A recent transformation has breathed new life into what was once described as 'Britain's most disgusting home.' Sara Haigh, a 65-year-old pensioner, dedicated three years and £100,000 towards turning a decrepit property in Plymouth into a family haven. When Sara first encountered the house on Camperdown Street during a rushed 15-minute viewing in 2021, she was overwhelmed by its grim state, both inside and out.

The exterior of the three-bedroom semi-detached home was shrouded in overgrown ivy and weeds, standing in stark contrast to the clean, colourful facades of the neighbouring properties. However, the real horror lay hidden within. Upon entering, Sara discovered floors buried under a mountain of rubbish, including food wrappers, plastic milk bottles, and unsanitary conditions that harboured rodents and flies. The scale of neglect was shocking; she noted, “Grime caked the walls, mould had taken root, and a ceiling had collapsed.”

Despite the daunting task ahead, Sara’s experience with home renovations over the past two decades inspired her decision to undertake this challenge. The couple, along with Sara’s partner Paul Brown, 70, recognised they could transform the property into a family home, bidding £145,000 at auction. “While we tried to do as much as possible within our abilities, it was clear we needed help from tradesmen,” she recalled. However, finding reliable professionals proved difficult, resulting in disputes over incomplete work and even legal action to recover costs.

Sara faced scepticism from her family, who could hardly believe their sister would purchase such a notorious property. In fact, while on holiday, her sisters spotted an article labelling the home as 'Britain's most disgusting property', leading to a mix of laughter and disbelief. Despite initial doubts, Sara and Paul committed themselves to turning the house around, repairing the roof, installing new plumbing, electrics, and gas central heating, and transforming the overgrown garden, which was once described as 'a jungle.'

The lengthy renovation process culminated in a stunning transformation, with the property now listed for £300,000—potentially yielding a £55,000 profit for the couple. The revamped home now boasts several features ideal for family living, including a modern kitchen, spacious bedrooms, and a large outdoor area complete with a patio and lawn. Reflecting on the journey, Sara expressed pride in their achievement, noting, “I’m proud of all of it... it does look amazing compared to what it was like.”

Locally, the property has garnered attention due to its dramatic transformation. Jordan Greenaway, a property partner with Purplebricks, emphasised the care taken in refurbishing the home, stating, “This has been renovated to a high standard throughout. After seeing how the property was before, it is a whole new property.”

Sara’s journey demonstrates not only resilience and innovation but also highlights a growing trend in coastal renovations, where homeowners increasingly turn neglected houses into inspiring retreats. Similar stories across regions such as Cornwall and Devon showcase the creative potential of revitalising rundown properties, merging traditional architecture with modern aesthetics to create unique living spaces. Such transformations not only revive individual homes but also contribute positively to the communities in which they are located, blending personal vision with the charm of coastal living.

The story of this once-desolate house is a testament to the power of dedication and vision, encouraging others to see potential where others see only decay.

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Source: Noah Wire Services