Hidden Dream Property
A brave mum took a leap of faith and purchased a house she had never seen, even though it needed extensive work and had a grim interior. Jill, a single mother of two, found her dream property in Cork, Ireland, during the UK lockdown in 2020. Unable to view the house in person, Jill and her partner Noel decided to take the risk and start their renovation journey.
From Divorce to Dream Home
Jill's journey to her dream home began after getting a divorce and becoming a single mother. She never thought she would have the opportunity to live in her ideal property. However, a few years later, she met Noel and started a new chapter in her life. With a joint income and a growing family, Jill stumbled upon a huge property in Cork that stole her heart.
Blind Purchase
Despite only seeing a single picture of the house online, Jill and Noel made the bold decision to purchase it. The house had been vacant for 25 years and was in desperate need of renovation. But the couple saw the potential and embarked on their "self-build journey" without hesitation.
Unlocking the Hidden Home
Once lockdown restrictions were lifted, Jill and Noel were finally able to collect the keys and explore their new property. Surrounded by forests and sitting on six acres of land, they knew they had made the right choice.
From Outdated to Unliveable
Upon entering their new home, Jill and Noel were greeted with a grim interior. The kitchen still had old milk cartons and dirty dishes in the sink. The toilet was cracked, and wallpaper was peeling off the walls. Dusty curtains hung in the background of the lounge, which still held ancient furniture. Undeterred by the state of the house, Jill and Noel rolled up their sleeves and got to work.
Documenting the Renovation
Jill and Noel are sharing their renovation journey on YouTube, offering a glimpse into their transformation process and the challenges they face along the way.
Adding Value on a Budget
This story follows a trend of homeowners increasing their property value through renovations. One couple managed to add over £135,000 to their home's value while only spending half that amount on renovations.
Affordable DIY tips
For those looking to make affordable improvements to their homes, a DIY fanatic has discovered a way to transform kitchen worktops in just a few hours for less than £15.
