Making Light Work…
Thanks to Whalley Home Improvements, a large conservatory extension project was minimally disruptive and challenge-free for a Skipton finance director and his Brazilian partner. Photography: Gemma Suckley
When company finance director Keith Edwards and his civil partner Paolo, a chef, bought their beautiful new-build home, their intention was always to extend the property with a large conservatory.
Located in Skipton, Keith and Paolo had previously viewed a four-bedroomed property with a garage on the same development: “The four-bed was almost £100k more than the three-bed property so we decided to invest in extending the ground floor, which is where we needed the room,” recalls Keith.
After Googling a good number of conservatory companies in Lancashire and Yorkshire they decided to visit four or five to discuss designs and get quotes – but one company stood out above the rest: “We visited Whalley Home Improvements and we liked the people there. They were personable and knowledgeable and we knew the company was a success through word-of-mouth recommendations, which also impressed us.”
Discussing the design with Keith and Paolo, Whalley Home Improvements’ co-founder Emma Hodgkinson, advised on the shape and size of the build along with the groundworks and materials: “We originally thought we would like a conservatory with curves but Emma advised against it as we would be wasting space as it’s difficult to accommodate furniture. Eventually we opted for a straight rectangle the full width of the house extending into approximately 30 per cent of the garden, so it’s a significant size.
“But we still have plenty of garden that we intend to landscape with a patio, waterfall and pond.”
The new 15sqm conservatory has a dwarf wall of Yorkshire stone and a slate roof which both match the materials used on the main house along with dark grey window frames.
Inside, the conservatory is airy and light thanks to the brilliant white ceiling plus full height glass double doors, large opening windows and large glass windows in the roof.
“We originally wanted opening windows in the roof but Emma was adamant that they would give us problems so she advised us against it. We took her advice and realised that we didn’t really need them to open as we have the double doors and opening windows on the sides of the conservatory.”
With beautiful Romanesque-style grey floor tiles and light blue walls, the conservatory is going to be used as a day room and office for Keith.
Backing on to the house’s TV room, the conservatory has a desk, dining table and sofa along with a large TV and a cabinet to display a tiny portion of the couple’s vast Swarovski crystal collection.
“The idea is to use the conservatory by day so that will be our main living and work room and move into the TV room in the evening where we are creating floor to ceiling glass cabinets for the main Swarovski collection,” explains Keith.
Full of praise for the Whalley Home Improvements team, he adds: “The entire team were fantastic! From Bev in the office who is an amazing character, Emma who is extremely knowledgeable to the craftsmen and builders who created the conservatory, they were all really helpful.
“The building work was minimally disruptive even though the groundworks were a tough job as a drainage inspection cover had to be moved. The guys were all so professional, they worked so hard and were so efficient.
“When the building inspector came to sign off the conservatory, he said he had inspected a significant number of Whalley Home Improvements’ builds and he was unbelievably impressed with them.
“From start to finish the build was challenge-free and we have ended up with a room we love.
“We feel we have been really lucky to find Whalley Home Improvements and we are so glad we did. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them!”
Whalley Home Improvements
Units 23, Mitton Road Business Park
Mitton Road, Whalley BB7 9YE
01254 824179
www.whalleyhomeimprovements.co.uk
