Was It Worth It?

[Millymollymandy]

I hope you do find somewhere and best of luck.

[Thomzo]

We did just this with our last house it was a total and utter wreck, it was also a listed property which made everything much harder to get things done and more expensive. It was about 300 hundred years old and had been an old Ale House many moons ago. We fell in love with it straight away and had to have it. From the outside it had the perfect chocolate box look, people were always stopping to take photos. Little did they know how we lived inside. In a two year span we had the roof done twice, yes the first chap made a right pigs ear of it. For the first year we had buckets, bowls even plastic bin liners taped to the ceilings to try and keep the water out. In the kitchen and utility room we had a stream running through. Leaves used to blow in the windows when they were shut, that first winter was to say the least a challenge.Sue

Sue, sounds like you and I lived in the same house for a while. A couple of decades ago (yelp) my ex (well he wasn't my ex at the time, obviously) and I bought a 400 year old farmhouse with a couple of acres. It was officially classed as uninhabitable but we moved in all the same. The 'shower' was caused by a hole in the roof of the bathroom, the windows didn't shut, the heating didn't work, we had power cuts for days at a time but it was wonderful. We also had to have the roof done twice (although in our case it was because of the stupid listed building rules which just didn't work) and had a stream in the kitchen when it rained (we didn't need a fridge).

Sadly the relationship didn't work out. He and I had different ideas about how the house should be renovated. I wanted it done, he couldn't be bothered.

I've bought several do-er-upp-ers now without ever knowing where the money is going to come from. There's a surprising amount you can do yourself (although less and less with the current building regs) and a surprising number of builders who will do bits and pieces for barter if you don't have the cash. But you do need to have nerves of steel and no kids.

Just don't mention this thread to Annpan.

Zoe

[spider8]

Err yes, I did wonder if Annpan would blow a fuse on reading this thread.
And no, we don't have kids - phew!
Now another bit of land is on the market......here we go again!

[pelmetman]

As Sue said our last house was very old and needed alot of work But what she didn't say is that with the exception of 2 they all needed alot of work

The first detached residence we bought (some people might call it a mobile home ) was on a naval caraven park it had a touring caravan attached to the front for extra bedrooms But it needed alot of work as the roof leaked etc and just after we bought the navy said they were closing the park down but we did it up and had a couple of enjoyable years there and some mad parties

When we sold we got what we paid for it which was a surprise as it was sold to a dealer (so without a pitch) who took it away when they closed the site

After that we managed to buy bricks & morter a 2 up 2 down which needed alot of work, when my mother saw it she burst into tears ........................... I didnt think it was that bad
Which we replumbed, eletrics, new windows, etc and even landscaped the back garden/yard which was unheard of in those times, I think the gardening bug was starting to get hold then Our neighbours thought we were mad, but they soon started gardening once they saw what you can do in a small space

The next place was by our standard ok but we did the usual Kitchen, bathroom, decorating etc and of course the garden

Then we bought the big one that Sue told you about, I have to confess it was a lot of work, money, hassel etc ...........but I do miss it

The place we have now was designed by an architect for himself, it is designed to look old as he used reclaimed bricks and has fancy barge boards etc and is a lovely house with plumbing that works! a roof that dont leak! loads of built in storage huge kitchen etc etc...................but if I had the chance of a wreck I would be off tomorrow........................ or would I because as you get older common sense finally starts to creep in and I would think long and hard about it as we enjoy other stuff now like gardening and being away in our old camper

But if you are young and up for the challenge,or you're old and mad like me (I still might ) go for it

Dave

[pelmetman]

I don't reckon much to your chances once Sue reads this post Dave

I doubt she has barrowed more than 50 tons over the years I reckon there must be another 50 in her before I send to the knackers yard ..................................................................

Dave

[spider8]

Well this latest plot isn't a go'er as it is slap bang up against another house. Didn't like it's position either and even my Dave said he didn'tlike it (phew!). Oh well, carry on looking............
Oh and Dave, we're 49 so not young but not past it just yet.......I think

[MuddyWitch]

As Spider8 & I are the same age, I'll thank-you for both of us, SusieGee!

As you all know, we are about to head over to the Emerald Isle. What you probably don't realise is that we are going to buy a wreak & live in a static whilst we do it up.

Now, there are three distinct benefits to this: firstly it'll be much cheaper, secondly we'll end up with the place exactly how we want it, not how some architect thinks we should have it, but thirdly neither of our daughters are prepared to stay with us till we have it finished!

They have both said they'll book into B & Bs till we have 1) a roof, 2) walls, 3) running water, 4) heating. Going on the fact that it's taken us 11 years & this place still isn't finished, we should avoid all the icky stage with grandchildren as yet unborn!

Seriously though though Spider8, when your place is ready for you it'll find you.

MW

[Millymollymandy]

Good luck MuddyW!

[spider8]

Good luck indeed MW and I hope you'll share your experiences with us all here.......please .

[pelmetman]

Good Luck Muddywitch from us to. Hope all goes well for you and you get the house of your dreams.
Sue

[MuddyWitch]

Aww thanks, all

Spider8, I truly meant to inspire you, not usurp your thread, sorry.

MW

[spider8]

Not at all MW, wishing you well and being curious of how you get on and what happens. We viewed another place last weekend but although it was in a wonderful spot, we couldn't afford to buy it and do it up/extend the cottage......the quest for 'the place' continues............