Interiors: Kelvinside renovation proves more of a project than owners Amanda Mcleod and Alan Baldwin expected

AMANDA Mcleod and Alan Baldwin give Glasgow townhouse flat a modern makevoer

Luckily, Amanda Mcleod and her partner Alan Baldwin were looking for a project when they fell for a shell in Glasgow’s West End.

The couple first came to see the two-bedroom Kelvinside property in September 2007, and started to get the feel-good factor before they had even stepped into the building.

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“We walked up the path to see the pillared entrance and just loved it,” says Amanda.

The flat they came to see, located on the second floor of the attractive blonde sandstone townhouse, is reached via a private staircase. When the present-day building was one grand house, this section served as the nursery.

“Bit by bit, the house was sold off,” says Amanda. “The last owner of this flat hadn’t lived here for years.”

In retrospect, Amanda and Alan admit to being surprised at the work involved in turning the place into the stylish home it is today.

Having collected the keys to the flat in November 2007, the couple’s first mission was to install gas central heating. In the coming months, the flat was rewired and every wall reskimmed. A new kitchen and bathroom were also installed by March 2008.

The contemporary furniture and fittings for the bathroom came from Porcelanosa. So too did the patterned wall tiles that add a glamorous mood to the space.

The stairs leading up to the flat proved to be another big job. The treads were covered in brown paint with layers of varnish on the banister. Stripping and sanding took the couple almost a year to complete by hand, but the finish is now much lighter. Amanda chose a dramatic wallpaper from B&Q’s designer range for this space.

Elsewhere, feature walls are treated to floral printed wallpapers that add colour and interest. The design in the kitchen is from John Lewis; the richer-toned paper in the living room came from B&Q, and the bedroom papers came from Laura Ashley.

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Although the floorboards in the property had been in reasonably good shape, the installation of the central heating meant most of them were lifted and new boards were laid through the hallway and living room.

In the kitchen, the couple chose a practical Karndean floor, and units and worktops by Duval that contrast timber finishes with stainless steel. “We can see out over Glasgow to the Erskine Bridge, but no one can see in,” Amanda says.

Most of the furniture was bought for the flat, from high street stores including Marks & Spencer and John Lewis. However for the couple’s bedroom, they decided to make use of some pine furniture that they already owned. Stripped and painted cream, the furniture has been given a new lease of life. The fireplace in this room, and that in the living room, are both original and were in good condition. The second bedroom is now home to the couple’s baby daughter, Beth. The new addition has prompted Amanda and Alan to look to the next step on the property ladder, but they will be sad to leave this flat in which they have invested so much time and effort.

“It’s such a bright, happy home, and everything you need is on the doorstep, including good parking which is unusual in the West End,” says Amanda.

As for another project, it’s a resounding “no” – for the time being at least.

• 39 Cleveden Road, Kelvinside, Glasgow is currently under offer with Rettie & Co (0141-248 4160, www.rettie.co.uk)

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