Looking for a new property to add to our portfolio back in 2007, we were excited about viewing the Penthouse apartment at The Courtyard. Set back from the High Street in a charming and secluded courtyard, yet just moments from the bustling shops, restaurants and Castle, it couldn’t be better located.
Big too, with two bathrooms AND allocated parking. There was only one problem… the hideous décor…
The apartment had been a bolt hole for the owners who lived in Dubai, and on viewing the property we surmised that the last time it had seen a paintbrush was circa 1988. However, it was spacious, light and superbly located – with parking. We never met the vendors, dealing solely with the agent; and the only sticking point was their insistence that all contents were included in the price, so our first job was to hire a man with a van… and it was out with the chintz.
Money was short and time precious, so we painted, replaced as much furniture as we could afford and rented it out within a couple of weeks of completion.
Our first guest was a dream – he booked initially for a few weeks but ended up staying for over a year.
Our guest travelled regularly and was relaxed about us having access to the property whilst he was away. During each of his extended trips, we nipped in and blitzed another room. His only concern was raised when we told him about plans to knock through from the lounge to the kitchen to create a breakfast bar. He was worried that with the new open plan layout he would be disturbed by noise from the washing machine / tumble dryer when he was relaxing or working in the lounge. Good point! So with the help of our builders, we sourced and installed a Miele super silent model.
The photos featured below show the process from 80’s disaster zone to stylish flagship property.
We started with the main bathroom; clean but old-fashioned, It had to go. With stylish new tiles and a funky white suite, it’s now a haven for relaxation.
We knocked through from the lounge to the kitchen opening up the space and creating a new breakfast bar. The lounge was dreary and dated with dark grey carpets and lots of swags and tails at the windows. We laid solid wood floor throughout the lounge and hallway and soft, neutral carpets in the hallway and bedrooms. We ripped out the melamine units making the lounge appear instantly bigger.
Out with the old and in with the new fitted kitchen. We fitted an integrated silent washing machine / tumble dryer, dishwasher, fridge and freezer. Granite worktops and black ceramic floor tiles add drama.
Peach walls, velour headboard and white melamine furniture. It must have been stylish at some point. We re-decorated, re-carpeted bedrooms, added oak flooring to hallway and living room, replaced the furniture and put in a new en-suite – that’s better!
This apartment was awarded 4 GOLD stars by Visit England in subsequent years. Modern and stylish but with a homely feel, the property is spacious with lots of natural light, and delightful views to both Bachelors Acre and Windsor Castle; just about as close to town as you can get. We’ve installed flat screen TVs and top spec SKY+ package, ensuring high occupancy and lots of happy guests. To find out more about pricing and availability at the Courtyard Penthouse apartment please contact us on 01753 833747 or stay@accwindsor.co.uk.
