Hi original poster! I know it’s 7 years since you asked this but would love to know what you did. We are not in a similar position with a similar looking house at the back but even steeper. I know that a full extension and lowering the internal floors would be ideal but we can’t afford that and need a 5-7 year fix. Please let us know what you decided and why ☺️

Hi I had the same dilemma with the dining part of my kitchen. I love the brick wall effect so decided to try a wallpaper as it's only a small wall. I'm really pleased with the results. It cost me just £9 for one roll from B & Q. You can only tell it's wallpaper by getting up close and touching it - before and after photos attached.

Hi - we had a similar problem as sloping gardens can be the norm in South Wales! We originally had wooden decking - which as everyone has said has maintenance and slipping issues - but changed to composite decking after about 10 years. This is terrific as it's non slip and so easy to brush down. The only thing you need to be careful with is rust which can mark it. Having said that if you love wood there are non slip solutions that are quite effective. With regard to the sides we have glass and covered metal supports which not only stop small children flying off the edge but also add a decorative finish. The beams underneath the decking raise it to the same level as the patio doors so it's quite seamless moving from house to garden. The beams are protected by the decking so they just needed a top up coat of something that smelled disgusting when we replaced the wood with plastic. There are two steps down to the garden and again we've never had any problems as they are quite wide and deep. Oh! And I have had a number of cats living here and expected to find corpses of the rats someone else mentioned...nothing just the fattest spiders you've ever seen. Yuck! Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

Hi there, This property sounds and looks like a great purchase! We would normally recommend committing on an interior decor (i.e. furniture etc.) before choosing the rooms main feature (fireplace) colours and materials. Once you know your interior style then you can make the fireplace and fire really stand out with the correct colours and finishes to complement your style of living. We would love to see the finished photos when you make your decision! Design Spec Ltd.