TOP OF THE CLASS

GOING back to school after half term might not be a welcome thought for most people this week – unless, that is, school has been transformed into a super stylish home.

While at one time hundreds of pupils would have gazed longingly out of the windows, this former Wesley school near Bridgend has been dramatically transformed into a dream home – and now it’s on the market.

Built in 1860, the historic building served as a school before it more recently became a Groundworks Environment Centre.

Now, while maintaining many of its original features, the property has been fully renovated into a completely modern home – rendering it unrecognisable from its school house past.

While the property has been modernised almost in its entirety, it still retains some of its original features – namely the original front door.

The brickwork to the exterior of the 19th-century property maintains its look as a classic school house, and masks its contrasting modern interior.

Once through the original front door, you are met with a generous porch with double doors inviting you inside.

Almost immediately you’re met with an industrial-style staircase jutting out into the room leading the way to the upstairs of the first floor.

As well as its modern features, perhaps one of the most notable features of this property is how light it is. Gloomy school memories are replaced with bright open-plan rooms, enhancing the space available to a potential buyer.

Unusually, some of the bedrooms of the property are situated on the ground floor. This level boasts a large sitting room, study and four bedrooms – all with en suite facilities.

And with seven bedrooms in total there’s more than enough room for guests.

As well as the en suites, there is a large modern family bathroom featuring a huge oval bath and all the essential bathroom trimmings.

While the original parquet floors have been replaced – unsurprising after having hundreds of school shoes trudging across them – the property is now enhanced with chic tilling throughout.

Upstairs, the main living room still has vaulted ceilings – painted white – reminding potential buyers of the history of the property.

Here, the open-plan kitchen, living and dining areas are the focal point of the property – styled to perfection by the current owners.

The kitchen really is a highlight of the property with numerous integrated appliances, ample storage and a generous island.

And as if that wasn’t enough space, there is also a mezzanine room overlooking the living area.

At the rear of the property there is access to a modern lift, providing step-free access between the floors.

This level also boasts an additional three bedrooms as well as a guest WC.

There is car park access with space for numerous vehicles at the rear of the property.

The front and side gardens are laid to lawn with shingle stone areas and stone boundary walls.

This property really has come a long way since its school days – let’s hope any potential buyers listened in their maths lessons.