Buying an older home: our seven-year fixer-upper journey

Living in a time capsule

From the moment we stepped into our older home, it was clear that “charming” was going to be a stretch. Leaks that could rival the Caspian Sea, floorboards threatening to collapse underfoot, and a boiler that refused to retire politely. If life were a movie, ours would be The Money Pit: starring me and H, my DIY partner.

This wasn’t just any fixer-upper. It was my gran’s house, untouched since the 1970s. Every room felt like a page from her autobiography: the wallpaper whispered family stories, with decades of laughter and tears, and the rooms seemed to silently judge my every decorating attempt.

Preserving heritage while modernising

Our goal was simple yet delicate: respect Maman Bozorgh’s legacy while convincing the house that the 1970s were, in fact, over. Seven years later, we had mastered demolition and renovation. Ceilings were down, radiators out, and we could practically teach a PhD in plumbing, heating, and electrical systems. Showering at home became a luxury; gym showers were our lifeline.

Builders and decorators

Between plasterboard, masking tape, and caulk, our social life evaporated. 

“There’s a strange satisfaction in turning a tired old property into a home you can finally breathe in, love in, and make entirely your own.”

From fixer-upper to family home

After years of sweat, occasional tears, and more caulk than I care to remember, our home emerged from its 1970s slumber. It now blends the warmth of my gran’s legacy with the comforts of the present. For anyone contemplating an older home, remember: it’s a marathon, not a sprint, but the result is a house full of stories and character.