A COUPLE looking for their next big project are moving on from their first home after completing a major renovation.

Helen and Matthew Schollar bought 190 Park Avenue in Barrow 15 years ago, when they were both just 19. Since then, they have lovingly restored their 1900s home to its former glory.

Mrs Schollar, a team leader for patient transfer for the North West Ambulance Service, said: “The decor was nothing to be desired when we moved in. We basically stripped it back to the brick, especially downstairs, and started again.”

The couple weren’t afraid to get their hands dirty, and did plenty of work themselves, including knocking down an internal wall and fitting plasterboard.

They called in the professionals when needed, which means the house has been completed to a high standard. The refit also respected the period features - the coving and skirting boards downstairs were in such a poor state they had to be removed, but were replaced in the same style.

Mrs Schollar said: ”Because we were young when we bought the house, we lived with it for quite a few years. Then about 12 months ago we decided we were going to sell it, so most of the work has been completed in the last year.”

The pristine kitchen was completed last July - and it isn’t just for show.

Mrs Schollar explained: “Matthew is an excellent baker, so he loves to be in the kitchen.”

The fitted appliances - a filter cooker hood, four-ring gas hob, electric fan-assisted oven with grill and integrated fridge, freezer and dishwasher - are

all included in the sale. The black work surfaces, grey tiles, white high gloss units and fitted LEDs all contribute to a modern look.

With two reception rooms, the terraced house is ideal for entertaining. In the first reception room, a multi fuel stove sits on a slate tiled plinth, finished with a solid wood mantle.

Mrs Schollar said: “The stove heats the whole house, but there is also a double radiator if you prefer to use the central heating.”

The oak effect laminate flooring continues into the second reception room which is accessed through a feature archway.

The decor throughout the house is deliberately gender-neutral, so it will appeal to a range of buyers. Wallpaper is contained to a single feature wall in each room so can easily be changed to the new owner’s taste.

Picture frames have been attached with sticky pads rather than nails, so if the buyer loves the decor there should be no need to change it.

Upstairs, the revamp continues into the landing, three bedrooms and new, modern bathroom. Two of the bedrooms are doubles, while the third could be used as a single room or study. The second bedroom has a decorative original fireplace with cherry red chimney breast feature wall.

The landing has an airing cupboard and allows access to the loft for further storage.

Park Avenue boasts plenty of on-street parking, but the property also comes with a brick-built single garage, accessible from the rear yard. It is well kitted out for use as a workspace or utility, room, with electric light and power, water tap and wall mounted Potterton combination boiler. There is also space and plumbing for a washing machine.

And while Park Avenue in Barrow may not be as ritzy as its New York namesake, Mrs Schollar believes the house couldn’t be in a better location.

She said: “As dog owners it’s been brilliant for us, you can just pop to the park. You are close to town, but it has a nice quiet feel.”

Transport links are also excellent, with the main bus route passing nearby in Abbey Road, and Barrow train station just a short walk away - handily, as Mr Scollar works as a signalman on the Furness line, working anywhere between Bootle and Grange.

Park Avenue also has The Park Leisure Centre, Furness Academy, Greengate nursery, infant and junior schools and Tesco Express all within a few

minutes’ walk.

While it has been the perfect property for them up until now, the Schollars are now looking for their “forever” home, and are hoping to buy a larger house as Mrs Schollar’s mum will be moving in with them. This sale has the added benefit of no chain, as until they find their dream home, the couple are moving into a friend’s empty property - and will be helping to renovate that as well.

Mrs Schollar added: “I really enjoy interior design, I’d be bored if I didn’t have a project!”

An open house has been organised to take place this Sunday, from 10am to 4pm. Contact Corrie and Co to book a slot.

190 Park Avenue, Barrow, is for sale at £134,950 with Corrie and Co. For more information, to book a place at the open house this Sunday, or a viewing at any other time, contact Corrie and Co, at  68-70 Duke Street, Barrow  or on 01229 244013.