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0:00:19 > 0:00:25- Here's a 1970s split-level house - which became an architectural gem.
0:00:26 > 0:00:31- Furniture designer Angela Gidden's - contemporary, minimalist loft.
0:00:32 > 0:00:36- And finally, a Cardiff property - that's full of surprises.
0:00:36 > 0:00:38- Welcome to 04Wal.
0:00:49 > 0:00:53- Location, location, location. - That's the cliche.
0:00:54 > 0:00:59- What happens when you fall in love - with the location but not the house?
0:00:59 > 0:01:02- You call architect Chris Loyn...
0:01:02 > 0:01:06- ..and build a 21st century barn - around the shell of the old house.
0:01:07 > 0:01:12- This is the sight which greets you, - as you walk through the gate.
0:01:12 > 0:01:14- It's like a north Wales quarry wall.
0:01:15 > 0:01:17- It's almost as flat - as a snooker table.
0:01:18 > 0:01:19- It's wonderful...
0:01:19 > 0:01:23- ..but it's nothing, - compared to this side of the house!
0:01:25 > 0:01:29- What a breathtaking combination - of stone, wood and glass.
0:01:30 > 0:01:32- In time, - and courtesy of the weather...
0:01:32 > 0:01:37- ..it will blend into one - and become practically one colour.
0:01:37 > 0:01:41- The timber is already turning grey, - as you can see.
0:01:41 > 0:01:44- The stone is grey - and even the roof is grey.
0:01:44 > 0:01:46- In time, it will all be grey...
0:01:46 > 0:01:51- ..and it will sit at the top - of this hill, like a silver king.
0:02:11 > 0:02:14- The house, which is located - in south-east Wales...
0:02:15 > 0:02:19- ..won an award for its design - at the 2006 National Eisteddfod.
0:02:21 > 0:02:23- We moved in around 18 months ago.
0:02:23 > 0:02:27- The builders lived with us - for six months...
0:02:27 > 0:02:31- ..so we're only just beginning - to grow into the place.
0:02:32 > 0:02:35- When we bought the house, - it was in good condition...
0:02:36 > 0:02:40- ..but it wasn't to our taste.
0:02:40 > 0:02:45- It was in a stunning location - and that's what brought us here.
0:02:45 > 0:02:46- Its location.
0:02:47 > 0:02:52- It was a house which sat on top of - the hill, rather than in the hill.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55- We felt it stood out - for all the wrong reasons.
0:02:57 > 0:03:02- We had a notion that a traditional, - agricultural building...
0:03:02 > 0:03:06- ..would have stood here - - a cowshed or a barn.
0:03:08 > 0:03:10- We thought that type of building...
0:03:11 > 0:03:14- ..would be better suited - to this rural landscape.
0:03:15 > 0:03:18- The architect was surprised - at the request...
0:03:18 > 0:03:20- ..to convert a house into a barn!
0:03:20 > 0:03:23- It's usually the other way around!
0:03:25 > 0:03:28- He was taken aback - and he saw it as a challenge.
0:03:41 > 0:03:43- What a magnificent space!
0:03:44 > 0:03:48- What a welcome, as you step inside, - through the front door.
0:03:48 > 0:03:50- When you enter the building...
0:03:50 > 0:03:55- ..you get an idea of the size, - depth and location of this house.
0:03:55 > 0:03:57- It has umpteen windows.
0:03:57 > 0:04:00- The building looks like a barn - from the outside.
0:04:01 > 0:04:04- You don't see all the windows.
0:04:04 > 0:04:10- When the light shines through, you - can appreciate them, from within.
0:04:10 > 0:04:12- Look at the stunning view!
0:04:37 > 0:04:38- This is the lounge.
0:04:39 > 0:04:42- This house - combines the old and the new...
0:04:42 > 0:04:45- ..but there's precious little old - in this room.
0:04:45 > 0:04:50- There are echoes of the barn - which never existed, as it were...
0:04:50 > 0:04:54- ..in these frames in the roof, - painted to match the walls.
0:04:55 > 0:05:00- Nothing in this room could - compete with the breathtaking views.
0:05:00 > 0:05:04- There's something wonderful - about nature...
0:05:04 > 0:05:09- ..and it's even better, - viewed through double glazing!
0:05:10 > 0:05:13- This is the perfect room - to do just that.
0:05:26 > 0:05:31- Pah! Who says you should have - modern furniture in a modern house?
0:05:31 > 0:05:34- If you have neutral walls...
0:05:34 > 0:05:39- ..old furniture which has a bit of - character looks great against them.
0:05:40 > 0:05:42- The kitchen is through here.
0:05:45 > 0:05:49- This is the contemporary version - of the dining table.
