REVEALING HISTORY

How a former sail loft has been stripped back, extended and enhanced to become the perfect waterside home. By Kate Thompson

By stripping their home back to the bare bones, Amber and Thomas Du Plessis were able to unlock the true beauty of the former boathouse tucked away in Bathing Lane in Old Portsmouth. “We could see the quirkiness and the opportunity for us to knock it into a good shape,” explained Amber. “Our priority was the layout. The master bedroom was downstairs with a courtyard and outside loo. “We covered over and raised up the courtyard to the first floor and decided to keep the master bedroom downstairs, reclaiming the courtyard space for a bathroom with the bath and sink opening onto the bedroom.” Dating back to 1810, the former sail loft was built on the site of one of the first free schools in Portsmouth and the couple wanted to reveal more of that history. On the first floor they created a light and bright living room rejoicing in the exposed joists and beams. A raised area leads onto the kitchen and dining area, with french doors opening onto the raised courtyard. “We stripped it back to the bare bones and realised the inner beauty that had been covered up over the decades,” said Amber.

Their corner of Old Portsmouth has always been much sought after but recent additions such as the Hot Walls art studios and the opening of the Canteen have certainly added to the attraction. “The views and aspects are what makes it. We love seeing the ships go by and we still run outside to see the Carriers pass by. “There is a really nice close knit community here people like to have a chat. We’ve got wonderful pubs nearby too and I like the fact you can cut through to Gunwharf Quays via the Camber and see all the fishing boats there,” said Amber. After nearly 10 years living in Bathing House Lane, Shearwater is up for sale and Amber and Thomas are seeking their next adventure. “We are looking for a smaller house and want to be by the water - we are even considering a watermill in France,” added Amber.

SOLD OUT!

Neil Maxwell

Well not quite but we’re heading that way! We’re facing a market where it is becoming incredibly difficult for those selling to find their next home with such low numbers of new properties coming to the market. Obviously the lockdown and COVID virus has put many people off selling their homes at this time, but with the vaccine programme going so well this will change. The unexpected extension to the stamp duty deadline to 30th June 2021 instead of the end of March has led to a resurgence in activity which has continued to keep the whole industry busy. One marked lack or resource has been the availability of removal men. First time buyers got a welcome boost in the recent budget with the 5% deposit mortgage guarantee scheme which, coupled with the great interest rates available to first time buyers, has to led many more deciding to take the step of securing their first homes. With many people having saved money for the last year we are seeing more investors step into the marketplace with bricks and mortar still providing great capital growth over the longer term and the monthly rental income often far higher than interest paid by institutions. Looking back over the last five years of the housing market, we’ve had to contend with two general elections, the effect of Brexit, which lasted for three years, causing uncertainty and lack of confidence, before we even mention COVID-19 with pent up demand stretching back so far, it leads me to think that current activity levels may be sustained for some time to come. So putting all the above into context if, you’re thinking of moving in the next year, in my opinion there hasn’t been a better time to sell than now so please do give us a call for a no-obligation valuation and marketing presentation, no pressure whatsoever. 02392815221.

EASTERN VILLAS ROAD, SOUTHSEA £269,995 EPC D

• Beautifully presented 2 bedroom duplex apartment situated just a few hundred yards from the seafront • Bright living room with impressive floor to ceiling bay window • Private courtyard garden and allocated parking

LOMBARD STREET, OLD PORTSMOUTH

£650,000 EPC EXEMPT • Stunning 2 bedroom Grade II listed

Georginan town house located in the heart of Old Portsmouth • Completely renovated and extended by the current owner to a luxurious standard • Spacious open plan living/dining/kitchen leading to a private courtyard

RICHMOND TERRACE, SOUTHSEA £650,000 EPC E

• Imposing 4 bedroom Victorian end of terrace town house located within the much requested ‘Owens Conservation Area’ • Over 2,000 sq.ft (189 sq.m) of accommodation situated over four floors • Off road parking for two cars and a westerly facing two-tier garden