: Interiors - At the bottom of the G arden.

Byline: Sue Ormesher

WHEN lawyer Kathryn Hughes was unable to find her dream home in leafy south Liverpool she decided to build her own in the garden of her parents' house.

She recruited close friend and architect Joanne Dacre to design a four-bedroomed house and the result is a stunning home which stands out among the pre-war semis in the quiet residential road. ``We could never have afforded this house in this area if we were buying it,'' said Kathryn, who shares the home with her husband Richard, also a solicitor. A four-bedroomed semi can sell for pounds 200,000 plus in the area.

Kathryn, Richard and Joanne came up with the design, with input from all their friends, and Joanne produced a model of what she envisaged. The couple secured a mortgage with a specialist company that releases sums of money in five stages and were involved in the fine detail.

They moved in last autumn and instantly fell in love with the property which features huge windows, allowing the light to flood in, a galleried landing and a tall, sky-lit porch with exposed brickwork.

The house has a Scandinavian feel with beech laminate flooring and white walls throughout, broken up by the occasional print. A drawing of a Barcelona square in the lounge holds special significance, being the place where Richard proposed to Kathryn. The lounge is simply furnished with an ultra-modern fireplace, black leather suite, a Subutteo table and music system with twin mixing desk - a concession from Kathryn that allows Richard to indulge his hobbies.

The porch connects the front and back doors and has exposed brick on one side and a glass facade on the facing side. Architect Joanne suggested that the couple personalise a brick so one features the year 2001 and four lines of a song, Can't Take My Eyes Off You, which the pair danced to at their wedding.

In fact, peering over the ash balustrade of the landing, a dizzying experience, you can see the brick through the glass wall and, depending on your eyesight, just about read the words. ``Our friends have laughed saying it's a bit cheesy,'' admitted Kathryn. The kitchen and dining room are open plan and should Kathryn or Richard need to know the time in New York, Sydney, Hong Kong or Los Angeles, a collection of unusual wall clocks keeps them informed.

The dining area leads on to the garden, allowing Kathryn an excellent view right into the back of her parents' house. ``Some people might not like being quite so close to their parents but I love it and mum can be over here in two minutes,'' said Kathryn.

Kathryn and Richard began looking for a home several years ago but found the whole process frustrating. They would find a property they liked, put in an offer then would be asked if they could go any higher. ``We didn't want to get into negative equity by being forced into bidding higher than our budget allowed and thought how wonderful it would be to build our own house. We looked into buying the land at the bottom of mum and dad's garden, part of which belonged to the neighbours. ``It was a really mad time but has been worthwhile and I can't ever envisage wanting to move,'' added Kathryn.

CAPTION(S):

AT HOME: A dreamy bedroom, modern bathroom fitments and connected dining and living areas add a contemporary feel to Kathryn and Richard's home; LET THERE BE LIGHT: Large windows and high ceilings create light and airy rooms which are minimalist in decor from the living area, kitchen and the staircase Pictures: Tracey O'Neill