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AdrianC

NameUnavailable said:

greatcrested said:

I'm no fan of upside down cake myself.

(and especially not tinned pineapple!)

Terrible invention. Probably one of Fanny Craddocks!

You can't blame her for this one...

It's just a variation of the classic Tarte Tatin, which goes back to the 1880s. Substitute pastry for sponge, job jobbed (recipe ruined).

The variation is documented back to the Great Depression, somewhat appropriately...
https://www.newspapers.com/clip/60062910/pineapple-upside-down-cake/

Jeepers_Creepers

pbhb said:

No, the grass verge will provide me with a double parking space without having to navigate the narrow piece of road I use now and will mean my garden can become garden instead of parking and a turning spot. The right of way is over a shared parking area that is owned by two people. It’s all a bit confusing! 

NoShhhSherlock.

In your first photo we see a gravel drive, a patch of grass to its left, and 'the' other patch of grass to its right, and there's a shed there too.

Oookaaay.

Who does the grass on the left belong to? And the drive? And the patch on the right is the bit owned by 'them' that you wish to buy?

You have 60-year rights to access over that gravel drive? What then? What happens then?! How do you get to your house?

The patch to the left - if that is yours, could you gain access to your house over than by turning it into a driveway? Or will you be completely stuffed in 60 years time (into a box or in terms of this house)?

I'm guessing you don't have a mortgage on this house? Because if access is removed in 60 years time, it's a bit like having a 60 year lease on a property - pretty much unmortgageable, I'd have thought?

Robroy79

Just approach them and ask - if they don’t use it and it’s not adjacent to their home then they may just appreciate the cash you’re offering. Be polite and accepting if they say no, you could say “if you’re interested in selling it then I’m interested in buying it” - this makes it their decision.

GaleSF63

What has everyone got against pineapple upside-down cake? Looking at that picture makes me want to go and make one! Then put a bit of cream on it...

greatcrested

GaleSF63 said:

What has everyone got against pineapple upside-down cake? Looking at that picture makes me want to go and make one! Then put a bit of cream on it...

If you must, at least use a fresh pineapple!

Davesnave

Fanny Cradock was ahead of her time. Not only did she manage to have a succession of husbands, including two at once, as the picture shows, she often had a Johnny in reserve.

maxsteam

Personally, I would not ask straight out. I would simply try to catch them when they are cutting the grass and have a friendly chat. I would compliment them on how well they look after the grass and say that they are so lucky to have such good access to their house and see what sort of response you get. You might learn, for example, that their treasured pet is buried under that land. I would not ask about buying the land unless there was some hint that they might agree. If you do later get to the stage of asking and if they agree, you should ensure that the transaction is properly registered with the land registry otherwise future disputes may arise.

Davesnave

People rarely want to lose land around their property, but the OP's idea of exchanging some private rear garden for this rather public detached strip of grass looks to me like it might have legs.

The OP might also need to offer a cash incentive, because their apparent need for the grassed area is probably greater than the neighbour's desire for an enhanced garden space, but they could open negotiations by suggesting a straight swap + legal fees.

Mickey666

Davesnave said:

Fanny Cradock was ahead of her time. Not only did she manage to have a succession of husbands, including two at once, as the picture shows, she often had a Johnny in reserve.

Don't mention the doughnuts . . .