Pensioner splits dream home in two

August 20, 2017 by Brendan O'Neill

Home owners

A pensioner who didn’t want to move out of his dream home, decided to split it into two properties instead.

Ken Hill, aged 82 years old, had bought the house in 1975, for just £5,300. The property is a listed building, dating back to the 1500s. Following four years of extensive renovation, Hill moved into the property with his wife Jean, and their children.

The building was previously a feed mill, located by the riverside in King’s Lynn, Norfolk. The derelict building had three storeys, former stables and a warehouse, and sat among a row of period houses. According to Hill, the property was his dream home and he used to sit eating his lunch while thinking of his future plans for the home.

However, when his wife passed away, Ken found that the 10-bedroomed home was too large for him. He decided to split the property into a couple of two bedroomed apartments. He lives in one of them, and he rents out the other to a couple. By converting the property into two flats, he has been able to remain in his home, among friends and family. In order to achieve the result, Hill had to seek listed building consent, divide the utilities, install staircases and employ the services of an architect.

Extensive renovations like this may require planning permission, or anyone wishing to buy the property in the future may find it difficult to obtain a mortgage. CeMAP mortgage advisors may be able to find out whether a property has the required permissions before you apply for a mortgage.