When Emma Potter first saw a three-bedroom house in Molesey, Surrey, online, she dismissed it immediately. The property needed extensive work, and she initially shied away from even viewing it. But recalling her golden rule — never discount a house until you've seen it in person — she decided to take a look.
Upon viewing, she was won over by its potential. She purchased the house for £635,000 and invested an additional £60,000 in renovations. An estate agent later estimated its market value at £720,000 to £730,000, though that was over a year ago.
A long-awaited move
Emma, who works in marketing and is also an artist, moved from Raines Park near Wimbledon, where she had lived for 25 years. She wanted a larger house, a bigger garden, and a stronger connection to nature and community. Molesey, near Hampton Court, offered a village vibe, with favourite cafes and antique shops along Bridge Street.
She moved in on August 17, 2023, after a stressful buying process. Mortgage rates were rising, and she faced delays due to the probate property and chain complications. She even pulled out at one point but managed to complete, locking in a 2.24% five-year mortgage rate.
A fixer-upper with history
The house had not been updated for decades. It still had original 1930s lighting, wallpaper from around 50 years ago, and layers of carpet, lino, and newspaper flooring, with the newspaper dating from the 1950s. On the day she got the keys, Emma and friends removed all the carpet within the first hour.
Over 18 months, she completed a full rewire, moved plumbing, replaced radiators, removed a redundant gas fireplace, converted a bedroom into a bathroom, replaced windows, supported the chimney breast, and installed a new rear roof. The only untouched area is the kitchen, which is functional but not to her taste.
Design with personality
Emma's interior style features three colours in every room, which she says works despite friends' skepticism. She decorates for herself, incorporating finds like £20 charity shop curtains and a vintage bed potty turned planter. Her favourite spaces include the garden in summer and the lounge in winter, which she says "gives you a hug."
She appreciates the lack of houses behind her and the 15-minute walk to the river. While she loves her home, she doesn't see it as her forever home, hoping to travel more in the future. For now, she's content, viewing herself as a guardian of the property rather than an owner.
