Couple who bought derelict mansion by mistake due to auctioneer's accent move in
A couple who bought a derelict six-bedroom mansion by mistake after getting confused by an auctioneers accent are finally moving in after renovating it.
Cal Hunter, 26, from Hull and Claire Segeren, from Toronto, were hoping to lay their hands on a cut price city centre flat in Glasgow for £30,000 but found themselves with the 120-year-old in remote Dunoon.
At the auction, Cal was tasked with placing a bid. But accidentally picked the wrong unit and they ended up with Jameswood Villa - an uninhabitable property in Dunoon on the Cowal peninsula.
A brochure with information about all the lots was left on each seat, and there was a screen behind the stage displaying the corresponding number.
But when the flat the couple had planned to buy came up, the screen glitched and Cal raised his hand - expecting a bidding war- but found himself alone.
Inside two-bedroom house up for auction - and it could be yours for just £12,000
The couple bought their new home by mistake (Sunday Mail)He told the Guardian: "The problem was auctioneers speak fast, and this one had a strong Glaswegian accent: I was really struggling to follow.
"I couldn’t believe it when nobody tried to beat my opening offer. Then a few things happened at once: the gavel fell, the screen switched on, and the bloke next to me asked in my ear, 'Mate, have you seen that place?'
Cal recalled looking up, and he was filled with "dread" as he realised the number on the page and the one on the screen were "definitely not matching".
The young couple appeared on BBC One Scotland show Accidental Renovators as they faced a daunting list of problems for the property, which had lay empty for more than 30 years.
The property hadn't been lived in for 30 years (Daily Record)TThe foundations needing repairing, a new roof would have to be installed, masonry above a bay window had collapsed, and all the timberworks inside the 19th-century building were rotten.
Ignoring expert advice to demolish the house, they decided to sustainably bring it back to life instead, despite never renovating before and with just £10,000 in the bank.
They decided to live in a caravan in the grounds while they undertook the first challenges, including clearing the huge amount of debris in the building and making the structure secure by raising the roof.
Now, the couple has confirmed their house has finally been signed off by inspectors - after a four-year renovation.
The couple lived in a caravan during the renovation (Daily Record)Sharing the news on social media, they said: "The Inspectors have SIGNED US OFF!!! We can officially - legally - live in Jameswood and call her our home.
"We have had many moments of joy throughout this project, and likely an equal amount tears - but these have been my first tears of joy. It was such an overwhelming and exciting moment for us."
The couple are planning on turning the property into a holiday rental, with a bookings website to open on July 16 and availability from mid-August this year.
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The renovation has taken four years (Collect)The couple continued: "With this sign-off, we can also, soon, welcome you to our home. We will be opening up our holiday rentals' booking website on Sunday, with availability starting mid-August!
"We have loads to do to get everything ready for visitors, but we're excited to share with you our furnishing and finishing process over the next few weeks.
"When we started this journey, I had no idea of the immensity of the task we were about to take on (that naivety was probably for the best, in some ways!) I had no idea of how powerful and life-changing this journey would be for us. We have learned so much, about each other, ourselves.. And restoring houses.
"We've grown up in this time, we've learned how to problem solve, face challenges and just get on with it. We have made lifelong friendships, and become a part of amazing communities, both locally, and globally, online.
The house has been signed off by inspectors (Collect)
One of the finished bathrooms at the property (Collect)
"From the bottom of our hearts, and with our deepest sincerity, thank you. Thank you for joining us on our adventure, for supporting us at every step of the way. For every "well done" that has kept us going. Your support has made an immense difference to us, and it has been a privilege to share this journey with you all.
"This isn't the end - we will share as we tackle our garden projects, and finish our our apartment, which has taken a seat on the back burner in the name of our holiday rentals. And though we don't know what lies beyond this journey, I am sure we will soon have new exciting adventures unfold, of which we welcome you to join us on."
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