0:05:49 > 0:05:52- The table and the chairs - are made of steel.
0:05:52 > 0:05:56- Over here, we have - this ultra, ultramodern kitchen.
0:05:56 > 0:05:59- Clean lines. Black, white and grey.
0:05:59 > 0:06:03- It has everything - but it's all concealed.
0:06:03 > 0:06:08- In this sea of contemporary design, - we meet our old friend, the Aga.
0:06:08 > 0:06:12- Like every room, it offers you - a stunning view of the valley.
0:06:17 > 0:06:20- We chose a few modern pieces - of furniture...
0:06:20 > 0:06:26- ..but traditional furniture looks - as good in a contemporary setting.
0:06:27 > 0:06:31- In some ways, it looks more striking - in a modern house...
0:06:31 > 0:06:34- ..than it does - in a traditional setting.
0:06:34 > 0:06:38- I feel it's very, very important - to grow into the house...
0:06:38 > 0:06:42- ..and you acquire the furniture, - over a period of time.
0:06:43 > 0:06:46- You need time - to decide what suits the house...
0:06:46 > 0:06:50- ..and to discover how you'll - use the rooms of your house.
0:06:50 > 0:06:54- You should furnish your house - according to your needs.
0:07:04 > 0:07:08- The glory of living on a plot - of sloping land...
0:07:08 > 0:07:12- ..is the freedom to create - an interesting design...
0:07:12 > 0:07:15- ..on more than one level, naturally.
0:07:15 > 0:07:19- Down here, on the ground floor, - are the guest bedrooms...
0:07:19 > 0:07:23- ..and this lovely room, - with yet another great view.
0:07:23 > 0:07:26- I can't work out - how this room is utilized!
0:07:29 > 0:07:30- Is it a games room?
0:07:53 > 0:07:55- This is the master bedroom.
0:07:55 > 0:07:59- As we enter the room, - we pass a walk-in wardrobe.
0:07:59 > 0:08:01- It's very spacious.
0:08:01 > 0:08:07- The glass triangle above the door - gives it plenty of natural light.
0:08:09 > 0:08:11- This is an en suite-ette! - Very dinky!
0:08:12 > 0:08:14- It's a palace of marble and slate.
0:08:14 > 0:08:17- What a magnificent shower!
0:08:17 > 0:08:22- This is why they chose this - as their master bedroom - the view.
0:08:22 > 0:08:26- Look across the green fields - and the lovely trees...
0:08:26 > 0:08:29- ..we see England, in the distance.
0:08:29 > 0:08:31- It's raining in England!
0:08:41 > 0:08:45- The main attractions of the house - are the light, the space...
0:08:45 > 0:08:50- ..and, first and foremost, - its location and views.
0:08:52 > 0:08:55- It would be criminal - to have small windows...
0:08:55 > 0:08:58- ..when you have views like these.
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0:09:39 > 0:09:43- The home of furniture designer - Angela Gidden...
0:09:43 > 0:09:46- ..is now - a contemporary, minimal space.
0:09:46 > 0:09:51- This building in Canton, Cardiff, - was once a cheese factory.
0:09:51 > 0:09:56- In the 1970s, one of the few Welsh - fashion successes was made here.
0:09:56 > 0:09:58- Gentlefolk Jeans.
0:10:06 > 0:10:10- Wow! You can see immediately - that this is steeped in history.
0:10:11 > 0:10:14- These huge beams - run across the building...
0:10:14 > 0:10:20- ..and the red bricks - hark back to its industrial past.
0:10:20 > 0:10:24- It was indeed a factory - before it became a luxury home.
0:10:50 > 0:10:55- This glorious, natural wooden floor - sets the style of the whole house.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58- It's polished but not too shiny.
0:10:58 > 0:11:03- You can see its reflection - in the aluminium skirting.
0:11:04 > 0:11:06- The furniture sits low down.
0:11:06 > 0:11:10- Angela designed it all - and it was produced by her company.
0:11:10 > 0:11:14- There are also - some quirky, individual pieces here.
0:11:15 > 0:11:19- These polished, varnished logs - are works of art.
0:11:19 > 0:11:23- This whole room - is reminiscent of an art gallery.
0:11:56 > 0:11:59- Over in the far corner - is the kitchen.
0:11:59 > 0:12:00- It's very simple.
0:12:01 > 0:12:05- Two islands, in effect - one for - cooking and one for washing up.
0:12:05 > 0:12:10- Everything is hidden away in - the cupboards which line this wall.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14- While you're here, cooking dinner...
0:12:14 > 0:12:16- ..you can talk to your guests.
0:12:17 > 0:12:20- Within this perfect picture - of a kitchen...
