I bought a derelict Victorian mansion for £300,000. Here's how I turned it into a 'party house' worth nearly £1million
A retired couple have revealed how they transformed their once 'derelict' 140-year-old mansion into a 'party house' now worth £1 million.
Joanne Shiels, 60, and her partner Geoff Bell, 61, bought the crumbling Greystonedale Mansion in Haltwhistle, Northumberland, for £300,000 in May 2022.
They spent two-years working tirelessly to renovate the eight-bedroom property, spending £220,000 plastering over holes in the roof, replanting the overgrown garden and even installing a 'disco kitchen'.
Their incredible restoration efforts, which took two years to complete, were featured on an episode of Channel 4 's Renovation Nation in July 2024.
They have turned have now turned it into a popular and highly lucrative 'party house' on Airbnb, and believe the home is now worth £850,000.
Joanne, from Witleybey, near Newcastle, explained that the mansion had been left empty for 30-years before they took a punt on it and that nearly 'everything' had needed replacing it.
The DIY duo bought the property after she 'fell in love' on their first visit describing it as a 'doll's house'.
Now built to comfortably host up to 14 guests, the Victorian mansion was barely inhabitable when the two first moved in.
There's also a games room, and one acre private garden.
'I absolutely love garden - I'm super proud of that as when we bought the property there was only one tree left with no plants no grass,' Joanne, a former social worker, said.
She explained that she and Geoff had spent the first part of their time sleeping in what was once the servants quarters - since much of the house was crumbling to pieces.
It had 'no electricity, gas, or windows' and there were several holes in the roof that needed 'patching up'.
'We had to replace or upgrade pretty much everything,' she explained.
'We replaced ceilings and added fancy plaster work added two bathrooms.
'There was a lot of work to be done - it was worth it though.'
'For months we slept in servants quarters as when I was in the house I kept expecting someone to tap me on shoulder and ask me to leave.'
Describing the restoration process Joanne said: 'I'm a recycler - everything in the house is second hand - my kitchens, bathrooms, as much as it can be, even the plants in the garden are second hand.'
'When we put the house back together, celebrations were front of mind.'
The house also boasts a pool table, dartboards, an oak panel study.
The house is built on the fortunes of a varnish works that still stands behind as a derelict factory.
The builder, Frank Smith, a 'forefather of the town's Hadrian Paintworks' is said to have died from the effects of making varnish just nine months after the home was built.
The project, which featured on Channel 4's Renovation Nation, took two-years with works having first begun in May 2022.
During the most significant periods of renovation, the pair lived together in a caravan onsite.
The house had been abandoned for 30-years by the time the couple purchased it (pictured before restoration)
Joanne, from Witleybey, near Newcastle, Tyneside, explained that the mansion had been left empty for 30-years before they took a punt on it and that nearly 'everything' had needed replacing it
Since they moved out, the couple has built a small cottage in the back of the property where they live
Initially intended to be the couple's 'forever home', they soon discovered that the mansion was too big for just two people and decided to turn it into an Airbnb
The process wasn't always smooth sailing and during restorations, the two were faced with having to take care of Geoff's dad, who was sadly diagnosed with cancer.
Initially intended to be the couple's 'forever home', they soon discovered that the mansion was too big for just two people and decided to turn it into an Airbnb.
They lived their for a year before deciding to list it on Airbnb.
Joanne said: 'We absolutely love having our family over but it was just a little bit too big.
'When you turned the heating on it was like switching on a jet engine.'
Since they moved out, the couple has built a small cottage in the back of the property where they live.
But they are now 'delighted' with the results and have built a lucrative business renting the house to celebrators.
The mansion, which first opened to guests in September, has become increasingly popular for hen and stag parties, family celebrations.
'Business was slow to start, but it has gone a bit crazy in the last few months,' she said.
'It's mostly booked for the summer, up until Christmas really, we've got big plans for the outside and will be adding small things bit by bit,' she said.
