The Thyme to Breathe House: Our Journey to Creating a Dream Home
Welcome to the Thyme to Breathe House—a place where dreams meet determination, and every renovation tells a story. This is more than just a home makeover; it’s an exciting adventure to transform a tired, 50-year-old house into a space that feels uniquely ours.
When we took on this project, we knew it would be a challenge. Almost every corner of the house is original, and time has taken its toll—things are breaking, systems are outdated, and every room needs a little love. But we’re not just restoring a house; we’re creating a home where memories will be made for years to come.
We’re embracing this journey, one room at a time. Some projects, like major repair work, have to be tackled all at once. So far, we’ve replastered every ceiling, updated parts of the electrical system, and overhauled the central heating. Solar panels now grace the roof, helping us create a more sustainable future.
Looking ahead, one project we’re really excited about is transforming the fireplace and installing a cozy log burner in the lounge. We can already picture winter evenings, gathered around the warmth, creating that perfect heart-of-the-home feeling. It’s a project for the future, but one we know will add so much character and comfort.
It’s been a busy start, but there’s still a long way to go. Every wall, fixture, and finish carries the promise of what’s to come—a home that reflects who we are and how we live.
We know it won’t happen overnight, but that’s part of the magic. It’s about learning, growing, and breathing new life into every space. We’re excited to share this journey, with all its progress and imperfections, as we shape this house into the home of our dreams.
Downstairs W/C: Small Space, Big Transformation
This was one of the first rooms we tackled in the house.
From the advanced survey we had done before purchasing,we already knew there were some plumbing issues. So, shortly after moving in, we took care of the immediate and urgent repairs to the drains and toilets. Unfortunately, as with many older homes that have been left empty for a few years, more problems began to surface. It wasn’t long before every toilet in the house started springing leaks in various places—definitely not the welcome we were hoping for!
The downstairs W/C was one of the worst offenders. The toilet had cracked and was leaking water down the back, seeping into the boxing and causing it to rot. Given the size of the space, we decided the best solution was to completely renovate the room in one go.
Sometimes, tackling a small room all at once is the simplest and most effective approach—and now, it feels like a completely fresh space
Family Bathroom Refresh: A Quick Update Before the Full Renovation
Welcome to our family bathroom! For now, we’ve chosen to give it a simple refresh rather than a full renovation. Eventually, we plan to strip everything out and start from scratch, but in the meantime, a few thoughtful updates have made the space feel fresher and less dated.
First up, the flooring. I removed the old carpet—because, honestly, who wants carpet in a bathroom? Vinyl flooring felt like a much more practical and hygienic choice. It’s easy to clean and givesthe room an instantly updated look.
I also gave the radiator, tiles, and woodwork a fresh coat of white paint to brighten the space. Missing tiles above the toilet have been replaced, creating a cleaner and more cohesive look. The shower fixture has been swapped for a sleek chrome finish, adding a modern touch.
The walls were a challenge. They were covered in heavy wallpaper, which I removed before thoroughly cleaning, sanding, and repainting. The walls throughout the house are old and solid but not in the best condition for painting, so I filled and patched where needed. While it’s not perfect, it’s a big improvement. Once we fully renovate the bathroom, we plan to have the walls professionally re-skimmed for a smoother finish.
This was all about making small, impactful changes that refreshed the space without a major investment. It’s amazing how a few simple updates can breathe new life into an old room!