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" This five-bedroom property also benefits from a superb annex over the double garage with its own separate entrance, ideal for teenagers or an elderly relative. Set in mature private grounds, this property offers an abundance of space-to-breathe for a growing family.

Few houses could offer the extent of versatile accommodation as this substantial family home. Built in 1956, the current owners have transformed the property with a sense of period charm and subtle modern touches. The generously sized reception rooms have access to the rear garden and the practical layout is ideal for entertaining. This five-bedroom property also benefits from a superb annex over the double garage with its own separate entrance, ideal for teenagers or an elderly relative. Set in mature private grounds, this property offers an abundance of space-to-breathe for a growing family.

Having searched the local area for over twelve months for their ideal property, the current owners of Ashes Lane knew instinctively that this was 'the one'.

"As soon as we stepped inside the front door, it felt like home," reveals the current owner. "When you're looking for a house that you are going to invest so much of your life in, it has to have the right feeling. Even though it needed so much work doing to it, we fell in love with the heart of the house."

This was 32 years ago and after many years of home improvements, the love affair has never wavered. The property was built in 1956 and looked dramatically different when the current owners moved in.

"It seems almost unbelievable but the exterior of the house was red brick with metal windows which looked quite harsh," says the current owner. "We had the walls rendered and replaced all the windows in a hardwood style to give the house more visual appeal. The new façade completely changed the look of the property which has more of a country cottage feel."

The interior of the house has also undergone many changes to turn it into a substantial family home. The entrance hall with its original polished parquet flooring has the unusual feature of a brick built fireplace that stands back-to-back with the fireplace in the lounge.

The 21-foot long lounge running along the back of the house has the benefit of windows to two sides and French doors leading to the garden. There are also double doors through to the sitting room giving the flexibility of opening up the space for entertaining.

The original kitchen is now used as a dining room and a new spacious breakfast kitchen was created in the outside area between the end of the house and the double garage. The kitchen runs from the front to the back of the house and is well fitted with high quality oak Poggenpohl units with a large bay window overlooking the back garden.

"We're fortunate to have a good-sized kitchen that is ideal for when we have the family around," says the current owner. "The breakfast bar is wonderful for casual meals and we have so much space because there are cupboards everywhere!"

Having given their home a sense of period charm and character, the current owners have also added modern touches with neutral décor and practical Karndean flooring in the dining and sitting rooms.

Upstairs, there are five well-proportioned bedrooms flooded with light from the attractive cottage-style windows and a modern family bathroom with white fittings. The master bedroom has a relaxing contemporary feel with a generous en-suite bathroom and access to a dressing room area fitted with rails and shelves.

Eleven years ago, the current owners created an annex apartment situated over the double garage. It has the benefit of its own front door entrance with stair lift access to the first floor or from the upstairs landing of the house.

The annex has generous accommodation comprising of a 17-foot square lounge with French doors leading to a large balcony overlooking the garden, double bedroom with fitted cupboards and separate shower room.

"The annex was used by a close family relative and has the versatility of being self-contained or incorporated as part of the house," explains the current owner. "We've kept the feel of the rooms just the same as the house so there's a continuity throughout."

With a semi-circular, drive-through driveway surrounded by high hedges, the front of the property has a private, enclosed feel. The mature landscaped rear garden is ideal for family gatherings with paved patio, brick built summer house and barbecue area.

"We have spent many happy years living here but now is the time to downsize," concludes the current owner. "This is a very homely house and with so many large rooms to choose from, there is always plenty of space to breathe."  "