by a local builder with no expense spared.

“Two large windows in the seating area give views over East Bierley golf course. It’s very relaxing and the space meant we could have a large double bedroom and en suite. It’s ideal for visiting guests or a place to escape to from the rest of the house.”

All the renovations and refurbishments went according to plan, except, perhaps, when the owner’s wife returned from a shopping trip to Leeds to discover that her husband and a local joiner had decided to put up the front decking.

“This was quite a shock as I wasn’t expecting it, but it did make the area low maintenance. The garden at the back gets plenty of use, particularly in the mornings when the sun is coming up. It is lovely and quiet. We tend to sit either on the front decking or other areas at the front early evening. Because the bungalow is set back, it is very private and pleasant on a summers evening.”

The way the bungalow is set out, it is very versatile and would appeal to families perhaps with teenagers who might want their own space in the loft conversion.

People who work from home can benefit from the phone/computer lines in office down the garden path. It’s certainly a versatile space which could be a gym or a play den: “My grandson currently uses it as his den, but with a little bit more refurbishment, it could be made into an annexe for someone to live in.”

As well as being a great family home, it would also appeal to anyone who enjoys cricket or golf – or indeed both – as it is within walking distance of two excellent clubs.

“We are looking to stay in the local area, but we will miss the conservatory and the uniqueness of the property as it is definitely a one-off. It has served our purpose well and we have enjoyed making it a very comfortable home. However, we are now looking to downsize further, so we will also undoubtedly miss the space and versatility it offers.”