Bleier Estates Ltd

Churchfields. Hitchin, Herts.

Churchfields was one of those properties that had just been let go.  The previous owner found herself in this big old rambling house which took more care than was available.  The gardens had started to revert to nature, the village school is at the bottom of the lane and as properties go, it was just how we like them.

The first thing we did was live in it.  Have you ever wondered why some developments work and some don’t?  It is just so important to get a feel for the house – to get to know how it sits in its environment before you start work.  You must have a vision before you start.  If you can’t see the end result before you start then the cost is going to go through the roof.  We make sure that we do all the changes here and now – before we get the tradesmen on site!

Work on this property was extensive.  The house has been completely re-wired and is now serviced by 3 phase electricity.  It has also been completely re-plumbed – all the way to the main supply in the road!  All windows and doors are double glazed units in traditional hardwood frames.  All done to the standard that you would expect in a house of this stature.  You name it and it’s been done right.  Power showers by Aqualisa, granite worktops, wrought ironwork, not one but two balconies – the list goes on and on.

The interior of the house was like a rabbit warren when we started so we did some light building work like moving some walls, taking down the odd chimney – you know, the easy stuff. The kitchen area was changed so that it now accommodates a dining area – so important to modern living.  The kitchen is fitted with modern accessible units, deep double sinks, a large Maytag fridge/freezer unit complete with drinks dispenser, filtered or softened water supplies (just choose a tap!), a magnificent Britannia range cooker and the whole shebang is finished with an under floor heating.  The tiles which run from the front door all the way through to the door at the back of the utility room came from the Italian specialist, Porcelanosa.

Upstairs we’ve fitted en-suite bathrooms to every bedroom and returned the stairs up into the attic properly, just how it should be done.  When you see these new stairs it’s hard to imagine the house without them.  The attic is now perfect for that teenage child of yours and of course, it comes with its own en-suite bathroom.

The gardens have been largely laid to lawn so that it gets the chance to establish itself.  We used Arborcare – a local tree specialist – to plant 8 trees in the garden including Willows, Monkey Puzzle and Scots Pine.  The border with the road has been planted with a traditional Yew hedge.  It looks new now but you don’t get great gardens overnight.  Give it two or three years and it’s going to be superb.  This garden will grow with you and give you the opportunity to make your own mark.