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0:00:19 > 0:00:21- 04Wal is ten years old.
0:00:21 > 0:00:25- We'll feature homes from 2008 - in this programme.
0:00:25 > 0:00:29- First, two large homes - in the old Merionethshire.
0:00:29 > 0:00:33- One is in Aberdyfi - and the other is in Dolgellau.
0:00:54 > 0:00:58- Ann Hughes is a familiar face - to 04Wal viewers.
0:00:58 > 0:01:02- We've seen many of her - design projects in the past.
0:01:03 > 0:01:07- Today, we're at the home of Ann - and Gareth her husband in Aberdyfi.
0:01:09 > 0:01:12- What first attracted you - to this house?
0:01:13 > 0:01:14- The location.
0:01:15 > 0:01:18- We're opposite the beach, - so it's lovely.
0:01:18 > 0:01:20- It had wonderful potential.
0:01:20 > 0:01:24- I'd never buy - a perfect, renovated house.
0:01:24 > 0:01:27- I enjoy putting my own stamp - on my home.
0:01:28 > 0:01:32- How difficult is it to create - a certain look for your own house?
0:01:32 > 0:01:36- You're used to - designing for other people.
0:01:36 > 0:01:40- When I ask a client a question, - they give me an answer.
0:01:40 > 0:01:44- It's hard to even - ask myself the question.
0:01:45 > 0:01:48- I've created a house for us, - as a family.
0:01:50 > 0:01:53- I didn't want to create - a show house.
0:01:53 > 0:01:56- We want to relax here - and live here as a family.
0:02:04 > 0:02:07- This is the extension, - where the kitchen now stands.
0:02:08 > 0:02:10- You've created something...
0:02:11 > 0:02:14- ..which blends in - with the rest of the house.
0:02:16 > 0:02:19- The roof lantern - is a Victorian feature.
0:02:19 > 0:02:22- We were keen to create a feel...
0:02:22 > 0:02:26- ..in keeping with - what had already been created here.
0:02:26 > 0:02:31- It's an elegant room, so we wanted - to have coving in the new extension.
0:02:31 > 0:02:37- The aim was to keep the same feel - as we have in the original room.
0:02:49 > 0:02:54- This wooden floor helps to knit the - house and the extension together.
0:02:55 > 0:02:59- Yes, it helps create a flow between - the old part and the new part.
0:03:00 > 0:03:02- I'm very fond of oak flooring.
0:03:03 > 0:03:07- It was hard for the builder, - but he succeeded. It's fantastic.
0:03:08 > 0:03:10- What about this room appeals to you?
0:03:11 > 0:03:15- Everything in this room - is very personal to us as a family.
0:03:15 > 0:03:20- The dresser reminds me of the one we - had on the farm when I was young.
0:03:20 > 0:03:22- We had some of these on the farm.
0:03:22 > 0:03:29- The mug commemorates the centenary - of Ysgol Llanllwni in 1970.
0:03:29 > 0:03:33- I was at the school - during those celebrations.
0:03:33 > 0:03:38- We bought this dresser second-hand - when the children were young.
0:03:38 > 0:03:42- It evokes happy memories - of the past 20 years.
0:03:44 > 0:03:46- As we move through the room...
0:03:46 > 0:03:50- ..we see more and more - bits and bobs which belong to you.
0:03:52 > 0:03:54- Yes. This is where we tend to relax.
0:03:54 > 0:03:57- I enjoy having my things on display.
0:03:57 > 0:04:01- There's a story behind each item, - and it's all very personal.
0:04:02 > 0:04:05- I enjoy surrounding myself - with these things.
0:04:21 > 0:04:24- Architects say - the peak of their careers...
0:04:25 > 0:04:28- ..is designing - their own personal space.
0:04:28 > 0:04:31- You've already done that, - three times over!
0:04:31 > 0:04:34- Is this the last time you'll do it?
0:04:34 > 0:04:37- It's the last time we'll do it - for a while.
0:04:37 > 0:04:38- Life is changing.
0:04:39 > 0:04:41- The children are growing up.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45- We've decided - not to renovate another property.
0:04:46 > 0:04:49- We would like to see the world - while we can.
