Letchworth born and bred, Tom Hardy is ideally placed to be the garden city’s Business Improvement District (BID) Manager.

Herts Advertiser: Tom hopes to live in Letchworth Garden City again in the futureTom hopes to live in Letchworth Garden City again in the future (Image: Archant)

Though he’s recently moved to Biggleswade, Tom hopes to return to Letchworth in the future. He shares his property secrets...

Where are you from originally?

I was born and grew up in Letchworth Garden City.

Herts Advertiser: Tom's new kitchen needs some TLCTom's new kitchen needs some TLC (Image: Archant)

When did you buy your first property?

We got the keys to our first property on November 9. The house is in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire. It’s in need of considerable restoration, very damp with lots of structural issues!

What do you like and dislike about it?

We really liked the house as we wanted a project and something we could make our own. I dislike the fact we are not living in Letchworth Garden City as we both work there and I have lots of great memories in Letchworth.

Herts Advertiser: The property will be updated throughoutThe property will be updated throughout (Image: Archant)

Why did you decide to move?

The location was key for us as my wife, Emily, commutes into London three times a week so we need to be near the train station. We’d have loved to live in Letchworth Garden City but the prices are out of our budget.

Which other areas have you lived in?

Before we moved to Biggleswade I had only ever lived in Letchworth.

How would you describe your home in three words?

Herts Advertiser: Tom promoting his hospitality business, Elsie RoadTom promoting his hospitality business, Elsie Road (Image: Archant)

Damp, old, homely.

What do you like and dislike about the area?

I like how quiet our area is and that it’s only a 20-minute drive from Letchworth town centre. I dislike the fact it doesn’t have a similar organisation to Love Letchworth who run lots of exciting annual and regular town centre events.

Have you changed much about your house since you’ve lived there?

Yes! We have stripped the house right back ready for the new kitchen, bathroom and plastering to be fitted. We are planning to have some major damp and timber work done as well as structural work on the chimney and supporting beam. This will hopefully make the house a more comfortable place to live and increase its value.

Herts Advertiser: Tom's new home is in BiggleswadeTom's new home is in Biggleswade (Image: Archant)

Where do you shop for interiors items?

As this is our first home we have spent a lot of time stocking up on all the basic items as well as furnishings and decorations. Letchworth town centre has been great for all sorts of items. We have looked around Martins and the new Ponden Home Interiors on Leys Avenue as well as finding some unique vintage items in the Wynd, Green House Market and the Arcade.

What’s the best thing about your home? And the worst?

The best thing is it has working electrics, heating and water! The worst is all the time and money needed to get it up to a more liveable standard.

Herts Advertiser: The house has damp, among other issuesThe house has damp, among other issues (Image: Archant)

If you could live anywhere, where would it be?

Without a doubt, Letchworth Garden City! The town centre has seen so many new shops and restaurants arrive in past few months, it’s a great place to eat, drink and shop.

Do you see yourself moving on in the near future?

I would hope that we could afford to move back to Letchworth Garden City.

What would your dream home be like?

I am not into new build houses. A very old dusty rundown house in the right location would be perfect for me!

Find out more about the Letchworth BID at www.loveletchworth.com/bid.