10 minute read
LETTING THE LIGHT IN
Words: Kate Thompson. Photos: Portico Marketing
Southsea couple Alex and Sam moved into their listed 19th century terraced home in 2015 but it was the imminent arrival of their child that prompted them to expand their kitchen and let the light in. “We had always had it in the back of our minds to extend it and improve the living space, but it was when we started our family that we knew we wanted a bigger kitchen,” explained Alex. Sarah is the one with an eye for style and design, and she knew instinctively what would work sympathetically with the history of the building while making it practical for modern family life. Design Team Studios were able to take the couple’s vision and make it a reality with the help of TWF Building Services. “The original features of the property are part of the charm and rather than replicate the original, the design adds a contemporary, minimalist light-filled addition that demonstrates the house has evolved over time,” said Joe Moser, Director of the Design Team Studios. Neighbours in the terrace had already extended their own properties, and while Alex and Sam knew there would be disruption during the work, it would all be worth it. In the end.
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Alex said: “We converted what was originally the utility room and ground floor bathroom into our new kitchen. “We asked Joe to do the work for us because he had done similar projects with our neighbours and he was aware of the architecture of the street.”
In order to flood the area with light and link the new space with the garden, they opted for Crittall style doors and an apex window meant they could make the most of the exterior views. Stone worktops and crafted joinery make the kitchen a delicious space to prepare food and be with friends and family. “We really like the island feature in the middle. The original kitchen was really small and you could only fit one person in there while they were cooking so this has transformed the way we live,” said Alex, who works as an engineer. When he and Sam, a doctor, moved to the city they were instantly drawn to the 1830s property that was to become their home and really liked the secluded street that is so close to everyday life in Southsea. Started as a project to fit their growing family, Alex revealed it all fell into place in the best possible way. “Our baby was born 10 weeks ago, and as we were coming home from the hospital, the team was just cleaning up here — it really was perfect timing,” he added.
It’s a win-win for buyers and sellers when choosing the traditional method of Auction but what’s it really all about?
With the housing market in the media spotlight, home buyers have faced numerous obstacles in their quest to find the perfect home. There’s been a myriad of challenges for Estate Agents in a post pandemic economy - slowing of the market, record house prices and inflation to name a few. The ongoing unpredictability has seen an upturn in selling property by the Auction method due to its convenience, often with fantastic results. So why are people choosing this option over conventional sale? Public Auction is very distinct from the recently introduced ‘modern method of auction’ as it sees an immediate and binding settlement at the fall of the auctioneer’s hammer (or sale of the property at Nesbits office). There is a payment of a 10% non-returnable deposit and the sale completed 28 days later. The costs to the buyer are a fraction of those compared to the ‘modern method’ with both
parties benefitting. Nesbits’ buyer’s premium is £540.00 incl. VAT, compared to the £1000s required by agents in the modern method. Purchasers make savings that are very likely to be reflected in their bidding. Most importantly, sellers maintain total control over the entire process which often results in a settlement far quicker than the time associated with selling a property conventionally. Public Auction reaps many Nesbits are dedicated to rewards, its principal asset getting the best possible price for their clients. being the ability to bring about results far quicker than the often drawn-out and frustrat-ing process of conventional sale. Whether a property be problematic, thus with a limited market, or expected to attract widespread interest, the Auction route will maximise enquiries and offers, ensuring the best possible outcome. Whilst Covid caused a postponement of Room Auctions, Nesbits have adapted the Auction method and have listened to buyers unhappy with online Auctions.
BURLINGTON ROAD, NORTH END –
Sold in 16 days A terraced property available on 15th February. Contracts exchanged 3rd March. Auction guide: £165-175,000. Sold for: £231,000
TWYFORD AVENUE, NORTH END –
Sold in 14 days and for £81k above guide price A terraced property available on 7th March. Contracts exchanged 21st March. Auction guide: £150160,000. Sold for: £231,000.
LOUGARS GYM, HELLYER ROAD, SOUTHSEA –
Sold in 15 days The well-known and popular community gym came to market on the 9th March. Contracts exchanged 24th March. The property sold for the Auction guide of £250,000.
Lougars Gym
GRANADA ROAD, SOUTHSEA –
Sold 70k above guide price 11 Bedroom Semi-Detached property available 27th May. Contracts exchanged 21st July. Auction guide: £850,000+ Sold for: £920,000. Nesbits have been selling property by Public Auction for over 70 years with instructions received from private individuals, landlords, executors, and solicitors. Over the years a diverse range of property has gone under the hammer including garages, blocks of flats, a boathouse, and commercial premises. Nesbits are the ‘Go-To Firm’ for selling property by Public Auction and are dedicated to getting the best possible price for their clients..
DM NESBIT & COMPANY, 7 CLARENDON ROAD, SOUTHSEA PO5 2ED. TEL: 023 9286 4321 WWW.NESBITS.CO.UK INFO@NESBITS.CO.UK
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