WHEN she was searching for her new home there was only ever one location in the running for Kim Nolan.
Born and bred in the Colne Valley, the 43-year-old believed there was nowhere better to make a home with her own family.
As she and her then partner, Mark Scott, scoured the area looking for potential places to call home, one property in Golcar tugged at her heartstrings.
Kim explained: “I came from the Colne Valley and wanted to stay in the area because I just loved it so much.
“We wanted a home that was modern, a good size for our family and had a big garage – something Mark wanted because at the time he had scooters and needed somewhere to work on them!”
The mum-of-one soon fell in love with a spacious three-bedroom semi situated in the village’s Taylor Street.
Kim, who has a 17-year-old daughter, Gabriella, said: “We looked at quite a few houses, but then we saw this one which had a lovely, airy feel to it.
“I loved it so much that I came back and put in an offer almost straightaway!”
The property had the modern feel to it Kim had been looking for, but more then enough scope for her to put her own stamp on it.
She added: “I like modern, clean-cut houses and this house had some nice contemporary features like the polished floorboards that run through the downstairs rooms.
“But the house needed a few changes to bring it up-to-date, such as the decor which was looking quite old-fashioned.”
The rooms had been painted in quite bold colours, including terracotta orange walls in the lounge and a green kitchen.
But while a strong style-statement, these striking shades actually made the house feel quite dark and smaller than it was.
Kim said: “The rooms felt quite dark. I think the colours really took away from the natural light of the house.
“I painted the walls in creams which made such a difference in opening up the rooms and making them feel so much airier and brighter.”
Kim soon found that a few small changes made a big difference to her home – and best of all they didn’t have to cost a fortune.
She worked hard on the kitchen to bring it up-to-date while a lick of paint and new handles helped transform some built-in wardrobes in the master bedroom into stylish storage space.
Feature walls were added to give a splash of colour to the bedrooms while a few, carefully-selected accessories were added to complete the house’s chic new look.
Kim added: “It looks completely different to how it was before.
“Because the rooms were quite dark, the previous owner had cream accessories, whereas I went for red accessories like cushions and candles to bring a bit of colour to the cream walls.
“I’ve gone for something different upstairs with feature walls, like deep plum in the master bedroom which I matched with accessories.
“The upstairs rooms have definitely got more of a personality, especially my daughter’s room which is bright pink!”
The colour scheme downstairs has particularly added to the lovely sense of flow from one room to the next.
One of Kim’s favourite spaces is the cosy lounge which leads through an archway straight into the dining room, creating a great sociable space.
She said: “It’s great because when we’re entertaining, people can sit in the lounge or dining room, but we can all still talk to each other.
“When we bought the house we were surprised to find a door in the kitchen which led to a big room underneath the house.
“It had been used as a chill-out room before – it had a settee and TV – but we used it as a tidy clutter room as well as an occasional workshop where Mark could work on his bikes.”
To complete the look the garden was given a makeover with a new lawn, patio area and fencing to give a more private feel.
For Kim, originally from Linthwaite, the house couldn’t have been in a better location.
She added: “I loved the location. It was close to the shops and schools with some lovely country walks nearby.
“My brother and sister already lived in Golcar, but I didn’t really know much about it before we moved in.
“I found it had a really lovely feel to it with good neighbours and different events always going on in the village.”
Kim has decided the time is right to sell her house and move on, but hopes to stay living in the village she has fallen in love with.
She said: “I love the area and plan to stay living there.
“But it’s been a lovely house. It has such a nice feel as soon as you walk though the door and I will miss that.”
Taylor Street, Golcar, is on the market with Boultons estate agents. To arrange a viewing call 01484 515029.
Price £144,950
Substantial semi with three bedrooms
Spacious family living accommodation with integral garage and workshop
Enclosed garden with patio seating area
Well placed for local amenities and reputable schooling