0:04:49 > 0:04:53- Hopefully, we'll be happy - in this house for some time.
0:05:18 > 0:05:22- Debra Harris, Steve - her husband, - and Isaac - their son...
0:05:22 > 0:05:27- ..are adapting to a slower life - in a large, Victorian house.
0:05:27 > 0:05:30- It stands like a sentry - above Dolgellau.
0:05:32 > 0:05:35- We lived in London - and I worked long hours.
0:05:35 > 0:05:39- I spent almost five hours a day - commuting to and from work.
0:05:39 > 0:05:43- Life is now completely different - and I have time on my hands.
0:05:44 > 0:05:48- Time to explore the area, to see - friends and to be with my son.
0:05:49 > 0:05:54- It wasn't possible before, so it's - been a complete change of lifestyle.
0:05:54 > 0:05:58- I'd yearned - to return to this area for years...
0:05:58 > 0:06:00- ..but there's little work here.
0:06:01 > 0:06:06- You must sometimes create something - rather than look for a new job.
0:06:06 > 0:06:10- My family is from Dolgellau, - so the town means a lot to me.
0:06:11 > 0:06:16- I wanted a slower pace of life and - the potential to do something new.
0:06:18 > 0:06:22- How did you feel - when you first saw this house?
0:06:22 > 0:06:23- I didn't like it.
0:06:23 > 0:06:26- I thought it was too big - and too cold.
0:06:26 > 0:06:31- There was something frightening - about the large, grey stone walls.
0:06:32 > 0:06:37- Having viewed it four times, - I agreed it had potential.
0:06:37 > 0:06:40- I could see its potential - by that stage.
0:06:40 > 0:06:45- The rooms are spacious, allowing - us to do what we set out to do.
0:06:45 > 0:06:48- They also give us - a large living space.
0:06:57 > 0:07:02- This is the first thing people see - when they enter the house.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05- What are you aiming to convey here?
0:07:05 > 0:07:07- What are you aiming to convey here?- - A sense of total comfort.
0:07:07 > 0:07:10- People walk in, see the sofa...
0:07:10 > 0:07:14- ..and want to kick of their shoes, - have a cup of tea and relax.
0:07:14 > 0:07:20- When you usually enter a hotel, - there's a formal reception area.
0:07:20 > 0:07:24- This is like - walking in to someone's parlour.
0:07:24 > 0:07:28- Yes. We wanted - to create something different.
0:07:28 > 0:07:33- This huge sofa - seems to reach out and hug you!
0:07:33 > 0:07:37- Yes, once you sit on it, - it's difficult to get up again.
0:07:57 > 0:08:00- Even if you're not a fan - of Victorian design...
0:08:00 > 0:08:04- ..you must admire - the standard of their craftsmanship.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08- No detail escapes - the designer's attention...
0:08:08 > 0:08:12- ..from the stair post - to this magnificent window here.
0:08:12 > 0:08:17- This is the only source of natural - light in this part of the house.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20- There's no great view - through the window...
0:08:21 > 0:08:24- ..so it's a chance - to display good craftsmanship.
0:08:24 > 0:08:27- # Lacrimosa
0:08:30 > 0:08:33- # Dies illa
0:08:36 > 0:08:38- # Qua resurget
0:08:41 > 0:08:45- # Ex favilla
0:08:46 > 0:08:52- # Judicandus
0:08:52 > 0:08:55- # Homo reus #
0:08:59 > 0:09:04- This is the landing, which leads - to the hotel guest rooms.
0:09:05 > 0:09:09- When you stand here, you realize - you've only seen half the house.
0:09:10 > 0:09:14- There's another part to it - - what was the staff quarters.
0:09:14 > 0:09:18- When this was a rectory, - the house was split in two.
0:09:18 > 0:09:22- That's how it was originally - and that's how it is today.
0:09:22 > 0:09:25- Debra, Steve and Isaac - live in that section.
0:09:46 > 0:09:50- There are three bedrooms - in the hotel at this stage.
0:09:50 > 0:09:54- They're named after - Debra and Steve's grandmothers.
