October 12th 2024.
Hello there, fellow homeowner! This week, we're taking a trip to the seaside as we catch up with some amazing homeowners in Metro's property series, What I Own. Last week, we had the pleasure of visiting Natalie Brown and her family at their lovely three-bedroom house in Shoreham-by-Sea. Today, we're back by the seaside in Devon, where we'll be chatting with Emily Hadley and her husband Kevin about their beautiful five-bedroom home.
Emily and Kevin's journey to homeownership has been quite the adventure. After living in a cramped two-bedroom flat in Hove, East Sussex with their four children, they made the decision to upsize and have never looked back. Their new home, located in Preston, Paignton in Torbay, Devon, is just a short walk from both the beach and the woods, making it the perfect location for their family.
Torbay is considered a deprived area, but Emily and Kevin love the rough around the edges feel of the neighborhood. Plus, more affluent towns like Totnes and Dartmouth are just a short drive away. Emily also shared that the schools in the area were a major factor in their decision to raise their children here.
The couple moved into their current home in August 2015, and it cost them £325,000. Their deposit was £100,000, and their monthly expenses now add up to around £2,500. But their journey to homeownership didn't start here. This is actually their third property, and they have worked hard to add value to each one through renovations and updates.
When it came to getting a mortgage, Emily and Kevin's careers as teachers worked in their favor. However, when they recently remortgaged, they ran into a bit of a challenge as Emily's fixed-term contract couldn't be included in their income. But luckily, their existing mortgage provider had competitive rates, so they were able to stick with them.
Emily, a former primary school teacher, now runs her own art gallery from home. Her love for art is reflected in the vibrant and creative decor of their home, which they've transformed since moving in. They've replaced all four bathrooms and the kitchen, added a wood burner, and even created a utility room and pantry out of previously unused space.
One of Emily's favorite rooms is the playroom, which now doubles as a gallery space. It's full of special items and, of course, lots of art. They also have a spacious five-bedroom property for a family of four, so they could definitely use some more storage space for their artwork.
In terms of future plans, Emily and Kevin are considering downsizing once their youngest child finishes sixth form. They would like to live more comfortably and reduce their mortgage payments, but the only catch is Emily's business, which is primarily based in their home.
Now, let's take a look around this gorgeous house! As soon as you step inside, you're greeted with a bright and airy space filled with beautiful art and decor. The kitchen is a dream, complete with a large island, double fridge-freezer with an ice dispenser, and a stylish pantry that gives Nigella a run for her money.
The rest of the house is just as stunning, with plenty of unique and cozy spaces to relax in. Emily and Kevin have truly made this house feel like home, and we can't help but admire their impeccable taste in interior decor. They even have a lovely outdoor space, perfect for enjoying those sunny days by the seaside.
As we wrap up our visit, we can't help but feel inspired by Emily and Kevin's journey to homeownership. They truly embody the mantra of "buying the worst house on the best street" and have turned it into a beautiful family home. So, if you're thinking about buying a home, remember to always look for ways to add value and make it your own. Who knows, maybe one day we'll be featuring your lovely home on What I Own!
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