Transformed

●● The Dome House, in Bowness, is owned by Yvonne Malley, from Rawtenstall (inset). Below: inside the property space is like walking into a cathedral.

The whole experience, however, has not been plain-sailing for Yvonne, who initially decided to get involved as an investor because she sympathised with Mr Gaukroger’s diffi- cult situation.

She estimates that she has spent close to £2 million to finish, on top of the £1 million that Gaukroger said he spent while on Grand Designs.

She said: “This chap and his family seemed to be doing everything they could. They were living in terrible conditions - all sharing one room - and, for the sake of £50,000, they could lose everything.”

She later purchased the house, but has had to completely redecorate it after it was left in disrepair.

A patron of Rossendale Civic Pride, Yvonne and husband John employed about 150 staff at First Business Support, based at New Hall Hey in Rawtenstall, until they sold it in 2007.

Since buying the house, Yvonne, 63, has been travelling back and forth between Bowness and her home she shares with husband on Dearden Heights, to oversee the completion of the interior.

Yvonne used Rawtenstall firm Loom Interiors to decorate the interior and she says recent visitors to the house have described it as ‘exceptional’.

She said: “All the curtains, cushions, bedspreads and furniture are from Loom. We’re regularly doing a ferry service of patterns, samples and furniture back and forth.”

She says her son Phil and daughter-in-law Joyce are enjoying running the hotel in the building, which now houses three rooms for guests. Yvonne added: ”People come here from all over the world - we’ve had two or three engagements too!” ●● Club members (from left): Colin Ellison, David Greenwood and Richard Cowley