The Nicholson family, with two young boys, live in a 1960s end-terrace in a small Oxford development.

“It was always cold and dark,” says Joanne. “We’d end up huddled in the kitchen because it was the only warm room. The rest of the house just never felt comfortable.”

With draughts, high bills, and no real living space, the house wasn’t working. They wanted a home that could grow with their family – and decided to take the plunge with a deep retrofit.

Working with Cosy Homes Oxfordshire, the Nicholsons tackled the fundamentals first: insulation for the walls and roof, modern glazing, and better ventilation. Solar panels were added too, giving them clean electricity and even exporting power back to the grid on sunny days.

The difference it made

The house now holds warmth throughout, feels brighter, and no longer costs a fortune to heat.

“Our home is now so nice and cosy. You almost get used to it, and it feels like a regular home – until other people visit. Then they say, ‘Wow, it’s so warm! Do you really not have any heating on?’”
– Joanne Bowlt, homeowner

Why it matters

For the family, the biggest change is peace of mind. No more battling draughts or spiralling bills – just a comfortable, modern home that works for them.

Watch their story

In this video, the Nicholson family sit down with one of our Retrofit Coordinators to talk about their journey. They share what it was like living in a cold, draughty house, the improvements they made, and how it feels now to enjoy a brighter, warmer, more comfortable home.