Living where you used to work is not everyone's idea of the perfect place to put down roots.
But when scenery builder Mike Weston found out that Bellway were building new homes on the site of the former ITV studios in Cardiff where he used to work, he knew it was time to move home.
The 45 year-old worked at the studios in the late 1980s and early 1990s building scenery for television programmes for S4C and popular shows such as The Max Boyce Show, and he remembers the time at the studios fondly.
He says: "I was a little surprised to find out that the studios were closing, but television show production has changed over the years. Soon there will be no large studio space in Wales."
"I grew to really like the area whilst working at the studio," Mike reminisces, "It's not too far out of the city and right next to the countryside with amazing views. And importantly, just a stroll to the local pub The Horse and Jockey."
The time spent with ITV at the Culverhouse Cross location helped him to make the life changing decision to move the family.
"I took a keen interest in what was happening to the site, I was contacting the Bellway office even before they were advertising the homes, let alone building them."
Mike's wife Lesley was totally in agreement with the proposed move to Mike's former workplace. She says: "“We put our name down for a house before any were built, which meant I was able to choose the kitchen and many other fixtures and fittings that I wanted.”
Mike continues: "We wanted a new property and I was drawn to the old site, I feel I have a connection with the area, and I have fond memories of the site."
The St Lythans Park development, off Old Port Road, was made possible after ITV moved its studios to Cardiff Bay. The studios were subsequently demolished in April 2015.
Mike and his family were the first people to move into the site of his former employers before Christmas.
"We were here for 3 months before anyone else even moved in; we were like on-site security!"
But Mike isn't the only one in the family that feels drawn to the site.
Mike's Mum and Dad are seriously considering moving to the development too. And why do they also fancy the area?
Mike laughs, "Well, my Dad worked at the studio too, as a scenery and set painter, so I guess we're keeping it in the family."
