Looking around at the peeling plaster, crumbling brick and exposed pipes, I let out a happy sigh. 'I love it,' I grinned to my husband John, then 38. It was September 2016 and we had just picked up the keys to our brand new house in Sheffield.
Beautiful Georgian proportions with stunning period features, it was perfect for our family of five - if you could look past the derelict interior...
We'd renovated a few houses before, but this was our biggest project yet. And, back living with my parents, I was looking forward to getting started. Only, within weeks we found that the whole central heating system needed replacing, a cost we hadn't foreseen, and we still had so much to pay out for. 'There must be some way to do it cheaper,' I said to John.
I'd been buying second-hand clothes for our three daughters, Alexandra, then 12, Thea, eight, and Camille, seven, on eBay for years, but I'd never ventured past the fashion tab. Only now I started looking through the home and interiors section. And, to my surprise, there was so much on offer.
Denne historien er fra April 25, 2022-utgaven av WOMAN'S OWN.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra April 25, 2022-utgaven av WOMAN'S OWN.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
'SEEING MY NAME ON TV IS SURREAL'
Loose Women newbie Olivia Attwood Dack on joining the hit show, marriage and career goals
THE MISSING PIECE
My earliest memory of my older sister Priya wasn’t one where she was present, but rather, the realisation of her absence.
WEEKNIGHT WINNERS
Rustle up these tasty family dinners with just five easy ingredients
SMILING THROUGH CANCER
Like most mums, when my kids are upset I’ll do almost anything to turn their frowns upside down, whether it’s making Max, 11, his favourite chocolate cake or putting on silly voices for Georgia, eight, when she’s had a bad day at school.
BRAVERY AMIDST SUCH HORROR
The Woman's Own columnist has her say on dinner time, posh grub and wet summers
RELAX & RESET
For farm-to-table food and a game-changing spa, head for the dramatic Dolomites
HELP! I'M TURNING INTO MY MUM
As the years pass, Heather Main, 39, realises she’s inheriting more and more of her mother’s traits
I WAS MISTAKEN FOR MY HUSBAND'S MISTRESS!
When Gemma Loveden, 38, lost l6st, a family member was convinced she was someone else...
Denise confesses I'MA MORNING SEX PERSON'
Never one to mince her words, Denise Welch is much-loved by fans for her refreshing honesty.
Cat & Ben SNUBBED!
Are the This Morning hosts feeling disgruntled after missing out on an NTA nomination in favour of Alison?
