A couple has successfully transformed a 1970s upside down house into their dream family home, complete with stunning views. Melanie Cooke, 39, and her husband, have renovated multiple properties over the past eight years, climbing the property ladder while raising their three children. Their journey began in December 2017 when they purchased their first home—a two-bedroom terraced house in Hoole, Chester—for £190,000.
After completing renovations on their initial property, they sold it and moved to a three-bedroom semi-detached house in the same area. In April 2023, they acquired a more spacious four-bedroom detached property, ready to adapt it to their family’s needs. Over the last two and a half years, they have dedicated themselves to transforming their new house into a home, all while aiming to achieve financial independence by becoming mortgage-free before turning 45.
Melanie explained their motivation, saying, “We’ve definitely climbed the ladder since buying our first house, that’s been our purpose of renovating and living in the home itself.” Their initial investment of approximately £10,000 on renovations yielded a profit of £20,000, which subsequently allowed them to purchase a larger family home with a garden and driveway.
Their focus on location and profitability guided their decisions throughout the process. “Our number one requirement when house-hunting is location and profitability,” Melanie noted. Despite a desire to remain in Hoole, the couple found that options were limited within their budget. Thus, they turned their attention to a more suburban area near Delamere Forest, which offered reputable schools.
Initially hesitant about moving further from the city, Melanie was drawn to a 1970s property with significant renovation potential. “It was unusual because it was an upside down house which I think would put some people off a bit. It hadn’t had anything done to it since the 70s really,” she recalled. Despite its outdated features, the property presented a unique opportunity for a growing family.
The couple recognized the extent of the renovation required. “There were grab rails, a stair lift, 1970s swirly carpet, Artex ceilings, and parquet flooring, which was beautiful but couldn’t be preserved,” Melanie explained. Nevertheless, she had a clear vision for the home from the moment they viewed it. “When we viewed it, I saw the vision straight away. My mind’s always on renovating,” she added.
Upon purchasing the property in April 2023, they began their renovation journey without delay. The couple prioritized their children’s bedrooms and converted another room into a playroom that also served as a temporary living space during the renovations. They undertook most of the work themselves, relying on family expertise and online tutorials to guide their efforts.
The couple achieved significant cost savings through their DIY approach, with Melanie stating, “Doing jobs ourselves has helped to keep costs down without a doubt.” Their latest bathroom renovation, which would have cost around £4,000 in labor alone, totaled approximately £2,800 thanks to their hands-on approach.
The couple’s efforts culminated in the kitchen and dining area, which has become the focal point of their home. Featuring large New York warehouse-style aluminum windows, this space embodies the transformation they envisioned. Currently, they estimate that they are about 80 percent finished with the indoor renovations, while acknowledging that the outdoor space still requires considerable work.
Melanie’s design style has evolved through each of her three homes. “I do love that kind of mid-century modern with a lot of textures and natural colours, but then I like to add a vibrant element too,” she expressed. One of her proudest achievements in the home is the walk-in pantry, adorned with terracotta tiles that she laid herself.
In addition to her home renovation efforts, Melanie works part-time as a physiotherapist with the NHS and shares her journey on her Instagram account, @thisismelaniecooke, which has attracted over 116,000 followers. “My account has grown steadily over the years. It can be time-consuming alongside my part-time job, but I love the balance it provides,” she said.
Through their renovations, the couple has built an impressive equity of approximately £240,000. Their long-term goal is to purchase their next home mortgage-free before they reach 45. “We’ll move out of this one eventually, and with the equity that we’ve built up, we should have enough money to buy a house without needing a mortgage,” Melanie stated.
In offering advice to aspiring homeowners, she encourages them to seek the most challenging property in a desirable area. “Buy the worst house on the best street or in the best area. Keep your eyes on the market all the time,” she advised. By strategically minimizing renovation costs and maximizing value, Melanie embodies the spirit of determination and creativity that can lead to success in the property market.
