Since we were married on 2nd October 1965 we have had several different homes.
We started in a furnished flat in Torquay, a three story terraced house built probably around the turn of the century.
Our flat was on the top floor and we had to share the bathroom and toilet facilities with the landlord and his wife. Friday night was bath night!
Difficult to believe now that it was quite common in those days as some people did not have bathrooms and the toilet was outside!
The kitchen was very old fashioned but we bought a fridge and an electric cooker and, my pride and joy was -
A larder unit just like this one
A marvellous design with the pull down Formica work surface. Loved it.
In 1967 we bought our first home, a modern almost new terraced house.
The very modest start on the property ladder. The porch was added after we left.
This was home for 6 years and where Emma was born. Before Emma was born we adopted a cat from the RSPCA – still have the certificate somewhere.
A black and white moggie who had his own kennel in the back yard.
In 1973 we moved to a new 3 bedroomed semi detached Wimpey house.
This is it now. Has not changed much and our extension on the back is still there.
This is where we were living when my Mum died and, having secured sheltered housing for my Dad', we were able to move a little further away from their home.
Next in 1978, was a detached 2 bedroomed bungalow with fabulous views over the bay.
A new top story extension has been added recently and we would love it back now. Looks fab.
Next, 1980, was a 4 bedroomed semi in Torquay. Lovely modern house backing onto woodland.
Brandy, our golden retriever just loved the swimming pool 3 doors down!
In 1984 a large house came on the market in Paignton. A house I had admired as a kid walking past on my way to visit friends.
Built in the 1920’s it was full of character and, although it stretched our finances to the limit, I just had to have it.
The room in the roof is a new addition. We stayed here until 1994 – a record.
Then came our Holiday Apartments.
Now sadly neglected – see the crumbled gate pillars.
A wonderful house to live in, full of Victorian splendour set in about an acre of grounds. Olli would drive his battery car up and down the grass slopes and Sam and Sophie, our golden retrievers, just loved meeting all our guests.
!998 was not a good year, I had a serious breakdown and it was obvious we would have to sell the business.
In May 1999 we moved back to Paignton to a 4 bedroomed modern detached property.
Probably the best house we had for design but, it was so overlooked at the back, that I felt we lived in a goldfish bowl.
So, 2001 saw our move to our current home.
Very old fashioned we ( yes, the Royal we!) have done lots of alterations including, a utility room,
a large sun deck,
a carport,
and inserting dormers into the roof to create 2 double bedrooms and a bathroom.
Fishponds
A wonderful home, absolutely perfect. Lazy summer days spent on the deck , eating al fresco with friends and family,
Where next ????????????????
Somewhere with a smaller garden or no garden – an apartment.
Downsizing is now looking attractive for many reasons, not least that we really do not need all this room and , as we are getting older, we want less work and more holidays.
I SHOULD ADD THAT MOST OF THESE PHOTOS CAME OFF THE INTERNET VIA GOOGLE STREET VIEW. CLEVER STUFF EH?
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