Life's Work
'We all get there, even if the road is a little windy and bumpy'
FIRST HOUSE!
A three bed mid terrace house at Thorneville Terrace, Oreston, Plymouth was actually Julzs' second house... the first was a studio apartment in North Hill purchased at age 18! This apartment was bought with a 105% mortgage form the Alliance & Leicester Building Society and was a stepping stone to greater things. It provided £1000 profit after just six months of moving in that covered purchase costs (including solicitor fees and deposit) for the old probate house which was run down and had plenty of structural issues. After six months living with broken windows and no heating during the winter(!) a Council grant towards 75% of the renovations works helped towards completion of a new two storey extension. Managing a rebuild of a single skin brickwork kitchen add-on, Julzs was able to think - even back then - of the idea to move a bedroom wall and create a landing to the new bathroom in the replacement two storey extension. To make ends meet she shared the house with lodgers!
PORTUGAL PLEASURE
A previous employer from London tracked down and moved Julzs to the Algarve in 2005 to take on the mighty task of beginning the off-plan sales for villas at the fabulous location of Vale da Lapa, Carvoeiro. This 3.5 acre greenfield site attracted attention from buyers all over Europe. Julzs had a hand in design decisions for the villas and the club house, working with the owners and architect. Buyers had a great tour of the Algarve and other domains of similar quality to compare. The beauty of the Algarve was enjoyed on the transfer to Oceanico Resorts and a spell working with a specialist in the recovery of ancient olive trees.
FRENCH CONNECTION
The opportunity to work in France came after a spell in London working with a french property agent and a chance meeting at an international property show. Encouraged by friend, Eric Feron, Julzs was living and working in Nice soon after and stayed for a period of five years until 2005. Selling real estate and new build for Conseil Patrimoine (frenchrealestate.com) she learnt much about construction and investment. Julzs completed a project to convert her own one bedroom bourgeois apartment (on the fourth floor without a lift!) into a two bedrooms with new kitchen and bathroom. The french language was a cinch after that!
CORNISH COTTAGES
On return to the UK in 2010 for family it was hard for Julzs to find the right position. The experience gained abroad, and having had some dealings with rentals in both France and Portugal, Julzs fell into the role of Property Consultant for Cornish Cottage Holidays. After meeting her partner, Graham, she became involved in holiday home repair, re-modelling and management. Training for the PTLLS teaching qualification she now runs workshops for all aspects of holiday home ownership. In 2013 Julz set up Home Cornwall Ltd to offer her knowledge and property related services. She has a select number of loyal clients as she undertakes studies for BA(Hons) Architecture RIBA Part 1.
EARLY EXPOSURE!
Julzs married Swanny and lived in Bantham in the early 90's. Swanny, a local surfing legend, is rarely on camera so a picture of The Sloop says it all! She spent three years supporting her husband in his studies in architecture at Plymouth School of Architecture. His inspiration led to a project on Plymouth Hoe and a desire to know more about buildings. Swanny is a great artist and can still be found surfing in Bantham.
SEAMAN'S BETHEL
In 2015 Julzs and partner, Graham, bought a rather unusual property in Falmouth and slowly went about the renovation of the entire building including the replacement of the roof. Every effort was made to save features of this historic structure and respect its past. Julzs project managed the work and today the house has six en-suites and runs as a successful holiday let and student lodging. The house is particularly well constructed with the most impressive 200 year old timber frame raised on a jetty system over a stone walled ground floor. The original staircase remains as does two of the original queen post trusses and scorched coal tar sarking used decoratively in the Sundeck penthouse.
TESTIMONIALS
“Julia is an intelligent and professional woman who knows what it takes to get things done. She is organized and efficient and looks after client´s needs. Her marketing and client services skills are apparent in her approach to doing business.”
Marcela Boturao, Exclusive Algarve Villas
“Julia is a highly motivated professional, very enthusiastic about her job with great knowledge on her field of expertise and a good team worker. It was a pleasure to work with her and I wish her all the success in her future.”
Brigida de Sacadura Cabral Trindade, Sales Manager, Pestana Hotel Group