Vaulted Ceilings, Reworked Spaces, Rooms with Views, and a Flawless Finish – Without Changing the Footprint
Eddie and Mandy bought the bungalow in Sandford in December 2018, and let it out till, having sold their farmhouse in a downsizing move, they moved in in early 2021. The 1980s brick bungalow offers spectacular views over a patchwork of fields and woodland: these views, the generous plot and the central village location attracted the couple but from the start the intention was to do a major remodel.
They started searching Google for architects, but it was the recommendation of a friend that led them to Mitch at New Space Architecture. The brief they gave was to create a modern, easy to maintain living space that would serve them in later years.
“We liked Mitch immediately,” said Mandy. “He seemed to get our vision and gently pushed us beyond what we’d initially envisaged … without him we wouldn’t have the vaulted ceilings and the large, angled window in the kitchen.”
While working on the plans the couple searched for their builder but with little luck; the job was either too big, too small or too far outside of Exeter, while some builders didn’t even respond. Further discussion with Mitch led them to meeting with Lenny and one other – it was Lenny’s detailed quote and thoroughness that won him the contract.
While the remodel was within the building’s original footprint, very few rooms remained untouched, so Eddie and Mandy moved out as the work began in September 2022.
“Even though we weren’t living on site, I warned Lenny I’d be on site everyday and would probably ask a lot of silly questions,” smiles Mandy. “He just took it all in his stride. He never made us feel awkward and he dealt with everything so calmly. We were keen to avoid surprises and he foresaw issues so there weren’t any ‘large gasps’.”
Lenny’s calm approach and experience helped overcome two unforeseen complications. The first was a problem with the bungalow’s original construction: the floor was hollow in places and had begun to break up and, as walls were removed, it became obvious that the floor levels fluctuated between rooms. To overcome the problem Lenny’s advice was to dig out the existing floor and pour a new concrete surface. This approach meant it was possible to fit the most efficient underfloor heating system and also allowed for insulation up to regulation standard, adding to the bungalow’s impressive EPC A rating.
A further issue arose when a structural engineer’s drawings for the kitchen’s vaulted ceiling had omitted a crucial steep post from the gable end of the bungalow. Lenny spotted the issue and flagged it on a call with the engineer.
“Spotting this problem early on prevented potential structural failure in the future and saved us money as we got a full refund from the structural engineer,” recalls Eddie. “and Lenny and his carpenters were able to figure out what was needed in order to satisfy building regs.”
Fast forward to 2025 and Eddie and Mandy have been enjoying their new space for a couple of years. The remodel took about eight months but included rendering the outside and a major fenestration change which weren’t originally part of the project. The flow between inside and out is exactly as planned, with many a family and village party taking full advantage of the spacious interior and expansive terrace with its views.
The couple fondly recall Lenny and his team:
“The whole team was brilliant. They were proactive solution finders and everyone was invested in making the bungalow as good as it could be. They got dragged into all manner of decision-making but never seemed to mind.”
“We had plenty of laughs along the way,” adds Eddie. “Including the fact that Mandy put her foot down about having a hot tub, although Lenny’s electrician added an extra fuse just in case she changes her mind!”
