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Julia Kendell, finest identified for BBC’s DIY SOS, ITV’s 60 Minute Makeover, and for displaying no mercy to her energy instruments, tells Metro in regards to the Oxfordshire residence she might by no means be taught to like – however the place she honed her DIY expertise. After that she purchased her dream renovation challenge, a home within the woods, with a poltergeist.
How did you get on the property ladder?
I purchased my first residence with my ex-husband in 1987, for £87,500. It was a small, three-bedroom terraced new-build in Henley-on-Thames, on the finish of a cul-de-sac, with a postage stamp-sized backyard. My husband’s household lived within the space, and we determined it could be the proper place to carry up a household. I’d coveted a ‘character property’ to renovate, however on the time we purchased, home costs have been skyrocketing, and we simply wanted to purchase one thing earlier than we have been priced out of the market.
Finest and worst options?
I at all times hated the home! Because it was a primary residence, I shouldn’t grumble, because it was mild, the rooms have been fairly well-proportioned and the backyard had pretty views over a standard. On the draw back, it had zero character and power.
Did your profession begin right here?
My interiors profession began after I was 15, working as a Saturday woman in a soft-furnishings showroom in Eastcote, Hillingdon. By the point I moved to Henley I used to be the supervisor of the showroom. A yr later, my ardour for kitchen design began. I educated at John Lewis of Hungerford in Henley and haven’t seemed again.
Did you've gotten any DIY disasters?
I used to be intent on creating an attractive residence for myself and my husband. Sadly, we didn’t have the finances to match, however I didn’t let that dampen my enthusiasm. I set about educating myself tips on how to adorn, wallpaper, set up dado rails and put up shelving. I even tiled the kitchen – very badly, if I recall. It took three nasty electrical shocks, which threw me throughout the room, earlier than I learnt to not drill instantly above sockets.
How did you furnish it?
The late Nineteen Eighties have been a time of frills, piping and chintz – ludicrous in a three-bed terrace! We bought a few gray leather-based sofas, which on the time appeared very posh, and the bed room furnishings was classic pine. Each conceivable floor was hand-stencilled with fleur-de-lis.
Did you finally fall in love with the home?
Probably not! I did my finest, however sadly my relationship wasn’t good, and regardless of how fairly I made the inside, the power was by no means proper. The DIY ‘learns’ have been very helpful, although.
What do you like about Henley-on-Thames?
It’s unchangingly stunning. The river offers a shocking backdrop to summertime actions, and the encompassing countryside offers the proper antidote to a busy work schedule. Native eating places are unbelievable, and there's something very particular in regards to the individuals right here. I've a tremendous group of native pals who've caught with me by the ups and downs of my life.
What got here subsequent?
We offered up in 1992 for £98,500 and acquired a semi-detached Victorian cottage for £130,000. It was in woodland simply exterior Henley, and it was my dream renovation dream, because it was fairly rundown.
I refurbished it utterly from prime to backside, with the hardest job eradicating 100 years-worth of lead-based paint from an enclosed staircase, which made me sick for days after.
There was, nevertheless, a poltergeist, which was positively an surprising addition to the family! It appeared we might have ‘exercise’ each time I did some DIY, as if it didn’t just like the change.
On a number of events I'd discover all of the toy mobiles in my daughter’s bed room spinning madly from the ceiling; at different occasions, issues had been moved round, and there have been the sounds of heavy respiratory. We stayed for three-and-a-half years, and whereas I beloved the property, I used to be fairly joyful to depart the unusual goings-on behind.
Recommendation for first-time patrons?
There are lots of harsh monetary challenges going through first-time patrons, however as home costs will at all times improve over time, it’s properly definitely worth the preliminary push. Spend money on components of the house that can most improve your personal life-style, relatively than worrying about what ornamental scheme may swimsuit future house owners.
Is your present pad your dream residence?
Within the ’snakes and ladders’ of life, I've sadly positioned my belief in a number of ’snakes’ and have spent the previous few years getting again on my toes, so I’ve been renting for a while. I'm enthusiastic about shopping for a brand new residence later this yr.
The place as soon as my dream challenge would have been a sprawling property with a big backyard, I'd now be very content material with a tiny barn conversion. So long as the house has character, and someplace to develop greens, I’ll be joyful.
Putting in a brand new kitchen? Strive Julia’s Final Kitchen Information on-line course kendellco.com/book-online
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