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By *eeje OP Man
1 week ago
Weymouth |
After turning 65, I decided it was about time I decluttered, and as much as I enjoyed living in the flat, I hankered after a house and garden. I was still working, and had been assured that my job was safe (as safe as any job could be) until retirement, and possibly after. Weekend trips to the tip, and various internet selling sites reduced my accumulated detritus to almost bare essentials. I rang the local estate agent, to value the flat, and explained what I was looking for, based on the figure I thought it was worth. After viewing, he reckoned it was worth, at least, £15k more than I expected, and would have no problem selling it quickly. I told him there was no urgency, on my part, to sell but would be grateful for properties in my budget range. That night, I sat back, and celebrated with a glass or two.
And that's when it all kicked. The young couple upstairs, had another blazing row, shouting and screaming at each other, and as usual, it ended in sobbing, apologies and loud, headboard rattling sex. Lucky bastards, I mused, they were certainly getting more than I was.
The following day, enough was enough, I rang the estate agent, and instructed him to put the flat on the market.
I was surprised how quickly everything happened, within 2 months, he told me, there was a lot of interest, and a full asking price on the table. Hadn't seen that coming!!! I accepted the offer, and after putting the last of my belongings into storage, begged, stole and borrowed, a room in a work colleague's house. It wasn't ideal, and very short let, but it gave me further incentive to find somewhere.
A week later, and much to my surprise, the estate agent rang, and told me of a bungalow that would shortly be coming on the market,and would I interested. I readily agreed, and he arranged a viewing for the weekend.
The following day, he rang again to say he was unable to go with me, but the owner of the property would be there instead.
So, on Saturday morning, and with directions, I drove over to view it, looking out for the signpost 'Pasture Cottages' As I pulled up, I was meet by John, the owner, a tall guy, in his 70's.
He greeted me warmly, shaking my hand, clasping it with his other hand, perhaps a little than he should. As he showed me round, he explained that they had originally bought the plot, with a large bungalow on it, but had decided to pull it down, and build 2 smaller 1's on it. They had rented out the smaller 1 but after the last tenant, had decided to sell it on.
"My husband and I....." he laughed at this "...sorry it's an old joke, when I say that, he refers to me as Queenie" and laughed again "...we hoped the right person would buy it"
"It certainly is appealing" I replied, guessing from his statement that they were an old gay couple.
The bungalow was superb, 2beds, integral garage, parking at the front, and a small garden to the rear. Over the fence, I could John, and Eddie's (his husband) bungalow, a little larger, but of similar layout.
I thanked John for the viewing, and told I would crunch the numbers, and let the estate agent know, but I was very interested.
I got back, and sat down, worked out that I could just about afford it, rang the agent and put the wheels in motion.
A month and a half later, I picked up the keys to 'Pastures New' and began moving in. A couple of days later, John and Eddie rang the doorbell, clutching a small bottle of champagne and a bunch of flowers, introduced themselves properly, and welcomed me to the 'neighbourhood'
After they left, I mused to myself, what lovely couple, and thought....no, no, that's naughty.
A month or so later, with all my belongings out of storage, and the bungalow set up how I wanted, the doorbell rang. I was greeted by John, who told me they would be away for 3weeks, on a cruise, and would I keep an eye on their place, take in the mail, etc.
"Sure..." I replied "...it would be a pleasure, and I want to see your pics when you get back"
John rolled his eyes and chuckled "I'm sure you won't.." and winked "although perhaps you might. Anyway, we're off, sed you in 3weeks" |
