Preserved in aspic

Continuing our search and finding another suitable wreck proved to be quite a breeze as we were wafted into the parallel road where (although we weren't aware at the time) there were 3 potentials.

A 'For Sale' board usually gets me twitching with excitement and this little gem was no exception. The house which had all of the original windows was painted black and white and bellowed its potential to those who cared to notice and there were few who were interested in this rather sad neglected gem.

Prior to viewing, we got to meet as many of the neighbours as we possibly could. There were several like minded families a stone's throw from the property with houses which had been lovingly restored.....wooden windows, original stained glass main doors, Minton floor tiles etc. They spoke fondly of the area but also had tales of woe regarding one or two of the rented buildings nearby but, on the whole, the vibe was positive.

Viewing day arrived!

As we crossed the threshold there was a rush of excitement as we stepped onto original tiles into the dark hallway with peeling wallpaper, retro coloured paint and detailed cornicing. We were literally stepping back in time as the house had not been occupied for several years. The owner, an elderly lady, now lived in a care home and the house was being looked after by her nieces who lived in a seaside town in the south west. It was becoming increasingly difficult for them to trek from Weston super Mare to Birmingham on a regular basis and, as costs were ever increasing, the house had to be sold.

My husband was immediately taken with the house. Almost everything had been preserved....windows, fireplaces, patio doors, flooring etc. The space was immense but I felt less keen. Although we had met some great neighbours, the ones that the house was sandwiched between were proving more elusive and were not available after several attempts to meet them. The properties were definitely occupied by tenants and in a poor state of repair which left me feeling vulnerable and suspecting that it would be quite a task to get hold of the landlord should any issues arise. But, oh, this house was a beauty which left me sorely tempted and in a real dilemma!