This house for sale in North Leeds has had an amazing transformation
When Matt and Louise Cornell first viewed their home at Dunstarn Gardens in sought-after Adel in North Leeds it was clear that it had once been a state-of-the-art house.
“It was ahead of its time when it was built in the 1950s and it still had underfloor heating and a kitchen with an old-style pantry from that period,” says Louise, who adds: “We loved the location and its position at the head of a cul-de-sac, which backs onto woodland. “It also feels very private and peaceful at the back. The garden has a little gate leading into the woods where there are some lovely walks. It also means we see lots of wildlife, including woodpeckers, owls and squirrels.”
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Hide AdWhile many would have reeled at the comprehensive update needed, it was exactly what the Cornells were looking for. Matt is a builder and part of the family firm, MSC Joinery and Building Services, so had all the skills and contacts needed to transform the dated, three-bedroom home into a five-bedroom property.
The family lived in while the work went on around them, which was a feat of endurance given that they took it right back to the brick. “When we bought the house we had a three-year-old and then we had two more children while the renovation was ongoing so it was a challenge but worth it,” says Louise.
Paul Swinney, of LT Design, designed the new-look house and Matt and his father’s relentless hard work at weekends and evenings paid off as the property is now once again a contemporary, state-of-the-art home both inside and out.
“It would have been easier to rebuild it,” says Matt, who spared no expense on the fit-out, which includes a bespoke kitchen from Leeds-based Stephen Ring.
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Hide AdThe Cornells are selling so they can look for another project and so the house is on the market for £1.2m with David Phillip estate agents. “We love living here and we will miss it but renovating is compulsive and we are ready for another challenge,” says Louise.
The house has a hall, a sitting room with a wood-burning stove, an open-plan living space leading to a spacious kitchen with underfloor heating and bi-folding doors onto the garden. There is also a utility room, cloakroom,playroom and office plus internal access to a large double garage Upstairs are five bedrooms, two ensuites and a house bathroom. The principal bedroom has a dressing room and a large balcony. Outside, there is a gated driveway and gardens.
Dunstarn Gardens, Adel, £1.2m. For details visit www.davidphillip.co.uk
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