Feature Friday: The Home of Nicole from The Builder's Wife

A house that is a home.

I have been so excited all week to share with you this lovely home, which belongs to Nicole of The Builders Wife. Nicole shares on The Builders Wife inspiring spaces, her home and family life as well as tips of the trade.

Over the last twelve months since Nicole purchased her home, she has shared with her readers her beautiful home, called "Pen Y Llechwedd". It's a home with history, it is over one hundred years old and Nicole has been so kind to share it with us today. 

When you hear Nicole speaking of her house, you can see how much she loves its history and making changes to make it more liveable as a larger family whilst still keeping true to its style and heritage.

Lets take a look inside shall we and learn a little about this home that has such an amazing story to tell...

Nicole, it’s so lovely to have you here with us – tell us a bit about yourself, as well as your blog and business!

Thank you for having me Ashlea. Hi, I’m Nicole, I am a builder’s wife, a business manager, blogger, mummy to 2 and step mummy to 3. I have a blog called The Builder’s Wife where I share about our renovation to our 100+ year old home, and our building company Fernbrooke Homes. I am relatively new to the building industry, but love the challenges of learning in what used to be a male dominated industry. My husband and I, are working together to ensure equality within our company, and to promote what we believe a good building company should look and feel like to its clients.

I have been following your blog for some time now and remember reading about your excitement when you purchased your new home - tell us a little about your home and its history.

This was the most exciting day for us. I have long admired beautiful old Queenslanders and dreamt of owning a home with a window seat and a library. I still cannot believe that my dream became our reality. Our home “Pen Y Llechwedd” was built in 1913, by prominent architect, George Brockwell Gill, for the well know former mayor of Ipswich, Fredrick Goleby, who then gifted the home to his daughter and son in law. It has so many beautiful original features, like the gorgeous front door, the light fittings and all the original window glass. We just love being a part of such amazing history.

Have you made any changes to your home?

We've made massive changes, and still have so many more to make. The biggest change so far, has been the addition of 4 bedrooms, bathroom, toilet and living space downstairs. With 5 kids we needed to make sure we had enough room for each to have their own space. Yet to come is an extension to the rear of the house which will be home to a new kitchen, bar room, deck and outdoor kitchen, leading out to the ‘to be built’ pool area.

Describe your style?

I'm not sure what you would call my style, I guess it would be classic and understated. This house really speaks for itself with its beautiful pressed metal ceilings, gorgeous bay windows, and window seats. I am trying to keep this quite simple, so that the house can be the star.

Favourite Room?

At the moment, my favourite room is our bedroom. It is the stuff of my dreams, literally. I designed this room on a Pinterest board, and got exactly what I wanted. I just love it, it’s soft and feminine without being over the top. I could lie for hours just staring at the ceilings.

Biggest indulgence?

Our lounge, we had it made to our specifications, and what an amazing experience that was. I love, love, love the floral fabric on the cushions, and adore the velvet ottoman. It’s wonderfully comfy, a perfect place to relax.

Proudest DIY moment?

Learning to paint. We did most of the painting ourselves, we did leave the gloss work to the professionals, but the rest we did. I learnt that preparation is the most important part of painting, and that time spent doing a job well, is time spent well. I love our colour, and I love the finish of our job.

What do friends say when they visit your home?

They all love it, the history, the architecture, and the feel of the home. Most comment on how it feels as they walk through the front door, they are completely surprised by how big it is once inside, and can’t believe what downstairs offers.

Best advice for others buying a new home with renovation plans in mind?

If you can, don’t do anything until you've lived in your home for a while. We have changed plans so many times, and we’ve only been here for 9 months. We live in our home so differently to the way we imagined we would. Our kitchen plan has changed 3 times, the laundry 4 times, and our ensuite is in the process of having its plans changed. Take all the time you can, you won’t regret it.

Isn't "Pen Y Llechwedd" just gorgeous?

I love the wood panelling along the walls, the bay windows and stained glass features. I read about the restoration of the gorgeous side table above, that Nicole stripped and painted black. 

I love that Nicole's home is a labour of love and I think this is reflected, giving it a warm and homely feel. 

I'd love to hear what you think - what do you love about Nicole's home? Do you have a home with history too, or a story to tell?

If you've enjoyed reading about Nicole and her gorgeous home, be sure say hi and follow Nicole via The Builders Wife,  Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest

If you have a home that you would like to share on Glamour Coastal Living then get in touch with me - I would love to hear from you! It could be a renovation, a new makeover or a house tour. Or you may have seen a house in your neighbourhood you think is worth sharing?

Hope you have enjoyed seeing inside Nicole's home today - I know I did! x

Linking up with Sonia Life, Love + Hiccups and With Some Grace

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