Breathing new life into Larne homes

News
How the new two bedroom fully accessible bungalows look.
How the new two bedroom fully accessible bungalows look.

Two bungalows in the Seacourt Estate in Larne have been rebuilt, transforming the area and providing much needed, top quality homes. These one bedroom semi-detached bungalows at Seacliff Road, originally built in 1977, were badly damaged by fire a few years ago.  

These one bedroom semi-detached bungalows at Seacliff Road, originally built in 1977, were badly damaged by fire a few years ago.  

The bungalows were frequently targeted by vandals and fell into disrepair.  All that remained of the properties were the original two metre high walls.

An appraisal to determine the future of the bungalows was carried out, and it was decided to reinstate both bungalows, providing fully accessible two bedroomed bungalows.  

The bungalows have been reinstated to new build standards and are fully accessible, with gas heating and additional space, providing improved mobility for the new tenants.

New tenant Claire Taggart is a wheelchair athlete, and Boccia Paralympian.  She is the first female British Boccia champion from Northern Ireland in her classification, and will be competing in the UK Championships in June 2019.

Claire is delighted with the safety and independence she now enjoys.  She said:

“I love my new home, it’s close to my parents and yet a comfortable distance away for me to live independently. As a wheelchair user it was dangerous and stressful for me and my parents, they had to carry me up the stairs every night to my room.  

"After waiting for years I now live safely in my own home that suits me perfectly.”

Mr and Mrs Kane, are also over the moon with their new home next to Claire.  Mrs Kane said:

“Being able to live here has given me my independence back.  I am recovering from back surgery and having all I need on the one level is great.  The house is lovely and warm too.”

Area Manager, Mairead Myles Davey is pleased the Housing Executive has been able to rebuild these bungalows for people wanting to live in the Seacourt Estate.  She said:

“I’m delighted we’ve been able to rebuild and allocate these homes to people on the waiting list.

“Not only have the bungalows improved the lives of our new tenants but, as they occupy a prominent site in the Seacourt Estate close to the local shop, the reinstatement enhances the appearance of the whole area.”