A Little History

When we purchased the house we realized there would be a lot of work involved in making the house comfortable for living in as it seemed nothing was recently done to the house by the elderly occupants. As such there are some damp patches on walls that need attention, the windows need replacing (some of them are jammed, the chords broken and frames rotten). There is also some guttering that is leaking. However, its not all doom and gloom, the house exhibits some lovely characteristics such as high ceilings with beautiful cornice and some original fireplace surrounds.
Drawing Room Cornice

Sitting Room Cornice


Drawing Room Fireplace

The dining room had the fireplace boarded up
Dining Room Fireplace

Behind it was an original cast-iron fireplace which is unfortunately damaged beyond repair.

We also found this gem, an Edwardian Servants bell box.
Servants Bell Box

The bell box is in the breakfast room and still in working order. There are a number of doorbell type buttons alongside fireplaces and when you press them, the bell in the hallway rings and the indicator on the bell box moves.
Drawing Room Fireplace


You can imagine that in the past the residents would be seated by the fireplace and press the button to call their butler or servant. I think we would probably require something that allows ringing the rooms of the kids to call them down for dinner!

The hallway also has this wooden parquet flooring.

Hallway Flooring


We're not sure if we'll keep it as the hallway is a little dark so a lighter flooring may reflect more light.

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