Page 48 - December 2023

AT HOME WITH

the creation of a utility room and a playroom;
and extensive external works, including retaining
walls, new patios, new pathways and steps.

The transformation so far is almost unbelievable
in such a short space of time, with the property
boasting a sleek, modern, and stylish finish,
beautifully mixing contemporary décor with
timeless touches. In particular, the open plan
kitchen/living area makes a showstopping
hub of the home, with a chic navy kitchen and
gorgeous natural light, thanks to skylights and
French doors to the garden. “It’s our favourite
part of our home,” says Lucia. “It’s naturally
become a well-used living area for everyone.”

“We’re definitely not done, but we feel like
we need to take a step back and enjoy
everything we’ve done,” Lucia tells us. “It will
be a luxury to enjoy a warm, completed house
this Christmas!”

The pair spotted the home on the ESPC If you’d like to keep up with Lucia and Andy’s
website first, and after driving past a few times, bungalow renovation, you can follow them on
decided to book a viewing. “We struggled to Instagram @edinburgh_bungalow.
actually get a viewing as there were so many
interested parties,” they explain. “We had a
budget, and after being outbid on a few other
properties, we knew that renovation was a
path we would need to consider, but we never we found him to be extremely patient and the property throughout the works, a decision
anticipated work on this magnitude. We took professional, plus he offered a level of calm which Lucia says was “testing, but also the best
our children with us to the viewing, and this which at times was required!”. decision, as we could see the progression day
helped us to envisage it as a family home. by day. If you are thinking of doing the same,
It was literally the worst house on a lovely As they hint, the process of selling and buying be prepared to live in mess and chaos, and
street. It wasn’t just the house that required a wasn’t as straightforward as Lucia and Andy work as a team to get through it!”.
complete transformation, but the garden area had hoped. “It took us about six months to find
too. So, we would say not to be put off by a our home, but then our initial buyer pulled out The 12 months following the purchase have
home that requires a lot of work – we viewed of the sale at the last minute. We then had to been full-on with renovations, with completed
a house that had no internal photos displayed put our house back on the market at the time works including: a garden overhaul (removing
on ESPC and still bought it!” when interest rates were rising, which was over 30 years’ worth of neglected overgrowth);
nerve-wracking. In the end, a first-time buyer reflooring and replastering all rooms; installing
The Mackies used ESPC member firm couple bought our home, and we left knowing a new heating system, radiators and windows
Aikman Bell for the sale and conveyancing they would enjoy it as much as we did.” throughout, including four Velux roof lights;
process, which they recommend: “We used swapping the old car port and garage for a new
a smaller solicitor estate agent, and from our The couple moved into their new home on upgrade; a four-metre extension to house a
experience, it was beneficial to us. We were Christmas Eve 2022, and the renovation began new principal bedroom and living area; a new
able to contact our solicitor directly, and soon after. They made the decision to live in kitchen; one new bathroom and two en suites;

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