0:09:54 > 0:09:59- Each room reflects the character - of that particular grandmother.
0:09:59 > 0:10:01- This room is called Myfanwy.
0:10:02 > 0:10:05- They tell me Myfanwy - was a traditional lady.
0:10:06 > 0:10:09- There's a traditional feel - to this room...
0:10:10 > 0:10:14- ..although the colours - have a modern hint about them.
0:10:14 > 0:10:19- The walls create a wonderful canvas - on which to exhibit the furniture.
0:10:19 > 0:10:22- There are contemporary colours here.
0:10:22 > 0:10:26- The striped chair, - the green cushions and the curtains.
0:10:27 > 0:10:29- It's a fusion of styles.
0:10:29 > 0:10:32- We're not in this to make a fortune.
0:10:32 > 0:10:37- It's more about attaining - the lifestyle we want for ourselves.
0:10:37 > 0:10:41- We'd love to make pots of money - from the business...
0:10:41 > 0:10:46- ..but we just want to make enough - to run it and live comfortably.
0:10:47 > 0:10:50- Will this be your forever home?
0:10:51 > 0:10:53- My heart is in the mountain.
0:10:53 > 0:10:57- I'd love to create - something similar there.
0:10:57 > 0:10:58- Another hotel?
0:10:58 > 0:10:59- Another hotel?- - Maybe.
0:11:00 > 0:11:02- A property in the countryside.
0:11:02 > 0:11:04- A place to keep - a few sheep and hens.
0:11:13 > 0:11:14- .
0:11:18 > 0:11:18- 888
0:11:18 > 0:11:20- 888- - 888
0:11:23 > 0:11:24- Welcome back.
0:11:24 > 0:11:28- We stay in Gwynedd - but we'll focus on kitchens.
0:11:28 > 0:11:32- We'll see Kathy Gittings's kitchen - in Pwllheli...
0:11:32 > 0:11:35- ..and Nia Medi's kitchen - in Dolgellau.
0:11:35 > 0:11:39- First, to Robert David's - vast kitchen in Lleyn.
0:12:01 > 0:12:05- Robert, you're in the process - of moving into your new home.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08- How long has this project taken?
0:12:08 > 0:12:12- The building work - took around three and a half years.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15- The planning process - took almost a year.
0:12:15 > 0:12:19- Add that to the equation and - it's taken four and a half years.
0:12:20 > 0:12:24- I'm exhausted but I'm delighted - to finally move in today.
0:12:26 > 0:12:29- It now looks like a row of cottages.
0:12:29 > 0:12:34- My cousin asked if I lived in number - one, two, three or four Mill Street!
0:12:34 > 0:12:38- It's a long, narrow building.
0:12:38 > 0:12:41- It has little depth - but it does look like a street.
0:13:11 > 0:13:14- This kitchen - has come together really well.
0:13:15 > 0:13:18- You could have - divided it into several rooms.
0:13:18 > 0:13:20- Yes, it's a big room.
0:13:20 > 0:13:24- I liked the fact - this table fitted in the kitchen...
0:13:24 > 0:13:26- ..and I could have an island, too.
0:13:27 > 0:13:31- There's a range of furniture - from different periods in here.
0:13:32 > 0:13:34- Yes, I like the fact it's eclectic.
0:13:36 > 0:13:40- We combined - mine and Karl's furniture.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43- Karl had the red settee - in his living room...
0:13:44 > 0:13:46- ..and I thought it was striking.
0:13:47 > 0:13:51- The Welsh dresser and - the dining table and the chairs...
0:13:51 > 0:13:53- ..came from the farmhouse.
0:13:53 > 0:13:55- We combined two styles.
0:14:26 > 0:14:29- This place is close to your heart...
0:14:29 > 0:14:32- ..and the restoration process - was arduous.
0:14:33 > 0:14:35- Are you happy with the result?
0:14:35 > 0:14:36- Are you happy with the result?- - Yes, I'm very happy with it.
0:14:37 > 0:14:39- It's been an interesting journey.
0:14:39 > 0:14:44- I was sometimes in despair - about setbacks which happened.
0:14:44 > 0:14:49- It was also a long journey - and it felt endless, at times.
