Next week we talk to Kate Armstrong, of Marsh on how to live a ‘greener’ lifestyle in the home
WHEN Steve Gruszka and Gemma Reed bought their first home together, it was important for them to have a project to get their teeth into rather than a ready to move into home.
And they certainly got their wish when they purchased their Paddock property. “It was little more than a shell when we bought it,” laughed Steve. “An old lady had lived there before us and she hadn’t done anything to it.
“The house needed a complete renovation because it was falling apart! We did everything ourselves from the plastering to fitting a new kitchen.”
As first-time buyers, the young couple were eager to make that all-important step onto the property ladder, and knew that a cheaper home with a lot of potential would be a sound investment. “Plus, we didn’t want to move into somewhere that was done, we wanted to put our own touches to the place”, said Steve.
The couple bought the two-bedroomed terraced house, at 32 Lowergate, a year ago for £65,000 and have just put it on the market at £114,950.
It is often said that location is everything, and for Steve and Gemma that was definitely the case. They may have loathed the decor when they first stepped through the front door, but they were wowed by the property’s stunning views towards Castle Hill. “That was a big selling point,” said Steve. “We also liked the fact that the house is close to local amenities – there is a good choice of shops nearby.”
The complete renovation of the property took just three-and-a-half months, but the couple were at a massive advantage from the outset.
Steve, 24, is a builder by trade and works for Green Building, based in Golcar.
Steve’s parents Tony and Margaret are keen property developers, and were on hand to give great advice and decorating tips. “My mum helped a lot with the decor and helped pick out things like soft furnishings,” Steve added.
Unfortunately his fiancee Gemma, 22, wasn’t so good with the DIY- “She didn’t have a clue!,” quipped Steve – but by the time they finished their, even she was a dab-hand with the paintbrush.
And the end result is stunning. The style is clean and contemporary, with modern furniture and accessories complementing beautifully the property’s more traditional features.
The couple’s favourite room is the spacious living room, and the space certainly has the wow factor written all over it.
A particularly striking feature of the room is the exposed stone mullioned fireplace complete with an attractive multi-fuel burning stove. “The fireplace is great because it’s an original feature that came with the house, “Steve commented. “I also love the room because it’s very light and has got great views towards Castle Hill.”
The property also has a beautiful dining kitchen, complete with Shaker-style units and Belfast sink, two good sized bedrooms, and a spacious modern bathroom.
The couple are fans of magnolia and have gone for a neutral colour scheme throughout, but have cleverly accessorised with splashes of colour to break up the minimalist look and put their own style stamp on the place.
Steve and Gemma, a secretary for Fenny Bridge-based company Capita Registrars, may have bought their home because of its money-making potential, but they didn’t imagine that they would be moving out of their labour of love quite so soon.
But their circumstances have changed and they are expecting their first child, so they are keen to move to a more spacious home in the same area of Huddersfield if possible.
The couple believe they are leaving behind the perfect nest egg for another young couple.
Steve and Gemma’s home is for sale through Your Move Alexanders. Telephone 01484 550770.
