Historic home with a true modern twist

As the owner of an interior design business in Greengates, Kirsten Clarke has certainly used her creative touch to bring this 18th century home – once decorated in an homage to the 1950s – bang up to date, while staying true to its Victorian heritage.

Four years ago Kirsten was on the hunt for a property that needed renovating so she could put her own stamp on it. “I have a love of period properties and was introduced to Ivy Place by the estate agent when I was viewing another property.

“I hadn’t seen any details or photos but one glance from the gate looking down the cottage gardens, and I knew it was the house for me. Despite the 50s style decor, I saw the potential of what it could be.”

Kirsten, Richard and their four children have owned the house for four years and it has taken extensive work and knowledge to make it what it is today – full of Victorian charm and character.

Today Ivy Place is a settlement of four properties which when originally built in 1754 by Johnston and Martha Pullen consisted of one farm house with a further cottage added and attached barn and paddock. The barn was demolished in 1873 and two Victorian were houses built on the footprint, of which one is number 3 Ivy Place.

Kirsten wasn’t joking about the amount of work needed for the complete renovation, which included rewiring and re-plumbing, and a full re-roof with original stone tiles, dormer. An attic conversion created three extra bedrooms and an additional bathroom to make it a five bedroom, two bathrooms house.

It wasn’t all plain sailing though. “I recall when I had the roof completely stripped back to the rafters, thinking spring time would be safe weather wise. Only to wake the following morning having realised that it had snowed so heavily that the barrier sheet had come through the rafters onto the floor full of snow.

“Due to security purposes someone had to sleep on site until the roof had been made secure. Unfortunately that was me. It was freezing!”

Extensive decoration throughout the house includes the lounge, bespoke kitchen /diner and utility room, using well known brands such as Laura Ashley and Autentico paints.

“In the summer to the front of the property the gardens are awash with colour in all four neighbouring gardens. However, this was not the case when I bought the house, but that has since been changed over the years.

“We use the front garden seasonally to entertain and relax due to its privacy and beauty in full bloom. To the rear of the house we have off street private parking for two cars.

“Every room has its own character and style, and to choose a specific room as our favourite would be difficult as all are equally unique.

“There is so much I will miss about the house, but mostly it will be the lovely friendly neighbours and the sense of community in Ivy Place, and the hamlet feel of the property. The location has been ideal for the city centre, airport and all amenities.”

Ivy Place is a stunning, well thought out home, ideally suited to a growing family who delight in period houses and are looking for lots of space.

With only one child left at home, Kirsten and Richard are now looking to downsize, and their loss at leaving will definitely be someone else’s gain.

“I would like to feel that we are leaving our creative touch for the next family to enjoy in a beautiful property.”