A young couple from Wrexham are proving that patience, family help, and a vision can transform a dated property into a dream home, claiming the result surpasses anything a newbuild could offer.
From Dated Detached to Modern Oasis
Laura Hodson, 23, and Aaron Davies, 25, purchased their three-bedroom detached home for £250,000. The property, originally built in the 1950s, had been home to a single owner for over six decades, meaning its interior was firmly stuck in the past. The pair immediately recognised it required a complete overhaul.
"We knew given the fact that she’d been on her own for 30 years it was obviously very dated and it definitely needed a full renovation," Aaron explained. Undeterred, they embarked on an ambitious project to convert the traditional layout into a bright, open-plan living space suited to contemporary life.
The Challenges and Triumphs of Solid Construction
The renovation process was intensive. To achieve their modern aesthetic, the couple removed four structural walls and took out an entire chimney breast, which required steel supports due to the home's solid brick construction. They also installed new plumbing, electrics, and striking bifolding doors.
Working full-time, the transformation was a nights-and-weekends endeavour, made possible with crucial support from family. "We’re really lucky that we’ve got a great network around us of family and friends," Aaron said, noting their parents and grandparents lent their construction experience.
Their diligence paid off quickly. Within just six weeks of receiving the keys in mid-October, the major structural walls were down. The project has so far cost approximately £11,000 for the most strenuous work, a figure Aaron believes demonstrates how much can be achieved on a sensible budget.
Uncovering Hidden Gems Beneath the Layers
One of the joys of renovating an older property is discovering preserved original features. For Laura and Aaron, the standout find was beautiful solid oak flooring hidden beneath decades-old carpet.
"It’s a bit like an onion, you’re unpeeling the layers," Aaron described. "There were some interesting carpet choices... and then as you pull it back you see this beautiful solid oak flooring, which is amazing." They love it so much they plan to restore it and extend it into the kitchen.
Sourcing matching timber to repair any damage led them to a reclaimed wood company, which found near-identical oak planks from a stately home in Hungary. Other quirky finds included an old exterior door buried under the kitchen floor and a 1954 receipt for chairs tucked within the floorboards.
Aaron's advice for aspiring renovators is to plan well and not be intimidated by online scare stories. "You can get a lot done for not a lot of money," he insists. "If you plan well, you've got the contingency there... then it's not awful." For this couple, the journey of transforming a 1950s house into their personalised modern home has been far more rewarding than buying new.