Joanne is even now considering also hosting weddings at the property.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Moment Bridgerton actress has her phone robbed by prolific Algerian thief in Joe & the Juice - before star heroically fights back in front of stunned customers
This is the moment a Bridgerton actress had her phone robbed by a prolific Algerian thief in Joe & the Juice - before the star heroically fought back in front of stunned customers. MailOnline can reveal for the first time CCTV of Genevieve Chenneour, 27, bravely defending herself after Zacariah Boulares, 18, snuck up behind her and grabbed her phone in the upmarket coffee shop on Kensington High Street, west London, on February 8. Around 18 months earlier, Boulares had threatened to behead Aled Jones with a machete as he stole his £17,000 Rolex in Chiswick, west London. The thief, then 16, was locked up for his attack on the Welsh chorister in October 2023 but was released from youth detention early after serving just 14 months of his 24-month sentence. Boulares, who can now be named and pictured after turning 18, has gone on to commit a spate of crimes, including robbing rising star Ms Chenneour, who plays rumour-monger Clara Livingston in hit Netflix period drama Bridgerton. The thug's extensive criminal history - 12 previous convictions relating to 28 offences - was laid bare after he pleaded guilty on May 29 to stealing Ms Chenneour's phone and assaulting another customer, Carlo Kurcishi. In exclusive footage obtained by MailOnline, the actress can be seen courageously fighting back against the hooded thief who targeted her while she was out with a friend on a dog walk. Speaking of the moment she fought off the teenage thug, Ms Chenneour previously told the Mail: 'They didn't expect me to stand up for myself – but I did.' CCTV footage shows brave the moment Bridgerton actress, Genevieve Chenneour fought back against the thug In the CCTV, Boulares can be seen prowling around the back of the café, waiting for Ms Chenneour's friend to leave her alone at the table when he ordered before he pounces. The hooded thief, wearing all black with a navy cap, then swipes the phone while Ms Chenneour has her back turned, but she quickly leaps into action and takes down the thief with the help of her friend. The fearless Yorkshire-born actress puts her arm out to block the thief from leaving and dislodges the phone from his hand. Retrieving the iPhone from off the floor, she then uses the device to strike Boulares who is left helpless on the floor. The commotion continued as shocked onlookers began to form a crowd in the popular café in Kensington. The tussle can then be seen spilling into the back of the café, where Ms Chenneour, her friend and Boulares can only be seen in CCTV in glimpses via a mirror. After around four minutes of scuffling, the humbled crook then points his finger in the face of Ms Chenneour's friend before walking out of the café without the phone. The actress previously revealed: 'I was left with a concussion just before the Screen Actors Guild Awards and since then, I've felt constantly on edge. 'Even my dog was traumatised - now, if anyone touches me, he panics and tries to protect me. 'Getting a coffee shouldn't be something you need your wits about you for. She courageously stood up to the thief, hitting him with the phone as he tussled with a man on the floor during the ordeal 'I'm so grateful to the staff at Joe & The Juice – they were incredible during the incident and when I went back to see them after.' Boulares appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on May 29, where he pleaded guilty to stealing the phone and assaulting Mr Kurcishi. To the charge of stealing a mobile phone of a value unknown belonging to the Bridgerton actress, he shouted: 'Guilty'. He also admitted stealing a black leather hand bag from a diner at a pizza restaurant in London's West End on 30 January this year. The defendant has been remanded into custody with sentencing scheduled for June 17 at Isleworth Crown Court in west London. More than 70,000 phones were snatched in London in 2024, out of an estimated 100,000 thefts across the UK. Ms Chenneour is a former athlete who joined Team GB's artistic swimming team at the age of 15. She was awarded an Olympic scholarship before the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro, but her sporting career was cut short by injury and she retrained as an actress. After appearing as a stunt double in the underwater sequences of period feature Gateway To The West, she landed her breakthrough role in the Regency drama. A source was previously quoted as saying: 'Genevieve showed real bravery throughout. It was a very shocking incident. 'It shows what is happening on London's streets on a daily basis. 'This was just another young woman going about her daily business. She's handled it brilliantly.' Genevieve Chenneour, pictured here at the premiere of Netflix's The Gentlemen at London's Theatre Royal Drury Lane in March last year, had her phone stolen in February this year Boulares went on to rob Ms Chenneour after being released from youth detention for the attack on chorister Mr Jones on July 7 2023. The Algerian national threatened Mr Jones with a 20-inch blade, demanding the 'f***king Rolex' on the singer's arm, while threatening to cut his limb off. Boulares could not be named at the time due to his age. After the terrified baritone gave the menacing youth his Dayton, Boulares later said he would 'cut [Jones's] head off' if the Songs of Praise star continued to follow him. The now 18-year-old appeared late to magistrates court late several times before he eventually pleaded guilty to robbery and possession of an offensive weapon at Wimbledon Youth Court. It was also heard the youngster had also stolen a £20,000 gold Rolex from a pensioner. His record was dubbed 'appalling' by Chairman of the bench Rex Da Roach. A Detention and Training Order (DTO) can be handed to teenagers between the ages of 12 and 17, where they serve half of their time in custody and are later supervised, by a Youth Offending Team. However after only 14 months the Algerian national was freed, and later went on to commit a spate of crimes, including at Joe & the Juice. A spokesman for the Met Police said: 'Police were called to a restaurant on Kensington High Street on Saturday, 8 February following reports of a theft and an assault. 'CCTV showed the suspect stealing a phone from the table and then assaulting a separate member of the public who confronted him. 'The victim of the assault was kicked and punched before the suspect left the premises. 'CCTV enquiries identified Zacariah Boulares as the suspect and he was arrested.
