They say we’re the sum of our decisions. Things work for some of us, but others aren’t as lucky. The bad and good both define the individual we end up becoming. You might be familiar with Albert Einstein’s quote, “God does not play the dice.” Despite this, we can’t help but feel how much random luck plays in our fate. The smallest choices may seem inconsistent at the time, but they can have crucial, long-lasting impacts on our lives. When you read about this young couple, who ended up accidentally buying a Scottish manor, we might be able to convince you.
This Young Couple Accidentally Bought An Old Manor, Then Decided To Fix It Themselves
Making Mistakes
The young people in love are Claire Segeren and Cal Hunter. They had a year together when Claire decided to give up med school for a year. They agreed that flipping a house would be a rewarding and fun experience for both of them after talking about it. The two decided to buy a house at an auction, but they first conducted some research and visited the sites. Ultimately, the two decided. Cal then placed a bid on their desired property. He ended up winning the auction and instead got a 120-year-old manor!
Making Mistakes
Wrong Bid
They had been looking to buy an apartment in Pollokshields, Glasgow, even though neither was Scottish. The property had been damaged by fire, so they already knew a lot of work would be needed. They thought it would take six months for them to fix it, but it was worth it. When Cal dropped by the auction house, Claire went home for a visit.
Wrong Bid
Big Accident
He placed the offer on the property and was delighted that he won after offering £ 30,000 for it. However, when he realized that the house he placed the bid on was sold in not one lot, but three, his joy then turned to panic! It turns out he’s got another property. In Dunoon, Scotland, it was a 120-year-old mansion.
Big Accident
Taking It Well
Cal knew that he was messing up after hearing “all sales are final.” He swallowed hard, then called his girlfriend, who had been visiting her family in Canada. Can you imagine just letting your girlfriend know you paid $39,400 for a house that you didn’t want? Surprisingly, she didn’t get too upset about it.
Taking It Well
It Could Be Worse
Given that the amount of money for a property was not too large, they decided to renovate the house they bought. She told him it wouldn’t be a problem. When Cal called, her father was right next to her, and he agreed with her. “What’s the worst that could happen?” he told them. They were about to find out what their new property had in store for them, just like that.
It Could Be Worse
Fixer Upper
Cal learned at the auction that the manor was called Jameswood Villa. It was described as needing “full upgrading throughout.” He saw a 2010 image from Google Street View. These two were ready for a challenge, although the place was no longer in its prime.
Fixer Upper
Ideal, But Not Ideal
They had to look up Dunoon on the map to find out where their new property was located, so Claire was Canadian, and Cal was English. They were happy to find out that Glasgow was not that far away. At Glasgow University, Claire was planning to attend med school, so this was ideal for them. The shock had already worn off, and the young couple felt quite optimistic about the situation at hand.
Ideal, But Not Ideal
Misleading Advertisement
They were both cautiously optimistic about their new endeavor. To check out the property they got from the auction; Cal went over to Dunoon. He soon learned, however, that the photo was extremely outdated.
Misleading Advertisement
Rotten To The Core
In the meantime, with gaping holes, the roof arrived. It was easy to see that, as most of the timber had rotted out, no one had lived in the manor for the past twenty years. Aside from that, they knew that plumbing and electrics would also need to be replaced. Their new “derelict house” was not expected to be this dangerous and run down.
Rotten To The Core
Bad Shape
Not only that, but the “leaning, crumbling front wall” was angled in such a way as to hide it, which indicated that there were major structural problems. They discovered later that the house was, in fact, sinking into the ground.
Bad Shape
Optimistic and Determined
Cal and Claire were not about to give up, despite all these challenges. They traveled throughout England and saw abandoned buildings everywhere. They were ready to transform it into a lovely home. Although Jameswood looked like it would be harder to flip than they wanted, the challenge did not deter them. They felt excited about it, in fact! Quite the adventurous pair that these two are!
Optimistic and Determined
A Wake-Up Call
However, they had a wake-up call when they realized they did not have the cash to carry out the project. They knew they would have to get crafty to afford this venture. They would not only have to do the renovations on their own, but they would also have to change their lifestyle. They would also have to stop paying rent or mortgage, in addition to doing all of the work.
A Wake-Up Call
The Caravan Life
They had to sacrifice a lot of things and go all-in if they wanted to do this. And so they’ve done. The two of them rolled their sleeves up and began working. They planned to become homeless for the project’s duration, so they rented a caravan and then parked it in the property’s garden.
The Caravan Life
Manageable Issues
They’d call it home until the problem ended. It did not have electricity or running water, nevertheless. They ended up making do with candles and asking neighbors to use the oven and shower.
Manageable Issues
Adventurous Couple
These two young people described themselves as a “determined couple to make life an adventure.” It sure looks like they have exactly what they want! They were more than prepared to take a chance on the hand that was given to them. Fate was the one, after all, to bring them together as well.
Adventurous Couple
How They Met
We’re sure you want to know how this Englishman and this Canadian met for the first time. Their first meeting, apparently, occurred in the French Alps. During the ski season, they met and got along really well. They then became an item, crossed Europe on a road trip, and spent a summer in Canada. As the saying goes, the rest is history!
