LIGHT UP YOUR LIFE

THREE years of exhausting hard work has gone into transforming this period Victorian villa from dark and dated to light-filled and modern, writes

Joanne Ridout.

The current owner, who did not wish to be named, says: “When we initially viewed the house we were both very excited.

“Whilst we could visualise the end result we didn’t for one minute consider the time, effort, and expense involved in the refurbishment work we have undertaken.

“We wanted to renovate the house to a very high standard by retaining and restoring many of the original features and to use the best products and reliable contractors and therefore have a fantastic home.

“We wanted the people of Penarth to enjoy viewing the outside of the property as much as us and that’s why we decided to go the whole hog.

“When we had tough times (and there were many of them) we knew one day it would be a beautiful family space for us to fill, enjoy, and create wonderful memories.”

The couple have created a luxury dream home on one of Penarth’s poshest streets.

From glorious original features such as stained glass windows and beautiful floor tiles to the Swedish hot tub and high-end kitchen in the converted basement, every inch of this property has been given thought, care, clever design choices and plenty of interior design magic.

The current owners bought the house in 2018 and have given it a new lease of life – from roof to basement, front garden to rear outdoor oasis.

The full structural survey the couple commissioned when they bought the house revealed a long list of major works required including the roof as it was deemed the original Victorian slate roof had come to the end of its life.

The guttering was leaking, the fascias and bargeboards were rotten and in need of immediate remedial work, the distinctive bathstone facade needed attention, the brickwork required re-pointing, and the chimney stacks and pots needed cleaning. And that was just the outside. Many of the sash windows could not be opened due to water damage and all 28 needed removing and restoring, including the 19 original stained glass windows that also needed new lead.

Now they’ve finished, the house is the epitome of a luxury home renovation that expertly combines classic with contemporary and period with posh.

And after making a decision to follow their dreams, the current owners have reluctantly decided to put Westcross House on the market.

Outside the attention to detail, from the facade to the garden path and even the small garden walls, is evident.

Inside this care continues with many of the stunning original features.

Fireplaces, tiles, floorboards, shutters, window panels, skirtings, cornices, picture rails and the beautiful original staircase are all standout features inside to mesmerise and remind any visitor of the original grandeur of this incredible four-storey period property.

The black and white hall tiles have been professionally restored as a welcoming first introduction to the treasure of original features that lie within this substantial house.

The owner says: “Whilst it was a pleasant surprise discovering the original floorboards too it was labour intensive to get the floorboards looking like a finished floor.

“For about three months I spent every weekend on my hands and knees with a nail punch, sandpaper, and paintbrush. Not the most enjoyable work but certainly something I now look at and enjoy the fruits of my labour.”

Renovating and restoring inside the house gave the owners a chance to futureproof the property too with additions including wired internet access throughout and a new security system.

Arguably the most incredible transformation has been the space created by the modernisation of the basement. Once a dark and dingy level only home to cobwebs this area is now a stunning level dedicated to work, rest, and play.

The new kitchen diner is a stunning new sociable space that connects directly to the garden but has been designed so well it creates cosy and distinct areas through the use of different floor levels and the addition of a log burner.

The basement is also home to another favourite spot within the house – the massive wine cellar.

Up to the ground floor and the super-stylish interiors and enviable original features continue.

At the front of the house the spacious music room can boast a stunning stained glass bay window, warm honey-toned original floorboards, and a pretty fireplace.

With the addition of subdued feature lighting hidden in many rooms it means when the day light fades the evening atmosphere develops, even in the garden.

The ground floor also offers an office, store room, and cloakroom

before the sweeping staircase calls you upwards.

On the first floor the incredible master suite is waiting to astound you.

Taking up the whole of the width of the rear of this floor, it combines three adjoining rooms.

With a view out of the bay window to the trees beyond, and a beautiful period fireplace as company, this is truly bathroom luxury.

The statement bath takes centre stage but this unique master bedroom en suite even has its own balcony with the door integrated into the bay window.

Bedroom two spans the whole front of the house and it too has a large bay window and feature fireplace. Currently the owners are using this impressive room as another lounge space with a study area too. There’s an extra shower room on this floor before you climb for the final time to floor number four at the top of the property.

Up here there are four additional bedrooms – all spacious, all beautifully decorated, and all likely to please any children or guests allocated any of them.

This forward-thinking couple always knew that the garden is, and should be, an integral part of the renovation and of how they would go on to use the space.

Hiding at the end of the garden, as well as pretty views over parkland and the regular show of a spectacular sunset, there was the home’s original coach house.

Sadly the structure was in a derelict state and could not be saved.

In place of the coach house is a contemporary garden room complete with living grass roof and views across the park from its floor-to-ceiling windows and doors.

The garden is as sociable a spot as any within the house with many special spots for alfresco dining, integrated lighting to create an inviting atmosphere after dark, and the all-important hot tub on a terrace.

To find out more about the renovation process that has transformed Westcross House visit the owners’ Instagram account at @westcross_property_renovation

■ The house is on the market for £1.45m with estate agent Watts & Morgan. Call their Penarth branch on 029 2071 2266 to find out more.