From uninhabitable to highly desirable

From the moment we visited James at home, we knew this property would appeal to many. This home not only oozes quality and style but continues this theme into the garden with a full outdoor kitchen and purpose-built fire pit.

We visit James at home to find out more:

How long have you lived at number 1a?

I have lived at Ash Dene for a little over 5 years having purchased the property in June 2017

Why did you buy this house, what were its main draws?

On purchase, the house was a blank canvas as it had been left empty and uninhabitable for the previous 10 years. This made the property extremely attractive as it allowed me complete freedom to turn it into exactly what I wanted. There were also many traditional features exposed on purchase that I was able to leave in when renovating the property. 

What do you know about the history of the building?

This house was built somewhere around 1850 and was originally a shop. Before it was left empty, it had been made into 5 bedsits. The previous owner had started changing it into a single occupancy property but never finished it.

Which part of the house is your favourite space and why?

My favourite space in the house is the Kitchen and open plan living space. It has played host to many a party and is the perfect space for entertaining!

What will you miss the most about the house when the property sells?

I will miss the local area, particularly the White Swan pub over the road! I have met some wonderful people over the years that have become friends for life in that pub and it also does a cracking Sunday roast!

You’ve obviously renovated the whole house over the years, what was the biggest and toughest job? 

The hardest job when renovating was the absolutely monstrous amount of insulation and plasterboard that had to be put up - 3 months of work that I was glad to see the back of! Until it all then needed painting... !

Tell us more about the unique outside kitchen and firepit, where did your inspiration come from to create this?

The garden had been left for a number of years since purchasing the house, but with good outdoor space becoming a huge focus for people over the last few years during the pandemic, I was keen to make mine more useable. I have relatives in the USA that have a fantastic stainless steel outdoor kitchen and I took inspiration from that when designing my own. It's only recently been finished and was christened over the jubilee weekend with a garden party with friends and family!