From Tired Bungalow to Dream Home: Our Renovation Journey of SAYROCK

When we first viewed this property in Blackfield, which is an area on the outskirts of Southampton nestled beautifully in the new forest with the south coast beaches also on its doorstep. It was a very dated three-bedroom, one-bathroom semi-detached bungalow with bags of potential but little charm left. The layout felt cramped, the interiors hadn’t been updated in decades, and the garden was completely overgrown. We knew it would take vision, commitment, and a lot of hard work — but we also knew this house could become something truly special. 

Fast forward to today, and we’re so proud to say we’ve transformed it into a stunning five-bedroom, three-bathroom semi-detached chalet bungalow with modern, light-filled living spaces and a landscaped garden perfect for family life. 

Starting Point: A Dated 3-Bedroom Bungalow 

The property had “good bones,” but that was about it. When we got the keys, it felt stuck in the past: 

• A single, small bathroom with tired fittings and rotten floors. 

• Three modest bedrooms with little light & storage. 

• A unusable dated kitchen with no flow to the rest of the house. 

• An unloved garden — uneven, overgrown, and unusable. 

We saw beyond the limitations and imagined a home that could grow with us — somewhere with space for family, guests, and entertaining. 

The Vision 

Our goal was to completely reimagine the property, turning it from a bungalow into a modern chalet bungalow with: 

• An open-plan kitchen/dining/living area that connects seamlessly to the garden. 

• Five large bedrooms — spacious, bright, and flexible in use. 

• Three stylish bathrooms, including a luxurious en-suite for one of the bedrooms. 

• A clean, landscaped garden with a lawn for children and pets, plus a generous patio for socialising. 

• A huge driveway with ample parking. 

The Renovation Process 

Structural Changes 

The biggest transformation was in the conversion and extension. We took the roof off and extended the rear dormer to add additional bedrooms and a bathroom, reshaping the original bungalow into a contemporary chalet design. This gave us the flexibility to reconfigure the ground floor while maximising space upstairs. 

Interiors 

Inside, we went for a modern but timeless look: 

• A brand new open-plan kitchen with sleek cabinetry, wood worktops, and large glass doors onto the garden. 

• Fresh flooring throughout, with large column radiators in key areas. 

• Three new bathrooms, each finished with high-quality tiles, rainfall showers, and stylish fittings. 

• Neutral décor and carefully chosen lighting to make every space feel bright, airy, and inviting. 

The Garden Transformation 

Perhaps one of the most satisfying changes was the garden. When we moved in, it was wild, uneven, and frankly unusable. After clearing it completely, we levelled the ground and created a lush, flat lawn framed by a large new patio area. It’s now the perfect outdoor space for barbecues, family gatherings, or simply enjoying a sunny afternoon in the New Forest air. 

The Finished Home 

The end result is a luxury five-bedroom, three-bathroom chalet bungalow that feels like a brand new home. It offers: 

• Flexible living for families of all sizes. 

• A garden designed for both relaxation and entertaining. 

• Modern touches throughout, without losing the charm of its semi-detached village setting. 

• Large driveway for multiple vehicles. 

• Modern décor and furnishings with smart TVs in every room. 

• High speed Wi-Fi throughout with boosters for constant speed wherever you are. 

• New high pressure heating system for enhanced comfort. 

• Brand new modern kitchen which includes a dishwasher, American fridge freezer, washer dryer and 3 ovens (yes 3) 
  

What started as a tired and dated bungalow has become a stylish, spacious home that we’re proud of — and one that truly shows what’s possible when you look past the surface and imagine the potential. 

Life in Blackfield 

Another reason we love this home is its location. Blackfield offers a great balance: 

• Lepe Country Park and the Solent coastline are minutes away. 

• The New Forest National Park is on the doorstep for walks, cycling, and exploring. 

• Shops, schools, and amenities are within easy reach. It’s the perfect place to enjoy both countryside and coast, while still being connected to Southampton and Lymington. 

Final Thoughts 

Renovating this property has been an incredible journey. We’ve not only created a beautiful family home, but also added value and given new life to a bungalow that might otherwise have been overlooked. 

If you’re ever faced with a dated property that feels beyond hope, remember: with the right vision and determination, you can unlock its true potential. 

This property is available for short term lets and is perfect for contractor accommodation as its located in close proximity to Esso Oil Refinery. 

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