0:12:20 > 0:12:25- ..the humble microwave - is literally placed on a pedestal!
0:12:50 > 0:12:52- Unlike the open-plan ground floor...
0:12:53 > 0:12:55- ..the loft is defined - by walls and doors.
0:12:55 > 0:13:00- They've been clever enough - to find room for two bathrooms.
0:13:17 > 0:13:19- This is the master bedroom.
0:13:19 > 0:13:22- The glass wall - gives us a view of the hall.
0:13:23 > 0:13:26- There's a simple bed, - in the centre of the room.
0:13:26 > 0:13:31- No matter how big or small it is, - a balcony makes any room special.
0:13:31 > 0:13:35- From here, you can look out - over the rooftops of Canton.
0:13:35 > 0:13:37- Mary Poppins would be proud!
0:14:33 > 0:14:37- The houses of Cardiff were built - at roughly the same time...
0:14:37 > 0:14:41- ..and they tend to be similar, - both inside and out.
0:14:41 > 0:14:44- There are exceptions to every rule!
0:15:05 > 0:15:09- When Thomas Williams - moved to this terraced house...
0:15:09 > 0:15:13- ..he didn't knock down walls - and create open spaces...
0:15:13 > 0:15:16- ..which is the popular - and trendy thing to do.
0:15:16 > 0:15:21- He embraced the house's personality - and used it as a starting point...
0:15:21 > 0:15:25- ..when he created a home for him - and his young family.
0:15:28 > 0:15:34- The surprising thing is the kitchen - is half way along the ground floor.
0:15:34 > 0:15:36- I'd expect it to be at the back.
0:15:36 > 0:15:39- Many people have commented on it.
0:15:41 > 0:15:43- It was a conscious decision.
0:15:43 > 0:15:46- This was such a defined space...
0:15:46 > 0:15:50- ..and it was difficult - to find an alternative use for it.
0:15:50 > 0:15:55- That's why we opted for a small - but functional kitchen.
0:15:55 > 0:16:00- We also decided to cut out a section - of wall, to create more space...
0:16:00 > 0:16:03- ..and to make it more of a part - of the house.
0:16:03 > 0:16:07- The kitchen - is important to most people.
0:16:08 > 0:16:10- It's the heart of the home.
0:16:10 > 0:16:14- It's certainly - at the heart of this house.
0:16:16 > 0:16:21- Some people are obsessed with the - urge to create spacious kitchens...
0:16:22 > 0:16:26- ..in order to combine it with - a lounge area and a dining area.
0:16:26 > 0:16:29- You resisted that temptation.
0:16:29 > 0:16:32- Yes. I enjoy - having a separate dining room.
0:16:33 > 0:16:37- I'm someone who makes a real mess - when I cook!
0:16:39 > 0:16:44- It's wonderful to have somewhere - where I can shut away the mess...
0:16:44 > 0:16:47- ..when I welcome dinner guests - to the house.
0:16:47 > 0:16:50- The window behind you - was an external one.
0:16:51 > 0:16:54- Does that mean this wasn't always - part of the house?
0:16:55 > 0:16:56- Yes, I think so.
0:16:57 > 0:17:01- Several people - have tried to unravel the mystery.
0:17:02 > 0:17:05- I feel there was - an external element to this kitchen.
0:17:06 > 0:17:09- There was a pantry in the corner - behind you...
0:17:09 > 0:17:12- ..and a staff entrance to my right.
0:17:15 > 0:17:19- It's a strange feature - within a house like this.
0:17:40 > 0:17:43- The advantage - of having the kitchen here...
0:17:44 > 0:17:48- ..is being able to use this room, - which includes a dining table...
0:17:48 > 0:17:50- ..as a second lounge.
0:17:50 > 0:17:52- Yes, that was the original plan.
0:17:53 > 0:17:54- I think it works.
0:17:54 > 0:17:58- You can close the door - on the mess in the kitchen...
0:17:58 > 0:18:02- ..and you can block out - the various food aromas.
0:18:02 > 0:18:07- Judging by the cot, I'd say - you spend a lot of time in here.
0:18:07 > 0:18:11- The plan is to spend - more and more time in here.
0:18:13 > 0:18:16- It's a light and airy room - in summer.
0:18:18 > 0:18:22- In the winter, we'll light the fire - to create a cosy atmosphere.
0:18:23 > 0:18:25- It's been stripped, in essence.
0:18:26 > 0:18:30- There's no carpet on the floor - and the lights are in the ceiling.
0:18:31 > 0:18:36- It's a blend of traditional elements - that are a part of the house...
0:18:36 > 0:18:39- ..and a new, fresh approach.
0:18:39 > 0:18:44- I'm very fond of that combination - of old and new.
