This project is the renovation of a 1930s 2-bed double fronted property in London’s most affordable borough - Barking and Dagenham. The owners, Fifi (26) and Jamie (25) bought the property 2 and a half years ago as first time buyers, recognising the potential of a distinctive house in what remains an often overlooked part of the city.

With the help of award-winning architects, Resi, the pair have transformed the property beyond recognition. A new 18sqft extension runs the full width of the property to the rear, into which sit a new kitchen and dining space. The extension then wraps back into the existing living room to give a single large L-shaped main living space. Other works include the creation of a new guest suite on the ground floor, reconfiguring of the upstairs plan and full rewiring and re-plumbing throughout. The resulting property boasts 4 beds, 2.5 baths and a modern, bold aesthetic. Careful design choices including a neutral palette and the use of greenery and wood create a warm, distinctive property.

This property’s location made it affordable to buy and then to renovate and the owners hope to inspire others to follow suit and embark on their own renovations with open-mindedness and vision. As the city marches east, and post-Covid 19 Londoners once again crave space over centrality, no doubt soon Barking and Dagenham will experience the kind of transformation seen in Hoxton and Shoreditch over recent years. In the meantime, like an early adopter of a new technology, or a landing party ahead of the army, this property sits proudly ahead of the curve.