!['We brought the ROOMS TO LIFE’](https://cdn.magzter.com/1421994762/1677662089/articles/YTbCofjQ11680073935525/WE-BROUGHT-THE ROOMS-TO-LIFE.jpg)
We certainly weren’t looking for a project when we found this house,’ says Sophie. ‘We’d outgrown our little two-bed and wanted somewhere near transport links that had plenty of space, especially as I work from home as a content creator. Ideally, we wanted a four-bedroom house in the Colchester area, but we couldn’t find one that had more than two double bedrooms.
When this house came on the market it was very affordable because it needed renovating completely, and although it had three double bedrooms and a big single bedroom (rather than the four doubles we originally wanted), we were drawn to its potential and fantastic room sizes.
Surprise discovery
We knew we’d want to decorate, whatever house we bought – but it wasn’t until we got the keys on moving day that we realised how big a project the house was. And I had no idea how stressful renovating a house can be! We had no intention of starting the project immediately, but our new home forced our hand – on the day we were handed the keys we discovered rats nesting in the kitchen roof! Luckily we had managed to keep our little two-bed house, so we lived there while we renovated. It was difficult as we hadn’t planned on paying two mortgages at the same time.
Starting point
This story is from the April 2023 edition of Style at Home.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 2023 edition of Style at Home.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
![INHERITANCE TAX](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8729/1753479/l_HSxepU01720081431493/INHERITANCE-TAX.jpg)
INHERITANCE TAX
Editor of MoneyWeek.com Kalpana Fitzpatrick shares financial tips on how to protect your estate
![Something for THE WEEKEND](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8729/1753479/UM6RAxtHw1720080871192/SOMETHING-FOR-THE-WEEKEND.jpg)
Something for THE WEEKEND
These delicious cocktails and tasty nibbles are perfect for summer get-togethers
![Make colourful OIL DRUM PLANTERS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8729/1753479/o1IWE2O7_1720080540798/MAKE-COLOURFUL-OIL-DRUM-PLANTERS.jpg)
Make colourful OIL DRUM PLANTERS
Try an easy upcycling project and turn tatty old metal drums into a fun container garden
![OUTDOOR CHANDELIER](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8729/1753479/aKHK5B8SI1720080222929/OUTDOOR-CHANDELIER.jpg)
OUTDOOR CHANDELIER
Bring a magical glow to evenings outdoors with this fabulous garden lighting idea that is super-simple to put together
![Garden STORAGE SOLUTIONS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8729/1753479/8EByNVjvF1720079917231/GARDEN-STORAGE-SOLUTIONS.jpg)
Garden STORAGE SOLUTIONS
Organise your outdoor space with easy upcycling ideas and repurposed materials
![Mel's choice: A SUNKEN GARDEN](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8729/1753479/CkywaOPH31720079771402/MELS-CHOICE-A-SUNKEN-GARDEN.jpg)
Mel's choice: A SUNKEN GARDEN
Create a 'garden within a garden', turning semi-hidden seating and planting into a striking outdoor feature
!['We now have an EXTRA ROOM'](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8729/1753479/6huiKy6UI1720079503129/WE-NOW-HAVE-AN-EXTRA-ROOM.jpg)
'We now have an EXTRA ROOM'
Keen to transform her neglected garden, Mel created a low-maintenance outdoor space that’s great for relaxing
![Try a speedy STYLE UPDATE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8729/1753479/iFViXEG1b1720078527474/TRY-A-SPEEDY-STYLE-UPDATE.jpg)
Try a speedy STYLE UPDATE
Take the party outside this summer and give your outdoor space a fun new look
![Clever decorating PATIO STYLE IDEAS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8729/1753479/ixYLz8oqw1720078189828/CLEVER-DECORATING-PATIO-STYLE-IDEAS.jpg)
Clever decorating PATIO STYLE IDEAS
Elevate your garden seating, dining and activity areas with these low-key projects
![Create a relaxed HOLIDAY VIBE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8729/1753479/-cfehAwh_1720077710784/CREATE-A-RELAXED-HOLIDAY-VIBE.jpg)
Create a relaxed HOLIDAY VIBE
Make your home feel like summer all year round with a destination-inspired interior