This dream kitchen was just reward for a couple who tackled a tough renovation project

The internal layout was completely redesigned and the property damp-proofed, heavily insulated and treated to new glazing.

The period home is now unrecognisable from its former self and the attention to detail is remarkable and not just for its good looks. The work also resulted in the house being awarded the highest EPC rating, which is a rare occurrence and commends the energy efficiency of the redeveloped building.

“It was a real Grand Designs style project,” says Barry, who managed the scheme, which also included creating five holiday apartments on the site, along with a separate building for Beverley’s aesthetics and wellness clinic.

“The journey, made during the pandemic, was difficult at times, not least because of the financial pressure and the scarcity of some materials, including plaster, but it has been worth it,” she says.

The main house is now a beautiful, calm sanctuary with internal space completely redesigned by an architect to create an open plan ground floor with a kitchen, sitting area with desk space, raised dining area and a cloakroom.

The ground floor has porcelain tiles and a handmade stone staircase leading to the upper floor. There is also a separate snug and a guest bedroom plus bedrooms and bathrooms upstairs.

Having jettisoned most of their old furniture and furnishings, the couple had a fresh start. “We rented a house for 18 months while the work was ongoing and taking furniture and lots of belongings with us wasn’t possible so we sold most of them and more or less started from scratch,” says Beverley, who commissioned her friend, Holly Stott, to design the interiors, including the bathrooms.

Holly and her business partner, William Haworth, are co-founders of Holt Living in Rossendale, which is renowned for designing bespoke bathrooms. She created a timeless look with a lighting scheme that adds to the feeling of calm.

“Holly is incredible and knows what I like so I trusted her completely, though she brought moodboards to show me what she had in mind. She did a great job in the house and in the holiday apartments,” says Beverley, who can take credit for one of the best-loved features, a real flame gas fire from Netherlands based Kalfire. She also found the petrified log side table, which is from Andrew Martin.

“The whole house flows and feels great because of Holly’s design and there is no way I could achieve what she did and that’s the benefit of hiring a professional,” says Beverley.

The sofas in the open plan space are by BoConcept, some of the accessories are from Zara and H&M home and a collection of Fornasetti plates and jars, collected by Beverley over the years, were used to striking effect on the dining area wall and in the kitchen.

Soft neutrals and a variety of textures and materials that add interest are Beverley’s preferred style when it comes to decor and she says: “I didn’t want lots of bright colours and Holly understood that and so did Natalie Fry of Grid Thirteen who designed our kitchen.”

Beverley loves cooking and so a slick kitchen was a must, which is why she opted for Siematic, which Roundhay based Grid Thirteen specialises in.

“She wanted clear punctuation between the zones on the ground floor, with the kitchen being the centrepiece. It was also important to create a calming working environment through classic and elegant design,” says Natalie.

Central is a marble island, softened by the warmth of textured wood and, adds Natalie: “The harmonious use of these tactile materials and textures elevates the simple forms, evoking a sense of calm that is beautiful to live with.”

Meanwhile, considered use of lighting creates an atmospheric backdrop that complements the neutral colour palette and there is also a secret, walk-in pantry that maximises storage.

The cabinets are SieMatic SLC furniture in Agate Grey and Terra Larix with Porto Grey sintered stone worktops and island cladding, along with a fluted stone backsplash.

The appliances are Siemens and there is a Quooker boiling water tap nd Bora Cooktop hob with down-draught extractor .

Beverley says:”We are absolutely delighted with our kitchen. Not only is it beautiful but also incredibly functional.”

“Natalie read my mind when it came to the kitchen design and we went with what she suggested right the way through. This project was delivered through the pandemic, which made it hugely challenging for Grid Thirteen, but they were incredibly professional throughout.

Thanks to Natalie I have a kitchen of my dreams.”

Contacts: Grid Thirteen, www.gridthirteen.co.uk; Holt Living, www.holtliving.co.uk