A remarkable four-bedroom cottage in Cambridgeshire, entirely covered in hand-painted portraits, has been listed for sale, offering buyers the chance to own one of the UK's most distinctive properties.
The Story Behind The Canvas House
Robert Petryszak, 58, began transforming the exterior of his 19th-century home in the charming village of Haslingfield during the 2020 coronavirus lockdown. What started as a personal project to combat the monotony of working from home has resulted in 139 individual plywood artworks adorning the property's gabled walls.
"The pandemic has done different things to different people," Mr Petryszak explained. "I was working from home throughout the lockdown and staring at my blank walls. I'd sketched over the years but I had this idea of painting the murals."
He began cautiously, painting "low down, behind the fence as to not upset the neighbours," but as he built up the artwork row by row, the local community embraced his creative endeavour.
From Local Curiosity to Tourist Attraction
The property, now officially labelled as 'The Portraits House' on Google Maps, has become a genuine local tourist attraction in its own right. Visitors often come into the garden to admire the collection, which features portraits of people, animals, and still-life compositions like flowers.
"I learnt more and more, painting on a ladder before switching to using plywood," said Mr Petryszak, who sources inspiration from Instagram. "It took me four years to fill up the house. Everyone has welcomed it."
The artist maintains the display by swapping out pieces when they show signs of wear and tear, ensuring the exterior remains vibrant and well-kept.
Property Details and Market Position
Now on the market for £450,000 with estate agents Emoov after 25 years of ownership, the property offers more than just its extraordinary exterior. The listing on Zoopla details four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a spacious dining room with French doors leading to the garden.
Particularly notable is a separate home office that doubles as a music room, described as "big enough to be used as the fifth bedroom downstairs."
For Mr Petryszak, selling the property represents both a practical decision and the conclusion of a significant personal chapter. "It's an outward illustration of my journey learning to paint," he reflected.
He expressed satisfaction that his artwork will remain with the property, noting that "it's become part of the fabric of the village" and that he can "leave them with the house, knowing they'll stay." The Portraits House stands as a testament to how lockdown creativity unexpectedly created a new landmark in this picturesque Cambridgeshire village just six miles south of Cambridge.
