Tracey recalled: "When we came to look at the house I knew in the first five minutes it was right for us.The garden was overgrown and it was clear a lot of work would need doing, but after only 15 minutes in the house we decided and bought it within 10 days."I really knew it was the house we needed to have." Tracey who has aspirations to refurbish more homes, used her instinctive design skills to transform the house which had a 'chintzy' look. Four small rooms were transformed into a large living space and an open plan fitted kitchen installed complete with an eight-ring gas range cooker, which gives families a space to live and breathe. The original Art Deco style was the inspiration for the refurbishment project, aided by information by previous owners Anthony and Patricia Hotham who have retained an interest in the house's history since they lived there in the early 1960's. It was the house's rich heritage that really caught the couple's imagination. Anthony recalled: "The house was built by Higgs and Hill, who were highly respected builders and it is clear how Oscar Deutsch used his earlier work to design this house. He was already gaining recognition for his Odeon design so I don't suppose he had a lot of time to build one-off houses, but you can clearly see where he gained his inspiration."

Today the house, which stands in extensive mature gardens, still makes the most of its elevated setting opposite Lickey Woods, but inside there are other surprises. Vibrant wallpaper has been cleverly used in rooms and the master bedroom, with its wraparound terrace, boasts a luxury en suite shower room. There are four further bedrooms, two with en suites but, said Tracey: "There is still the opportunity to create more bedrooms. We have done as much as we want to do but that doesn't mean someone else cannot come and leave their mark on the place."

The Princes' legacy is likely to live on in the home. Cleverly placed lighting now illuminates the back of the property - the ideal backdrop for the gardens that have been given a new lease of life. Original photographs helped Tracey coordinate the refurbishment project, which she said, has given the house 'a softer, modern feel that compliments the Art Deco style'. Walls were moved, windows replaced and extensions built in the bid to return the house to its original glory. She added: "This is a house that can wrap around you. The hard lines and curves come together and I think it is a lovely place to live - there is something special about the house and I love it." Until the house is sold the Prince family will continue to enjoy its facilities. The open air swimming pool will be a perfect haven if a long, hot summer arrives, but for Tracey she now hopes to find a fresh challenge. "I really enjoy living in the house - there is so much more about it than simply buying a newly built property. The gardens are wonderful and the home has a real style but I now ant to take on another project so it is time to move on."Lickey House is once again back on the market - another sequel in a home that continues to make all the right impressions.