What happens when you combine a property developer, an interior designer, and the perfect investment opportunity? A trendy London townhouse that will leave you green with envy, that’s what. However, this incredible property transformation, that netted a 20% return on investment, didn't just happen overnight. Check out these incredible before and after photos and discover how the duo worked their magic...

With experience developing over 50 properties, Hugo van Bilderbeek is well-versed in breathing new life into rundown structures but for this project, a fortuitous collaboration with designer Elnaz Namaki really pushed the property into the realm of design dreams. 

When Hugo, founder of HvB Development, acquired this dilapidated Notting Hill house in 2015 it was in a sorry state; the pipes were leaking, the floors were uneven, the ceilings had fallen in and the house was deemed unsafe to live in. Despite this, he could still see the potential to create a truly special space.

Somewhat surprisingly, HvB Development took the risk of buying the house without planning permission. The self-funded renovation required three planning applications, covering a proposed basement extension, alterations to the front and rear façade and the creation of a roof terrace. Each planning stage had objections and went before the committee but eventually, approval was granted. The property was fully stripped out and all floors, ceilings and non-structural walls were removed.

When the house was purchased, its decor was in a dire state. In 2017, HvB Development brought Elnaz onboard to revamp tired rooms, such as this guest bedroom, into something exceptional.

With creative vision and a palette of luxurious materials, Elnaz transformed these uninspiring interiors into true works of art. Before, the kitchen was a blank canvas, void of character. But just wait until you see it after she worked her magic...

The partnership between Elnaz Namaki and Hugo van Bilderbeek meant that close attention was paid to both the interior design elements and the home's architectural details, from the conception of the project to the end. Here's what the first-floor reception room looked like before they got to work...

It takes true vision to take a tired, unloved space and turn it into something that's both beautiful and practical. You won’t believe what this old utility room looks like now...

If you want to create a designer home that's going to make you money, you have to ensure your design principles continue throughout the property. Even rooms like this bathroom, which wasn't too bad compared with the rest of the house, underwent a complete makeover.

The most daring part of the project was the creation of a new basement level, where Hugo and Elnaz decided to incorporate a gym, media room, cloakroom and utility space. It's hard to imagine the end result looking at this empty shell, but let's just say the finished space isn't short of wow-factor...

18 months on, the facade is crisp and classic – but the most spectacular changes are found inside. 

Hugo decided to create a new floor level below the house, adding a basement to the property. This was achieved by extending the building’s foundations downward, to the front, rear and sides of the property. A new staircase was also added to connect the ground floor with the new basement level.

Gone is the dreary boxed-in room, replaced with an effortlessly stylish open-plan space. A sleek central island frames the scheme, complemented by gorgeous Farrow and Ball cabinetry and statement pendant lighting. The reimagined room is light and airy thanks to Crittall-style doors that open out onto a pretty south-facing courtyard.

Now complete, wooden floors replace drab carpet, while white walls create an air of calm. We love how they've utilised the alcoves either side of the fireplace to create extra storage spaces, insetting gold-backed units for a glamorous flourish. 

Who wouldn't want to while away an hour or two reclining on this plush pink sofa, getting lost in a good book? What was once a largely forgotten and wasted space, is now one of the home's more coveted areas, with a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf, sculptural lighting and exquisite ceiling detailing.

The wood panelling in the guest bedroom was removed, replaced with cool shades of blue which reflect light from the new sash-style box windows beautifully. We can't believe the stunning transformation of this former eyesore into one of Notting Hill’s most stylish homes.

This opulent bathroom scheme, featuring a freestanding bath, wet room and his and hers sinks, complete with marble floors and walls, is much more in keeping with the rest of the newly designed house than the previous worn three-piece suite.

The duo agree that the basement is the most successful part of the renovation. Traditionally, basements have a bad rep as dark and dingy spaces, devoid of natural light. But here, the basement boasts 3-metre high ceilings and a large light-well that allows natural light to pour down into the new level. 

High ceilings mixed with swathes of glass create an airy, spacious feel. The duo are big on the finer details too – using a soundproof Crittall glass wall to separate the gym from the media room. Hugo and Elnaz clearly know what they're doing: within two days of putting the property on the market, it sold for £4.5m. With development costs amounting to £1m, it netted them a healthy 20% return on their investment.

Hugo has this advice for budding developers: “The language used by banks and investors is ‘cash flow’ and ‘budget’, so you must be able to demonstrate your ability to understand and control these funds by using spreadsheets or other accounting programs. I still use the Excel spreadsheets I designed 10 years ago. You can't raise funds or progress in development if you are unable to present and understand costs and expenditure on a project." 

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