When construction engineer Negin Entezarjou stood alone at the viewing of the dilapidated Raby general store – House Dreams, she saw something no one else did: potential. With electrical cables hanging loose, water pipes in disastrous condition and a budget that seemed tight beforehand, she was faced with a project that many would have shied away from. But for Negin, this was the beginning of a dream.
With a budget of SEK 900,000 and a will of steel, she set to work. Despite an autumn marked by cold, damp and a roof that wasn’t finished on time, she stuck to her vision: to create a home that reflected her personality and passion for architecture and design.
Table of contents
From decay to future
With a solid plan and an impressive work ethic, Negin set to work. Her vision was comprehensive:
- Roof replacement: A new metal roof to ensure durability and protection from the elements.
- Facade renovation: Repaint and insulate the facade for energy efficiency and aesthetics.
- Heat pump: An investment of 150 000 SEK to ensure a stable indoor environment.
- Interior renovation: Demolition of old walls, new floors and a total remodeling of the kitchen, hall and living room.
In the kitchen, Negin wanted to create a modern Italian country kitchen without upper cabinets, with a solid marble countertop and recycled cabinets from the previous kitchen. She also planned to build a pantry and install rustic double doors between the kitchen and living room.
Challenges along the way
The renovation journey was far from easy. When autumn arrived and the cold weather crept in, the roof was still not completely finished. The moisture from the rain that seeped in created further problems, especially for the newly laid chipboard flooring.
Despite the fact that the heating system was not working as planned and the house was only maintaining five degrees, Negin decided to wait to buy a new heat pump. It was only after pressure from family and friends that she finally made the decision to invest in a new pump.
Electrical problems, stubborn workmen and cold nights created constant challenges, but Negin persevered. As a civil engineer, she had the knowledge, and as a person, she had the will to solve every obstacle that came her way.
The final result
When Gert Wingårdh and Anne Lundberg returned to see the finished result, they were met with a transformation that exceeded all expectations.
The kitchen: A beautiful Italian country kitchen with a solid marble counter, open shelves and a second-hand gas stove that Negin found for only 4000 SEK. Reclaimed cabinets and careful detailing gave the kitchen a timeless charm.
Hallway: Grand arches, high ceilings and a red and white checkered tile floor created an entrance that set the tone for the entire house.
The living room: Open to the ceiling with exposed beams and rustic double doors. A place that breathed both space and warmth.
Despite the many challenges, Negin came in under budget by SEK 30,000 and created a home that both impressed and inspired.
Facts about the house
Purchase price: SEK 2.3 million
Location: Raby, Skurup
Size: Approximately 114 sqm (kitchen, hall and living room)
Budget for renovation: SEK 900,000
Closure
Negin’s journey from a run-down house to a personalized and beautiful home is a story of courage, stubbornness and an indomitable will to follow her dreams. Her careful planning, smart financial decisions and attention to detail made the project not only possible, but a success story.
