: Homes: School is in a class of its own.

WITH three young children and another on the way a converted village school would appear to be the best place for a home for the Webber family.

But this is definitely a base for grown-ups too. A light, stylish home where all signs of the previous dark, two bedroom conversion have been swept away with a minimalistic broom.

Arthur and Frances Webber moved here in 1996 and, in January 2001, moved out again for ten months while the entire place was gutted and rebuilt to their design.

``We knew we wanted four bedrooms and two bathrooms, a large living area and kitchen, with having three children,'' says Arthur. ``But we also wanted to bring light into the house.

The resulting big, open living spaces have meant that two-year-old Ava, three-year-old Honor and ten-year-old Jacob can play wherever they are.

``Everything had to be minimalistic,'' adds Frances. ``I hate clutter and ornaments. I want clear spaces and people have stopped buying me ornaments as presents.''

Out went the purple 1970s bathroom and the Webbers decided to let there be light with 64 spotlights throughout the house, as well as natural light flooding through stone mullioned windows.

This is reflected off pale but interesting walls, glossy vanilla units with chrome handles, light pine work surfaces and steel Neff appliances in the kitchen. The light oak floor and doors also help bounce back the light.

This looks like a cook's kitchen but Frances confesses that she is not one for spending too much time at the stove, instead she has been delighted with the utility room. ``I know it sounds mad,'' she says. ``But with three children I've spent a lot of time by the washing machine.''

One of four original buildings in the tiny village of Gwaenysgor, the school was built in 1874, but interestingly seems to have closed only five years later. Still, the original bell remains and could have been used to ring in the Webber's own expanding class of children except that the family are now off to pastures new.

l The Old School is for sale at pounds 295,000 with Williams Estate Agents, Prestatyn 01745-888900 and Peter Large, Prestatyn 01745-888100.

CAPTION(S):

LESSONS IN LIVING: The Webbers completly revamped the village school to create a home with light and airy living space