Buying an 1800’s (ish) cottage

sophreeves

We’re looking at buying the below cottage. 

We currently live in a new build house so obviously this is a complete contrast. 

The house is the end terrace of a block of 3 cottages - the other two cottages being grade 2 listed. The one we’re looking at was built slightly later, hence why it is not grade 2 listed. 

I’ve read a few bits online about cottages being money pits in terms of maintenance, but I wanted to get others opinions with it being in such a good condition at the moment? 

I’ve also got a major phobia of mice and have read comments that it’s really hard to keep mice out of cottages - what are other peoples experiences? This cottage is on a fairly busy road and backs on to fields/hills. 

Whilst on here, has anyone got experience of building extensions on this type of house? The house got planning permission for a 2 storey extension to the side (where the out building is) back in 1993; we’d need to get new planning permission but this would future proof the house for us. Likewise, we don’t want to spend more on the extension than the house is worth!! 

Thanks all

sophreeves

It won’t let me post the Rightmove link to the house!!
It is a solid stone cottage that has been rendered at the back. Here’s some pictures instead! 

Mutton_Geoff

Sloping ground can be an issue, ground water running towards the back of and under the house. Building into a slope is extremely expensive. Looks like someone has done a load of cosmetic work so doubt you could add any value. I wouldn't like to live on a main road.

AdrianC

sophreeves said:

We’re looking at buying the below cottage. 

We currently live in a new build house so obviously this is a complete contrast. 

The house is the end terrace of a block of 3 cottages - the other two cottages being grade 2 listed. The one we’re looking at was built slightly later, hence why it is not grade 2 listed. 

I’ve read a few bits online about cottages being money pits in terms of maintenance, but I wanted to get others opinions with it being in such a good condition at the moment?

EVERY house can be a "money-pit in terms of maintenance".

Make sure the survey you get comes from a surveyor who understands heritage properties, and won't look at it in the same way as a 1990s build.

I’ve also got a major phobia of mice and have read comments that it’s really hard to keep mice out of cottages - what are other peoples experiences? This cottage is on a fairly busy road and backs on to fields/hills. 

It's really hard to keep mice out of any building. Mice live in fields.

I would suggest getting a cat, but every single mouse (rabbit, bird, squirrel) that comes into our (c.1750ish) house gets brought in by the damn cat.

Including the one it put in my croc yesterday.
Alive.
While I was wearing it.

Whilst on here, has anyone got experience of building extensions on this type of house? The house got planning permission for a 2 storey extension to the side (where the out building is) back in 1993; we’d need to get new planning permission but this would future proof the house for us. Likewise, we don’t want to spend more on the extension than the house is worth!!

Why not just buy a house that's the size you want already? It'll be a lot cheaper than buying-and-immediately-extending to turn a house into something else.

davidmcn

sophreeves said:

I’ve also got a major phobia of mice and have read comments that it’s really hard to keep mice out of cottages 

I really don't think mice are fussy about what the estate agents call it, as far as they're concerned it's just another building where the humans keep lots of food.

FreeBear

Ask the vendor if any damp treatment work has been done - Specifically, waterproof plaster on the bottom half of the wall. If this has been done, budget for an expensive repair bill to remove it.

Beyond that, the photos don't really give any indication as to the state of the building. The fresh paint could be hiding a multitude of sins, or it could show that the place has been well looked after. You need a surveyor to have a good poke around.

Falafels

I owned a cottage for years, and it WAS a money-pit initially - though with periods lasting sometimes a couple of years when nothing major was going wrong. I also left it in good condition for my purchaser. Get a full survey report from a surveyor who works with historic properties, which will give you the information you need to make a decision.

Regarding rodents - I had a rat in the roof space for a little while, but never saw any evidence elsewhere (easily dealt with by local Environmental Health), but no mice. There were really cute wood mice in the back garden, and they were all called Gerald. These little fellas only come into houses during very cold weather, and you just have to be vigilant about any spaces which would permit them to make an entry, bearing in mind that they can squeeze through incredibly small apertures.

robatwork

AdrianC said:

Including the one it put in my croc yesterday.

I always used to respect your no nonsense approach Adrian. However our internet "friendship" is over. You've gone too far.  And it's not the mice I have an issue with.

caprikid1

I think you know the answers... it will be high maintenance and have occasional mouse visitors but I have no doubt it will be a home like a new build never would be for me.

youth_leader

The best thing I found to block the many and various shaped holes I had in my listed old house were the metal pan scrubbers, they can't chew through them. 

clive0510

My sister and her o/h live in a 200+ year old cottage in devon. and it is as you suggest a constant money pit. painting, replacing woodwork. had problem with the old fashioned cast iron gutters, and they had difficulty in finding the parts for it. also bear in mind, those old houses had no damp course, which back then was ok, because each room had a fireplace, and so the fires kept the house dry n warm. one last thing, what ever you do, get it surveyed.