IT WAS once a notorious eyesore – but now a Basingstoke home that was derelict for 15 years has been given a new lease of life.

As previously reported by The Gazette, planning permission was granted in September last year to turn 89 Worting Road – a former four-bedroom house, in Brookvale – into an 11-bedroom shared home.

And after scaffolding on the property was removed last week, the transformation has been completed.

Local developers Phil and Lynda Emptage embarked on the mission of transforming the property, which has been home to squatters during its empty phase, at the start of the year.

The property will now offer a collection of 11 “stylish, executive suites” aimed at professional tenants to rent, with the property offering good links to the town centre.

Each “suite” offers a fully-furnished bedroom and en suite room and there is also a communal kitchen, a large dining area, and laundry stations on the ground and first floor, which include a washing machine, tumble dryer, iron and ironing board.

In addition to the transformation inside, eight car parking spaces have been provided as well as a landscaped garden complete with a built-in barbecue, oak garden furniture and automatically-operated security lights.

Paul Broomham, a lettings director at appointed agent Jones Robinson, said: “The all-inclusive concept on offer at The Red House hasn't been seen before in Basingstoke, and it would be a challenge to find a similar development across the whole of Hampshire.

“The Red House is perfect for professional tenants looking for a Monday to Friday crash pad, or for renters seeking an upscale entry point into the Hampshire lettings market.

“Nothing has been overlooked at The Red House. These suites offer the ultimate in turn key, low maintenance rental living. The landlord here is going the extra mile to improve the standard of living in Basingstoke.

“All rooms, upon occupation, will include a 19-inch flat screen TV/DVD, tea and coffee-making facilities; a full-length mirror, cabling for Sky TV, BT Infinity fibre optic broadband, and a full furniture and accessories pack.

“Tenants can literally turn up and move in straight away, with the added convenience that all bills are included in the monthly rent.”

Forty-six people attended an open house event at the property last Saturday and successful applicants will now be chosen to rent the 11 executive suites.