Making changes
In 2015, when Philippa and Chris heard that their neighbour wanted to sell, they made an offer. “We loved the home’s high ceilings, and the wooden floors, still in excellent condition, were a lovely feature,” says Philippa.
“However, the house had no flow to the garden; it needed opening up and modernising. Our plan was to renovate and sell, so that was a big challenge.”
Six months down the line, the former drab interior had undergone a complete transformation: two bedrooms, a small bathroom, a utility room and a covered porch were merged to create an open-plan kitchen and living area, where glass stacking doors maximise natural light.
At this stage, the couple’s view into their back garden was just bleak.
“The back garden only had two olive trees that were of interest and the grass took a real hammering during the renovations, so it was really a mud pit for ages,” Philippa explains.
“We lived with it for some time while the deck and pergola were being designed and took the opportunity to find out what would work and what we wanted to achieve. This made us really appreciate the space once it was completed; until then, we had to contend with sand constantly being blown into the house.
“As location scouts, we both spend a lot of time away so it’s really lovely when we get to just be at home.” When asked what is still on her wish list, since a home is never complete, Philippa is quick to say: “It’s pretty much finished. I don’t think there is really anything left to do here, other than enjoy it!”
And that they certainly do. >>