6 October 2024

Pair give derelict property a new lease of life

By Rebecca Hannant

Two property developers have begun revamping a house previously deemed an “eyesore” by Withernsea residents.

The house on South Promenade was left in a derelict state for about for 15 years before Richard and Grant, who have asked us not to use their surnames, bought it with the aim of revamping it and making it a home once again.

They have since brought the property up to date and have secured water and gas mains into it.

So far, the toilet area has been given a modern contemporary look, and plastering work has been done to the walls.

Work has also started to create an open-plan living room and kitchen that benefits from sea views.

Eventually the pair hope to revamp the front of the house and offer it as a family home.

Richard said: “To someone else walking past the house, they may have seen shattered windows, broken walls and barricades that kept the world outside. I love renovating houses, so to me, I see the possibility of rebuilding rubble and framework into the unique home, full of light and character, which it was first created to be. I cannot wait to see the beauty of the finished product.”

Grant added: “I grew up in Cape Town, South Africa, and the sea was a big part of my life growing up. There’s something about the sea – the sight and sound of it, that just immediately relaxes me. I can sit and just watch the sea all day.

“And the house just seemed like it had so much potential. It was exactly what we were looking for. A place that we could completely bring to life and transform. And really give it a complete makeover.”