I have to admit that I'm one of those individuals who finds it very difficult to admit defeat. Coupled with my keen interest in and stamina for house hunting, I certainly wasn't going to let the last disappointment put me off continuing the search for our characterful home.
There were several to choose from which appeared to tick many of our boxes and, one in particular, with the prestigious B17 postcode. Details had been posted on one of those, 'We don't rip you off when selling your house' websites and all arrangements for viewing were done directly with the vendor...and what an interesting set up this was!
The house itself was Victorian and had 3 storeys with a 'self contained' flat on the top floor and was jointly owned by two individuals who were not a couple. Much of its external character had been destroyed by the introduction of uPVC windows along with a rather unsightly reconstruction of the original porch. However, all was not lost as much of what had been lost could be reinstated over time.
The property next door was also for sale and had been for very many months. Naturally, we'd viewed it a few days before and were horrified at how much it had been violated by the current owners. Also Victorian, this house had been rendered in a coarse tone of sandy yellow with, again, panes of glass strangled by uPVC. The interior design was a combination of mock Queen Anne laced with a hint of 1970s chintz, screaming brass light fittings alongside dark mahogany furniture. The 'conservatory' appeared to be the result of a sixth former's weekend woodwork project finished just in time for Saturday teatime telly. I daren't even guide you upstairs.....!
My apologies for digressing - back to next door. Now, this solid house had Minton tiles in the hallway, high ceilings and one or two original features. The potential was evident and as we toured each room, it became a strong contender. Flushed with the disappointment of losing the other house and smarting at the speed in which we needed to act to safeguard our mortgage offer, I was keen to start thinking about making a decision particularly as we could still get this through with our current lender....just! With its large rooms, ample space, sizeable garden, garage with rear access, convenient proximity to the girls' school, local shops and other essentials, I felt well able to cope with the property's tired persona and, by now, the mood board was already firmly fixed in my mind.
We arranged to revisit the following day with children and grandparents in tow to assist with that all important decision. But there was one thing that we'd overlooked....
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