The old house at 10 Over Road, Willingham, Cambridgeshire was a key part of the White's Path development.

A dilapidated, two-bedroom house, its location close to the main road proved an obstacle to the use of the main White's Path site which lay directly behind it.

Planning consent for the White's Path site was dependent on there being a clear view in both directions along Over Road for drivers using the access road to the new development. But the house at 10 Over Road restricted the road-view to the east, meaning that planning consent could not be granted unless a creative solution could be found. YDP acquired the house and remodelled it to provide adequate visibility in both directions.

In consultation with Dan Hardingham at George Laurel & Partners, structural engineers and Building Control, the house was redesigned, with the front wall being moved back and the upper storey 'jettied' (a style where the upper storey overhangs the lower) to provide maximum space on the first floor and maximum visibility at ground level.

With such extensive work in progress, it was decided to renovate and remodel the house completely.

The chimney breasts were removed and all external walls were insulated to a high standard.

Both floors were renewed and the staircase was relocated to provide a better layout with no 'dead space', thereby expanding the accommodation from a two-bedroom house with one bathroom to a three-bedroom home with three en-suite bathrooms/shower rooms.

A new roof was added and the whole house was re-plumbed and rewired (including CAT5e data wiring and TV feeds to all rooms).

Then work began on internal decor and fittings.

Gas-fired central heating was added and beautiful reclaimed oak parquet was laid over the whole of the ground floor. Solid oak doors were fitted to all rooms to continue the 'real wood' theme.

Bi-fold doors were installed downstairs to increase the sense of light and space, and a wooden-deck terrace was created to the rear of the property to add a sense of 'flow' to the floor space.

A modern kitchen was fitted, complete with quality units and all appliances. All rooms were decorated to a high standard and the upper floor was then carpeted throughout and two flat screen TVs were installed.

The philosophy behind the design - in addition to providing the viewing access required for planning consent - was to build a house that was similar in style, functionality and quality to those within the main White's Path development.