A derelict bungalow in Prestatyn, North Wales, has been transformed into a contemporary four-bedroom detached family home, now on the market for £535,000.
Paul Nicholson, 61, spent 18 months renovating the property, which he described as a 'labour of love.' The house was taken fully back-to-brick and is now unrecognisable from its former state.
A history of renovations
Paul, originally from West Yorkshire, has a long history of renovation projects. He lived in France for 15 years, where he renovated three barns that 'literally had four walls and no roof.' Each took five years to complete. He also renovated a three-bed detached house into a five-bed in Derbyshire.
Paul was looking for his next project when he came across the run-down bungalow in Upper Prestatyn. He viewed the house on December 28, 2022, and bought it on January 5, 2023, for £260,000.
Back-to-brick renovation
The property had been used for probate for two years and had suffered a massive leak, with water damage over years. Paul said, "When I walked in, I could see exactly what it was going to be." His main idea was to convert the bungalow into a 'massive family home'.
The renovation required a full back-to-brick approach. "It took more than 20 skips to get rid of all the rubbish," Paul said. All plaster, wallpaper, carpets, electrics, and plumbing were stripped out. Ceilings were knocked in, and beams were replaced to create a new floor. A bedroom was lost downstairs to add a staircase, but a utility room, small hallway, two bedrooms, and a bathroom were gained upstairs. An extension was added at the back to create a large kitchen diner.
Quality finishes and garden transformation
Paul did most of the work himself, with only electricians, a plasterer, and a builder brought in. The garden was completely ripped up and relaid with new turf and block paving around the house.
The renovation took 18 months, with one major stumbling block: costs doubled. "Everything doubled in price," Paul admitted. "It doubled the budget I expected to spend."
The finished home features a contemporary, neutral interior style, with expensive wooden flooring, a Wren kitchen with granite worktops, and quality fixtures throughout. Paul suggests the house would suit a family or retiree, possibly from Manchester, as house prices in North Wales offer more value.