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Huw Edwards slashes price of his £4.75million family home AGAIN and his 'divorce has been delayed'
Disgraced ex- BBC presenter Huw Edwards has reportedly been forced to delay his divorce and cannot find a buyer for his £4.75million mansion. The six-bedroom detached property in Dulwich, south London, was put on the market last October after wife Vicky Flind filed for divorce from the former TV front man. The twisted newsreader and his wife first bought the sprawling home for £1.85million in 2006, 13 years after they tied the knot. But after he pleaded guilty to making indecent images of children last July, it was reported that Ms Flind, who is the mother of Edwards' five children, split from her husband and kicked him out of the home. It is understood the mortgage on the property has been fully paid off, meaning a sale will give him a bumper pay-day of around £2million now he is without his £475,000 salary. However, the sale appears to proving more difficult than first expected due to fears the home has been blighted by Edwards' reputation, according to The Sun. There is such little interest in the house that prospective buyers are being told by property website Zoopla that they would be 'one of the first' to view the 'hidden gem', nine months after it was first listed for sale. And they have even slashed the asking price by a whopping £750,000. The six-bedroom detached property in Dulwich, south London, was put on the market last October after Edwards' wife filed for divorce Estate agents in February were willing to accept £4.5million for the property, but dwindling interest has seen this cut to £4million. In an attempt to drum up interest in the south London home, they described it as being situated 'on one of Dulwich's most desirable residential roads'. They say the house, which is kitted out with three bathrooms and three reception rooms across its 4200 sq ft, is 'a substantial detached mid-century family house' with 'exceptionally spacious living accommodation'. An extract from the listing reads: 'The ground floor has a spacious reception hall, three reception rooms, recently re-fitted kitchen/dining room, office/library, cloakroom, utility room and downstairs WC. 'On the first floor there are four double bedrooms, one with en-suite bathroom and separate dressing room and a family bathroom. 'The second floor has two double bedrooms and a bathroom. Externally to the rear there is a most delightful, mature garden.' The Sun also reported that no decree absolute had been provided to end Edwards' 32-year marriage to Ms Find as of June 5. They say it is unclear whether problems with the sale were a factor in the divorce, which was expected to have been finalised earlier this year.
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Pitbull makes epic return to London's O2 with two more energetic shows alongside his scantily-clad dancers - as fans continue tradition of dressing up as him for the concerts
Pitbull made an epic return to London's O2 Arena with two more energetic shows alongside his scantily-clad dancers on Monday and Tuesday night this week. The star, 44, real name Armando Christian Pérez, finally returned to the UK this February with a London show and after huge demand for the concert was back on British soil this week for more gigs. And as is tradition at Pitbull concerts - those attending showed their dedication to the star by dressing up as him - in white shirts, black suits, bald caps and dark shades. The Florida-born star is known for the suave look and many recreated it as they headed to the O2, with the party beginning outside the venue as groups congregated to dance and sing to his hits. Pitbull - also known as Mr 305 and Mr Worldwide - played a series of iconic hits during the show - opening with an energetic performance of Don't Stop the Party before moving on to play Fireball, Timber and Gasolina. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the Daily Mail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. The star, 44, real name Armando Christian Pérez, finally returned to the UK this February with a London show and after huge demand for the concert was back on British soil this week for more gigs He also performed a rendition of his newest collaboration with Bon Jovi - Now Or Never. The hour and a half show was packed full of his catchy hits as his racy dancers took to the stage with him. Videos taken at the concert and shared on TikTok showed the hundreds of fans who showed up to the gig in Pitbull attire and commuting to the North Greenwich in the outfits. After Monday's show he posted on his Instagram saying: 'Thank you London very much for an unforgettable first show… now get ready for show #2 bc the party ain't stopping dallleeee!' Pitbull has sold over 25 million studio albums and over 100 million singles worldwide. He was also ranked by Billboard as the 45th Top Artist of the 2010s and the 24th Top Latin Artist of the 2010s. He is also known for his activism and philanthropy. He helped start a Tuition-Free Public charter for middle and high school called Sports Leadership and Management (SLAM!), which opened in 2013 in Miami's Little Havana, the neighbourhood where he grew up. The hour and a half show was packed full of his catchy hits as his racy dancers took to the stage with him And as is tradition at Pitbull concerts - those attending showed their dedication to the star by dressing up as him - in white shirts, black suits, bald caps and dark shades SLAM! now operates nationwide, including in Miami, Las Vegas and Atlanta, with a 96 percent graduation rate. Pitbull spoke about the project at his London show in February sharing his pride at the impact it has had after having a tough time in early education himself. At the February show Radio 1 DJ Greg James was among the audience. He joined in on the fun, wearing a bald cap and shared a hilarious video dancing at the show. He penned in the caption: 'I actually can't believe how great this show was and I'm still absolutely buzzing. 'Proudly in the 60% of the crowd wearing bald caps having the best night of our lives. Long live Mr Worldwide! ¡DALE!' Speaking to the fans who were busy enjoying his catchy tunes, Pitbull said: 'Now I wanna say a special thank you to everybody who came out with bald caps here tonight. 'It's amazing to see, and it's amazing to feel. And I hope when you put on those bald caps you feel just like I do. 'Having a good motherf***ing time every day of my life!!!'
