On the non-Bucket list
IT’S the kind of informal domestic arrangement that could give Hyacinth Bucket one of her ‘funny turns’. No ‘good’ room in which to welcome aristocracy, no elegant dining room for hosting those legendary ‘candlelight suppers’.
When Carol and Mark Howley bought the Edinburgh bungalow, they dispensed with the traditional room arrangements that are a hallmark of suburban life in Britain.
Never mind Keeping Up Appearances – appearances here can be very deceptive.
There’s nothing special in the front elevation to 38 Kirkhill Drive in Priestfield.
But turning the key in the front door provides passage to a modern living area that runs the entire length of the house.
Three rooms were effectively knocked into one, allowing the Howleys to cook, eat, work, chat and relax all in one place.
Said Mrs Howley: ‘We are a young professional couple. Some nights, we have to work at home. If we were in separate rooms, we wouldn’t be able to chat.
‘And if we have friends in for dinner, it would seem strange cooking it in one room and having to carry it into another.’
While such a notion would give Hyacinth palpitations, it works for the Howleys. Mrs Howley likes to cook on the five-ring induction hob while friends sit around the island with a drink. The units are glossy-cream and handleless, the worktops of Yorkshire granite.
With apologies to Hyacinth, dining can take place at the adjacent table or al fresco through the bi-fold doors to the outside patio. Back inside, the space moves seamlessly to the living room area, complete with traditional fireplace and TV area.
The ground floor also features two double bedrooms and a beautiful family bathroom. Upstairs is a spectacular master bedroom with views to Arthur’s Seat.
There’s room, too, for a beautiful en suite shower room.
Said Mrs Howley: ‘A lot of friends laughed when we said we were buying a bungalow. But we got in a friend, who is a builder, and explained what we wanted to do.’
A few walls knocked down, a few support beams installed and some hard work meant the dream became reality. Quick... smelling salts for Hyacinth!
Offers over £360,000 to VMH Solicitors, Edinburgh. Tel 0131 622 2626 or email property@vmh.co.uk