Welcome back to What I Own – Metro’s property series where we speak to homeowners about getting on the ladder.
Married couple, James and Jayne, were jetting off on their two-week holiday in 2019, when they decided to have a quick browse of Rightmove at the airport.
They stumbled across a five-bedroom home in Wimbledon, just around the corner from where they already lived — and knew they had to have it.
Putting in an offer before they’d even viewed their home, they decided to take a gamble, and it massively paid off.
After a lengthy renovation process that was largely disrupted by the pandemic, the couple finally moved in with their three sons in 2021.
They’ve transformed the place into a warm, welcoming family home, with room for two living rooms, a dining room, a kitchen, four bathrooms, four bedrooms, and a home office.
And, of course, there’s a wine fridge.
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Here’s what James had to say about their property journey…
Tell us about yourself!
I’m James, and I live with my wife, Jayne, our three boys and our five-year-old Cavapoo, Cookie. We’ve been together for 20 years.
For work, I’m the MD of a PR and communications agency called Rooster, while Jayne is a marketing director specialising in travel and tourism.
Whereabouts is your property? What do you think of the area?
The property is situated in Wimbledon Park, South West London. It’s within walking distance of the park, Wimbledon Common and Wimbledon Village, with excellent transport links into the centre.
It’s the perfect location to escape to the south coast to see family. The area has a village feel, but with the benefits of being in London.
When did you move in?
We bought the property in November 2019 and eventually moved in in April 2021, after a full renovation during the pandemic.
How much does your property cost and how much was your deposit?
We sold our previous house, also in Wimbledon, in November 2019 for £1,250,000 and bought our current home for £1,450,000.
Our 10% deposit (£145,000) was funded by the sale, and we then took out a larger mortgage.
What is the monthly cost of living here now, both mortgage and bills?
Approximately £3,750 per month.
What was the process of getting a mortgage like for you? Did you find any parts challenging?
We were lucky that the process was smooth; it was a probate property; we told the agents who were selling it that if they could secure this property for us, they would be the sole agent while we sold our previous house.
We actually had both sales agreed (subject to surveys) in two weeks, while we were on holiday, having never seen the property.
Can you share details on your mortgage (rate/term)?
It’s currently a two-year fixed rate with Halifax, which we’re hoping will reduce when the two years are complete in 2026.
Where did you live before this – were you renting or living with family?
We’ve lived in the area for over 16 years. We started off renting, but once we established this was the pocket of London we wanted to live in, we bought our first family home around the corner from where we are now.
How did you find this property? What made you choose it?
A renovation had always been a pipe dream, and when this probate property in the most perfect location came up, we knew we had to have it.
By the time we’d returned from holiday two weeks later, we’d sold our current house and bought this one, without ever viewing it.
How have you made the property feel like home What’s the inspiration for your interior decor style?
We’ve completely gutted and rebuilt it. We joke that if it weren’t semi-detached, it would have been far easier and cheaper to tear it down and rebuild the house from scratch.
Only two rooms weren’t structurally altered. Our heart and soul were poured into every part of the renovation, which was made significantly more complex by the pandemic and lockdowns. Plus, we’d moved out of London to live on the south coast to save money during the renovation.
During this, we initially rented a three-bedroom top-floor flat in Wimbledon Village. The renovation was due to take six months, and we thought it would be great to live in the heart of Wimbledon Village for a while.
The sacrifice was that it was a flat with no outside space. Then COVID hit and we were stuck inside with three young, very busy boys! With business suffering, the renovations delayed, and the family all cooped up, we had to find a solution to save money and find outdoor space. We ended up in Hayling for a year, a 10-minute walk from the beach.
Interiors-wise, we like to keep things clutter-free, with clean lines, natural materials, and a Scandi vibe.
What’s your favourite room and why?
The open plan room is the ultimate family space, comprising the kitchen, dining table and a snug with a Contura wood-burning stove at its heart. We spend most of our evenings in here.
Do you feel like you have enough space?
Yes, definitely. Although that might also be because we prefer a more pared-back look, giving space to breathe. With a family of five, we do make a big effort not to accumulate stuff, with regular clear-outs as the boys have grown up.
Do you have plans to change the property?
You would think not, given the huge amount of work that has gone into the property, but yes, we’re looking to extend and reconfigure the top bedroom as the sloping attic roof and Dorma window are a challenge, especially when you’re 6”5!
What’s your favourite piece of furniture in the house?
Our absolute favourites are the two Contura wood-burning stoves. The Swedish design ensures they’re standout features in each room, and we love the economic and ecological benefits they bring. There’s nothing like a cosy fire during the winter months.
Biggest property non-negotiables when looking?
A south or west facing garden! The afternoon and evening sun makes such a difference to the feel of a house.
What do you want people to know about buying a home?
Don’t be afraid of a renovation to allow you to live in your dream location. It’s hard work, but so worth it.
What are your plans for the future, in terms of housing? Do you plan to stay here long-term?
No. It’s our forever home.
Shall we take a look around?
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
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