0:14:50 > 0:14:53- It was my childhood dream - to live here...
0:14:53 > 0:14:57- ..and actually being here now - is an amazing feeling.
0:14:57 > 0:14:59- I wouldn't change it for anything.
0:15:06 > 0:15:10- Having visited Lleyn on holiday - regularly for some years...
0:15:10 > 0:15:14- ..Kathy Gittings upped sticks - and moved to Pwllheli.
0:15:14 > 0:15:17- We're here - to film her very special kitchen.
0:15:17 > 0:15:20- It's both a gallery - and a practical space.
0:15:34 > 0:15:38- Is the kitchen important to you - on a personal level?
0:15:38 > 0:15:39- Yes, indeed.
0:15:39 > 0:15:42- We all enjoy ourselves - in the kitchen.
0:15:42 > 0:15:46- I'm a mother of four - and my children visit me regularly.
0:15:47 > 0:15:50- The numbers go up - to between eight and ten people...
0:15:50 > 0:15:55- ..and Mam sits on the end, telling - stories, until the small hours!
0:15:55 > 0:15:59- For me, the kitchen is the - most important room in the house.
0:16:00 > 0:16:05- Did you have a strong idea of the - way you wanted the kitchen to look?
0:16:05 > 0:16:08- Yes, in that - I wanted an informal space...
0:16:08 > 0:16:11- ..because this is where - I spend my time.
0:16:11 > 0:16:14- It had to be comfortable, practical - and informal.
0:16:15 > 0:16:18- I can walk into a room, - close my eyes...
0:16:18 > 0:16:23- ..and see how the end result - will look.
0:16:23 > 0:16:24- It's strange, isn't it?
0:16:40 > 0:16:42- In a long, wide kitchen like this...
0:16:42 > 0:16:46- ..you need something - to divide one side from the other.
0:16:47 > 0:16:48- That's the dining side.
0:16:49 > 0:16:52- This is the business side, - where the food is created.
0:16:52 > 0:16:56- There's an Aga behind me - and a sink over there.
0:16:57 > 0:16:59- Was this table made to measure?
0:17:00 > 0:17:03- Yes, but I worked on it - with the carpenter.
0:17:04 > 0:17:08- A local man, from Pontrobert, - worked on it with me.
0:17:08 > 0:17:14- I wanted something simple with - plenty of room for the whole family.
0:17:15 > 0:17:19- It's made from sycamore. - I love unusual wood.
0:17:20 > 0:17:24- This bar separates one area - of the kitchen from the other.
0:17:25 > 0:17:27- It's a magnificent bar, mind you.
0:17:27 > 0:17:29- This is ash.
0:17:30 > 0:17:36- I carried it up here - all the way from Meifod to Pwllheli.
0:17:36 > 0:17:38- It took a long time to tidy it up...
0:17:39 > 0:17:44- ..and make it practical - for the kitchen.
0:17:45 > 0:17:47- It feels wonderful, doesn't it?
0:17:48 > 0:17:50- I feel compelled to touch it!
0:17:51 > 0:17:53- This long wall is very convenient.
0:17:53 > 0:17:56- It's like an additional gallery - for you.
0:17:57 > 0:17:59- It's the work - of Jennifer Brereton...
0:18:00 > 0:18:05- ..who lives on the border between - Shropshire and Montgomeryshire.
0:18:06 > 0:18:10- It's a piece of Montgomeryshire, - which is important to me.
0:18:10 > 0:18:14- One of them - is especially dear to me.
0:18:14 > 0:18:19- It reminds me of helping Dad - with the milking herd.
0:18:19 > 0:18:23- It evokes sweet memories of home - and that's important to me.
0:18:45 > 0:18:49- Actress and designer, Nia Medi, - has a shop in Dolgellau.
0:18:50 > 0:18:53- She's restoring a house - in the town...
0:18:53 > 0:18:57- ..and her kitchen is very different - from what we've just seen.
0:18:58 > 0:19:01- I've always been a fan - of the Shaker movement.
0:19:01 > 0:19:04- I love clean, neat, - painted furniture.
0:19:04 > 0:19:07- That was the root of my inspiration.
