There are plenty of ways to expand the space in a 1930s classic semi but most of them involve getting the builders in to graft on an extension.

However, a property called Colwood in Military Road at Hilsea clearly demonstrates that much can be achieved through internal alteration without changing the external appearance or increasing its footprint.

“Colwood is one of those houses that really retains its 1930s style, even having its name set in the glazed panel above the original front door,” says Colin Shairp, of Town and Country Southern estate agents.

“It’s a design many are familiar with although at Colwood the use of a first floor jetty on the double height bay means there’s a much better floor space in the main bedroom than a simple curved bay window can provide.

“The house is also from the era of mock Tudor black and white render and woodwork decoration extending into the top of the bay’s gable, a curved brick entrance porch protecting the front door and a delightful oriel window that throws plenty of light into the bathroom.

“The typical floorplan of these houses involved two downstairs reception rooms, normally the sitting room at the front where guests could quickly be shown in and a dining room at the rear sometimes, as in this case, with French windows into the garden.

“Sometimes, the kitchen could feel smaller than it really was and in this case opened into a rear lobby with a utility to one side, probably the former coal shed, and a cloakroom to the other.

“At Colwood, the dining room and kitchen have bene opened up through creating an interconnecting archway. It gives a real feeling of space especially with the white finish for the walls and kitchen units.

“Both the sitting and dining rooms have their original open fireplaces and original panel interior doors are also a feature.

“Upstairs, all three bedrooms now have fitted wardrobes while the bathroom hiding behind that oriel window is modernised, tiled across the floor and up to the ceiling, and again very light because there’s a small side window, too.

“In an age of growing prosperity among professional classes when the house was built, the garage was seen as a status symbol and this house has one attached. Equally important was a long garden and here the plot measures 85 ft in depth, with a long lawn stretching back from the terrace immediately adjacent to the house that’s flanked by mature shrubs and trees, with an apple tree at the bottom of the garden.

“Military Road is perfectly placed for access to commuter routes, schools, and local facilities – this truly is an appealing family home.”

 Guide price is £339,995 (EPC Band D). For more information, contact Town and Country Southern on 023 93 277 288 or email sales@townandcountrysouthern.co.uk

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