We Transformed an Abandoned Bank Into Our Dream Home
A couple in Wales, Ryan and Nicole Green, took a unique approach to finding their dream home. With a modest budget of £31k in 2022, they decided to invest in an old Natwest bank in Penmaenmawr, Conwy that had been vacant for over a decade. Against the odds, Ryan successfully bid on the property at auction, acquiring the “empty shell” that would soon become their cherished home.
- The couple spent a total of £60k on renovations, including a new bathroom and kitchen, wall removal, and roof replacements.
- The old bank, now unrecognizable, has been appraised at an impressive £250k.
- Ryan, a property developer, shared that the decision to purchase the bank stemmed from his familiarity with the building and its value to the local community.
According to Ryan, the renovation process proved to be a significant learning experience for them. The property required extensive work, such as decorating, new plasterboard, a new ceiling, heating installation, rewiring, and a fire alarm system. Notably, a wall had to be completely reconstructed due to dampness issues. Despite the challenges, Ryan and Nicole persevered, breathing new life into the old bank and creating a spacious open-plan living space.
“I grew up in the village that it was in. I always knew it was there and it had been shut down for ages,” Ryan shared. “I wanted it mainly because I saw it and I grew up with it in the village.”
The redevelopment of the old bank has been met with positivity from the local community, with residents expressing delight in seeing the historic building repurposed and revitalized. Ryan noted that the transformation has been well-received, emphasizing the sense of satisfaction in restoring a neglected property to its former glory.
“The whole building needed decorating and new plasterboard. It’s just one large open-plan area. We needed a new ceiling, new heating, rewiring, a fire alarm,” Ryan detailed. “It was just an empty shell. It’s had so many issues and been a big learning curve.”
Through their vision and hard work, Ryan and Nicole Green have not only created their dream home but also rejuvenated a significant piece of local heritage. Their story serves as an inspiring example of how dedication and creativity can transform forgotten spaces into cherished homes.