0:19:08 > 0:19:12- As I enter the lounge, I feel - my feet sinking into the carpet.
0:19:12 > 0:19:15- It gives the room - a sumptuous quality.
0:19:15 > 0:19:18- This shade of green - is warm and homely.
0:19:18 > 0:19:23- It's perfect for exhibiting items - like that Kyffin Williams painting.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27- There's a touch of green - in the sofa...
0:19:27 > 0:19:32- ..and a Castiglioni lamp, - anchored by a huge chunk of marble.
0:19:33 > 0:19:37- This room is a combination - of old and new.
0:19:38 > 0:19:42- There are contemporary touches, - like this Eames chair...
0:19:43 > 0:19:47- ..but the original features - are also respected.
0:19:47 > 0:19:50- Next door, - the original tiles on the floor...
0:19:51 > 0:19:53- ..suggest to me it was a kitchen.
0:19:53 > 0:19:58- It will be a lounge to watch films, - when the sofa arrives.
0:19:59 > 0:20:03- There's a place for the traditional - in what is a very modern house.
0:20:26 > 0:20:27- Wow!
0:20:28 > 0:20:32- I mentioned the similarity between - most Cardiff houses earlier...
0:20:33 > 0:20:37- ..and my theory has been disproved - twice in one property!
0:20:37 > 0:20:41- As you can see from the ceiling, - you can't get much higher...
0:20:41 > 0:20:45- ..without sticking your head out - through the chimney!
0:20:45 > 0:20:49- And yet, - here we find a luxury bathroom.
0:20:49 > 0:20:55- It contains a wonderful bath and a - shower with a head like a sunflower.
0:20:55 > 0:20:59- At the far end, there's a - washing machine and a tumble dryer.
0:21:00 > 0:21:04- It makes sense to strip the beds - and pop the sheets in the machine.
0:21:04 > 0:21:06- This is my favourite room.
0:21:33 > 0:21:37- The middle upstairs room - has been turned into a nursery.
0:21:37 > 0:21:41- That suggests a change - in your circumstances, Thomas!
0:21:41 > 0:21:43- Yes, these are exciting times.
0:21:44 > 0:21:47- We've been very fortunate - to have a baby girl.
0:21:47 > 0:21:49- She was born six weeks ago.
0:21:49 > 0:21:52- Haven't you had a career change too?
0:21:52 > 0:21:56- Yes, I decided to take a break - from work.
0:21:56 > 0:21:59- I'd worked in the legal profession - for ten years.
0:22:00 > 0:22:02- I took a sabbatical - and went travelling.
0:22:03 > 0:22:08- I enjoyed it and, during that time, - I decided to try something new.
0:22:08 > 0:22:11- I had previously - invested in property...
0:22:12 > 0:22:16- ..and I decided to focus - my attention on that, for a while.
0:22:18 > 0:22:21- My aim is to create a portfolio - for the future.
0:22:21 > 0:22:25- I believe that house prices - will continue to rise.
0:22:25 > 0:22:32- Increasing numbers of people will - rent, in the medium and long term.
0:22:32 > 0:22:35- There's a market - for creating rental houses...
0:22:36 > 0:22:40- ..that tenants feel - are their own homes.
0:22:41 > 0:22:46- How much of the interior design - do you tackle yourself?
0:22:46 > 0:22:51- I think it's very important. - I take on several aspects of it.
0:22:52 > 0:22:55- I take care of things like artwork, - crockery...
0:22:55 > 0:23:00- ..and furnishing the houses in what - I consider to be a tasteful manner.
0:23:02 > 0:23:04- It gives me the opportunity...
0:23:05 > 0:23:08- ..to be different from - most traditional landlords.
0:23:19 > 0:23:22- You're an experienced - property investor.
0:23:23 > 0:23:26- Has that minimized - your emotional ties to this house?
0:23:27 > 0:23:29- Will it be easy for you to move on?
0:23:29 > 0:23:32- Will it be easy for you to move on?- - No, quite the opposite is true.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35- It's strengthened my bond - with this house.
0:23:35 > 0:23:38- I have more time - to look at things...
0:23:38 > 0:23:45- ..I have more design experience and - greater DIY skills at my disposal.
0:23:45 > 0:23:48- I've invested more of myself in it.
0:23:49 > 0:23:51- I feel emotionally attached to it.
0:23:52 > 0:23:55- You don't see yourself selling it, - do you?
0:23:55 > 0:24:00- No, not at the moment. We're lucky - to live in a great location.
0:24:00 > 0:24:02- I'm very fond of Cardiff.
0:24:02 > 0:24:05- It's a developing, thriving city.
0:24:30 > 0:24:33- S4C subtitles by Eirlys A Jones
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