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But dreams really can come true or so it seems in John Lloyd Jones and his wife Jackie Quantock's case. John and Jackie, who both work in the world of finance, were previously living in Islington, London before moving to Cardiff a year ago.
John, who is originally from Llanddewi-brefi near Tregaron describes himself as a "house anorak" and he was the one who'd spotted their majestic Cardiff home featured in a copy of the glossy Period Homes years ago.
"I fell in love with the house straight away and I remember telling Jackie, when I return home to Wales - which I wanted to do before I was forty - I'd like a house just like it," says John, who admits that he can't pass an estate agents without stopping to have a closer look - even on holiday.
"We couldn't believe it when the house actually came on the market a year later. We were actually gazumped the first time around and we lived in a flat in Cardiff Bay for some time while continuing to look for a house. But we just couldn't get this house out of our minds and luckily for us the deal fell through and we were offered our dream home."
"I really wanted a period house and I love the huge square rooms and high ceilings of this house - they're all in perfect proportion. I'd always dreamed of a house of stature which resemble the kind of pictures kids draw of house - with a door in the centre and windows either side, a path going up to the door and clouds in the sky! And that's exactly what we've got," adds John.
The house was actually built in 1909 for an eminent jeweller in Cardiff and there's even a walk-in safe in the house, where Jackie and John have turned into an amazing drinks "cabinet". The huge tiled hallway leads off to the ample sized reception rooms, all clutter free and tastefully decorated in neutral tones with classic pieces of antique furniture in keeping with the period of the house.
Although John and Jackie have only lived there for a year they've already started giving the house their personal stamp. They've transformed the top floor of the house into a stunning bedroom and office and also updated the kitchen which is now a thoroughly modern affair. Their next plan is to update the living room which leads from the kitchen.
"We love entertaining and this is house if perfect for that. People always tend to congregate in the kitchen but there's plenty of room in the rest of the house as you can see. And when Shan Cothi starts playing the grand in the front room you know you're in for a party," says John.
They've also had a new bathroom. Mind you, there are already three bathrooms in the house including one with stunning Roman frescoes commissioned by the pervious owner who loved all things Italian.
But there are plenty of Welsh influences too, from the gorgeous oak antiques from John's home near Llanddewi-brefi to the stunning works of art by local artist Ogwyn Davies.
From the glorious stained glass windows to the Italian 'folly' in the garden (seeing is believing - don't miss Wednesday's programme!) John and Jackie are obviously living their dream and still can't believe their luck.
"We knew straight away that this was the house for us. There's a great feel here and we both know we've been extremely fortunate to find it."
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HOUSES from past programmes
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