0:19:08 > 0:19:13- Nothing matches, - other than the bespoke units.
0:19:13 > 0:19:16- Everything else - has happened to fit in.
0:19:16 > 0:19:18- That makes it quite Welsh.
0:19:31 > 0:19:35- When most people design a kitchen, - they go to a kitchen shop...
0:19:36 > 0:19:38- ..and say, "I'll take that one!"
0:19:38 > 0:19:41- This feels organic, somehow.
0:19:41 > 0:19:42- It wasn't easy.
0:19:42 > 0:19:47- Choosing a kitchen off the shelf - or from a catalogue is easy.
0:19:48 > 0:19:53- This involves more work but - you end up with something unique.
0:19:53 > 0:19:55- It's not to everyone's taste.
0:19:55 > 0:19:59- It suits a vintage, shabby chic, - retro chick, like me!
0:20:00 > 0:20:03- I prefer a kitchen - with a homely feel to it.
0:20:04 > 0:20:08- This table - belongs to a farmhouse kitchen.
0:20:08 > 0:20:12- I like to think several - sturdy ladies, other than me...
0:20:12 > 0:20:16- ..have rolled their pastry - on this table on a Sunday afternoon!
0:20:17 > 0:20:18- Formica is very homely.
0:20:20 > 0:20:24- My granddad's sisters - had similar tables in the 1960s.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27- It's a solid, oak table - with a Formica top.
0:20:28 > 0:20:30- It's totally practical.
0:20:31 > 0:20:34- I bought that cupboard - at an auction in Bala.
0:20:34 > 0:20:35- I paid 5 for it.
0:20:36 > 0:20:39- I sanded it - and gave it a coat of paint.
0:20:40 > 0:20:44- I bought the top of the dresser - at an auction in Dolgellau.
0:20:45 > 0:20:49- I think I have a designer's eye.
0:20:49 > 0:20:54- I think 99% of people would see - that cupboard and dismiss it.
0:20:54 > 0:20:58- It was full of straw - and hen droppings!
0:20:58 > 0:21:01- Few people - would have looked twice at it.
0:21:01 > 0:21:05- I see potential in things - and I see how they can be used.
0:21:05 > 0:21:07- It's all about recycling.
0:21:20 > 0:21:25- This is a simple, tidy kitchen - but it has mod cons and more!
0:21:26 > 0:21:27- This is Satan's cupboard!
0:21:29 > 0:21:32- Whiskey and chocolate. Shame on you!
0:21:39 > 0:21:44- Is there room, in a - practical kitchen such as this...
0:21:45 > 0:21:48- ..to create a pretty space, - using jugs and so on?
0:21:49 > 0:21:53- I've been collecting crockery - since I was ten years old.
0:21:53 > 0:21:55- My husband isn't happy!
0:21:55 > 0:21:58- He wants the kitchen - to be totally practical.
0:21:59 > 0:22:03- He wants to pull things - off the shelves and use them.
0:22:03 > 0:22:08- I scream, "You can't put the gravy - in that! It's an antique!"
0:22:08 > 0:22:10- I like to look at them.
0:22:11 > 0:22:15- I didn't collect them - just to shove them in a cupboard.
0:22:15 > 0:22:18- Looking at them makes me happy.
0:22:19 > 0:22:22- Is it practical? No. - They gather dust.
0:22:23 > 0:22:25- I like them, so they're staying!
0:22:33 > 0:22:37- Does the fact you've collected - items from various sources...
0:22:37 > 0:22:40- ..make this kitchen more personal?
0:22:40 > 0:22:42- I chose everything.
0:22:42 > 0:22:45- I worked on them - and I painted them all.
0:22:46 > 0:22:48- There's something nice about that.
0:22:49 > 0:22:54- You may not think it to look at it - but I've worked hard to create this.
0:22:55 > 0:22:59- I know everything has come - from different places.
0:22:59 > 0:23:03- Everyone who comes here - assumes it's always been there.
0:23:03 > 0:23:05- That's a compliment.
0:23:22 > 0:23:24- S4C subtitles by Eirlys A Jones
0:23:24 > 0:23:25- .