This was the first article in the Derby Telegraph, relating to a property we staged in Derby. The property sold within a week – so see the link to the follow-up article at the end of this page!
Daily Telegraph Article summary:
See the difference: Darley Abbey home is given makeover for open day 17 Folly Road, Darley Abbey, is on the market after a stunning makeover
WITH a name like Oakes, it was almost inevitable that Jonathan would become a tree specialist… and whoever buys his house, in Darley Abbey, will be so glad he did.
The garden is stunning, with trees from around the world, wildlife areas, fruit trees and a pond, creating a private haven behind the four-bedroomed house.
But Jonathan felt that the interior of the property was not up to the high standard of the garden, so called in some expert help.
Lynn Pick, of Home Stylers Ltd, was delighted to add her magical touch to the house, allowing its many features to shine.
She said: “While the garden had been loved and beautifully maintained, the inside of the house just didn’t match. It was ready for an update. I have lightened and brightened everything, giving it a fresh, soft, natural feel to match the garden and ‘bring the outdoors in’ wherever possible.”
Jonathan, who has lived in the property for 19 years, is delighted with the results and here he tells us more about his life there:
How did you come across the property?
I was working at Broomfield College and living in Morley in rented accommodation with my wife who was expecting our first son. We were keen to buy our own house and I spent every Thursday poring through the Derby Telegraph property pages. We saw the property in March and we were moved in by the end of May. Our son was born two weeks later.
What made you fall in love with it?
We had always liked the idea of living in Darley Abbey due to the parks and open spaces around the area. I could also cycle to Broomfield College (I was fitter in those days.)
Have you changed/improved/extended it in any way?
Most of the alterations to the property have been to the outside. I purchased an adjacent piece of land in 2008, effectively doubling the size of the garden. I have created a nice block paved drive to the front and a large patio to the rear. The garden has been developed over nearly 20 years. Internally, windows, doors and internal décor have all been changed/improved but I have never had any need for further space as the house had four bedrooms – enough for the family – and a great guest room, which is currently my office.
What’s your favourite room?
The lounge looks out over the garden and in the summer with the patio doors open, all you can hear is the weir, which was created in the 1700s as part of Evans’ Mill. Scents of honeysuckle from the garden waft in and the setting sun shines directly into the room.
How have you changed the garden?
I’ve created beds for butterflies and other wildlife, while a pond provides a home for newts and dragonflies and is a cool damp area for water loving plants. I am an arboriculturalist and have collected seed from trees all over the world. Many of these have now found a home in the garden among fruit trees and a greenhouse. The garden is a special place.
What do you love about the house?
The garden and location are important to me. Having a large garden for the kids to play in as well as being a haven for wildlife is fantastic. The house is warm, cosy and large enough to be manageable but also roomy.
What makes the area so special?
I love Darley Abbey and in particular Darley Park. I think it is one of the best parks in the country. The fact that you can walk into the city in 30 minutes through Darley Fields and back home through Darley Park is wonderful. To the north is countryside between Derby and Little Eaton and the River Derwent is a stone’s throw away.
Finally, why are you leaving?
The children are leaving home and I can’t justify living in a four-bedroomed house on my own. It has been a difficult decision to put the house up for sale but it is time to find somewhere more suitable.
See the photographs here… http://www.homemakeoverservice.co.uk/blog/darley-abbey-makeover/ and the second article in the Derby Telegraph, reporting on the fast sale… http://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/8203-Sold-week-Makeover-did-trick-Darley-Abbey/story-28018284-detail/story.html
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