HOT HOUSE II

WHEN Brian Thompson, originally from Newcastle, bought his new house in Pontcanna, Cardiff, four years ago he knew exactly what he wanted to do to make the property his own.

And his inspiration for renovations came from maybe an unlikely source – the Wales Millennium Centre.

Brian says: “I designed and oversaw the build, a big light space taking inspiration from buildings in Cardiff Bay, a mixture of Welsh slate, dark wood and white walls. These features flow from the house into the garden, extending the living space when the doors are open.”

Brian was initially captivated by the uniqueness of the property. He says: “I looked at lots of properties in the area and they were all very similar but this one stood out immediately as being different. I saw the potential in extending it and adding design features like the floating staircase.”

And it’s this staircase that Brian states is his favourite feature within the home – probably.

He says: “There are so many features that I like, but I love the staircase as it makes a real statement. But I really like the courtyard in the middle of the house that adjoins the kitchen and the living room too.”

When Brian moved in he sprung immediately into action, using his vision to create a contemporary home that incorporates original features with modern living.

He says: “The whole of the downstairs has been knocked into one and extended to be one huge living space. A designer staircase has been added out of dark wood and glass panels going up to the attic room.

“Solid dark oak flooring has been laid throughout all three floors of the house and a low maintenance garden has been added with lighting and seating areas.”

One of the most eye-catching features of the home is the chimney breast in the living room, where Brian has added Welsh slate to the chimney breast while keeping the original Victorian fireplace, beautifully blending the old with the new. He has also salvaged the original fireplaces in two of the bedrooms, ensuring these rooms also have a central feature that relates back to the property’s past.

Outside the garden has been designed to reflect the internal interior design, with the slate, wood and white wall themes used throughout. Raised wooden fence planters have been incorporated on the slatted fencing, creating a unique feature on what could have been just a standard garden feature.

Brian enjoys opening the bifold doors between the house and the garden to maintain that inside-outside flow, but he also uses the garden in a more intriguing way. He says: “I love flipping the television around and watching films outside!”

If a new buyer is looking for a modern open plan living experience then Brian’s home could be ideal for them. Most of the internal walls downstairs have seen a sledgehammer, which has created a large and airy contemporary living space that flows out into the garden through the bifold doors.

Extra light floods in through three additional skylight windows. During the refurbishment attention to detail was paramount and has resulted in some bespoke and high-end features, including the grey slate chimney breasts in the living and dining rooms, recessed ceiling downlights, and of course Brian’s beloved glass contemporary staircase.

Throughout this living area the choice of dark hardwood floors brings a feeling of warmth to the modern design.

The kitchen continues the modern internal design theme, using highgloss black units and contrasting white composite worktops and white tiled flooring. The addition of a central island incorporating a breakfast bar and space for an additional sofa ensures the space is the social hub of the home. Of course, Brian has included numerous appliances that a kitchen of this quality demands including a boiling water tap, a gas wok burner, and American-style fridge freezer.

Just off the kitchen is a handy utility room and downstairs also features a side entrance with direct access to the street at the front of the property, ideal to avoid muddy boots and muddy bikes traipsing through the main living area.

Upstairs, the three-storey threebedroom property also includes two bathrooms and an attic room. All bedrooms feature the warm oak flooring, with two of the rooms showcasing traditional cast iron fireplaces. The bathroom is equipped with a Japanese-style plunge bath and the additional bathroom features a large walkin shower.

And just when a potential buyer might think that the viewing is complete, this home offers one final bonus; a studio space within the south facing garden.

Even though it’s time for Brian to move on he is wistful about the move. He says: “Pontcanna is a lovely area, with lots of restaurants and cafés and lots of friendly neighbours – I will be sad to leave it.”

The property is on the market with estate agent Jeff Hopkins for £550,000. For further details contact the estate agent on 029 2034 3499