How They Met
Their Own Blog
To set up the progress, they were making on the renovation, the couple decided to set up a blog and an Instagram page. It was quite a difficult renovation, and it made it more fun for the pair to document their journey.
Their Own Blog
What Have We Done?
The two decided to use the witty title, “What Have We Dunoon?” as a joke about “what have we done?” This is a clever spin on how the project started and the city in which their property was located.
What Have We Done?
100K Followers
They post regularly so that when they celebrate the little things like installing the electrical grid or taking care of the plumbing, their followers and fans join them. Oh, and tea breaks, of course! After all, they are in the UK. The couple recently posted this photo on their Instagram, thanking followers as they recently hit the 100th mark!
100K Followers
Their Schedule
As we said earlier, the two had no choice but to put all of themselves into the work. They did ask for help from a few of their friends. For example, they got help clearing out the dirt on the sidewalk.
Their Schedule
Making It Work
A lot of things had to be done, so they kept taking this task for granted. It was a nice thing that their friend was willing to help out. Claire has been working full-time on the project, while Cal also takes on carpentry jobs whenever he can to help them make ends meet.
Making It Work
Setbacks Left and Right
Work was difficult. Ever since they started the project in November 2018, the two of them have faced various problems. “Finding a new problem,” Cal explained, “seems to be a daily occurrence.”
Setbacks Left and Right
DIY Installations
The two of them took it upon themselves to install a driveway when the work van kept getting stuck in the mud. To find the water supply, they also had to dig it up, which was more elusive than they thought. It even took five months to search for a cable that would allow them to power the grid!
DIY Installations
Like A Paradox
The two had one more issue that would interest writer Joseph Heller. A new roof was required for the manor, as it currently has enough holes to pass for a slice of Swiss cheese. There was an issue, though.
Like A Paradox
The Community
It was a good thing that in the project, they were never really alone. Not only did their friends drop by to help them. The local community in town also has the support of Cal and Claire! We talked about neighbors who thought they would share their showers and ovens with the young couple. There were other ways they would help out, though.
The Community
Stuck In A Rut
Since they were far too rickety, the walls did not seem strong enough to support a new roof. They must fix the walls, but because there was no roof, the rain would only come down and ruin them again. “It’s like a huge jigsaw puzzle catch-22,” Cal described the situation.
Stuck In A Rut
GoFundMe
Cal said, “We’ve been overwhelmed by the kindness of the people of Dunoon.” The residents have always been encouraging and supportive, although some thought they were crazy for doing this. What a wonderful community they are encircled by! Claire and Cal set up a GoFundMe page to get additional help for their project, where family, friends, and even strangers can donate.
GoFundMe
Support From Near And Far
Through their blog, many other people have reached out to Claire and Cal. Their followers were always there for these two, from technical advice to places to go to buy materials. If that’s not wonderful enough, the outgoing couple also met many people who lent a hand during their renovation. 4-5 friends show up daily to help where they can.
Support From Near And Far
Eco-Friendly Project
In addition to their practical financing concerns, Cal and Claire wanted to make this renovation project as environmentally friendly as it could be. They have chosen to use reclaimed building materials in that sense. They are willing to recycle timber, floorboards, kitchen units; you name it! They’ll use whatever they can get their hands on!
Eco-Friendly Project
A Test
The fixer-upper of Jameswoods Villa was going to do more than just teach some valuable skills to these lovebirds. Claire thought that, on top of that, it was also a way to test their relationship. What, after all, could they not survive if they managed to live on the construction site in a caravan? This was her reasoning line. She was an optimist who saw the bright side of things all the time. “It’s a long way off,” Claire admitted, “but it is there.”
A Test
Their End Goal
You should always have an end goal when you take on a project of this size. After all the work you put in, you need to finish what you want to accomplish. Fortunately for Cal and Claire, this was no issue.
Their End Goal
Big Future Plans
For both of them, when they put down the tools, they hoped that the property would be completely renovated. Also, they want to transform it into three individual apartments. They plan to sell two of them, use their profits to repay their debts, and live in the spare unit after that.
Big Future Plans
A Happy Accident
Perspective is critical, as you can see here. When they learned that they had paid for the wrong home, it would have been easy to lose hope right away. It was a big mistake to make, we can all say. However, Cal and Claire decided to think of this incident instead as a “happy accident.” Time can’t be reversed, so why not make the most of it, right?
A Happy Accident
No Need To Dwell
They knew that life was one big adventure, even though it was what they had in mind. That’s how they handled it, and we’re happy to hear that. When they could still turn things around, they did not want to stay and despair. We’re not sure that we could do what these two young adults did, and we’re betting that many people feel the same way! With a smile and a determined mind, both Cal and Claire take on everything in life!
No Need To Dwell
Calculating Risks
One needs to weigh the risk and the reward, like everything else we do in life. From the very start, the risks in the project were glaringly obvious. Who knows, it could be that when they bought it, they lost their hard-earned money. Moreover, with the renovation, they could lose even more. To say the least, it was a big gamble.
Calculating Risks
Mortgage-Less
They felt, however, that the positives in this situation outweighed the negatives. Not only would they learn so much along the way, but as a couple, they would also become so much closer. Not only that but when they were still in their twenties, they would also get to call themselves homeowners. They wouldn’t even be required to pay a mortgage! It would be such a big accomplishment.
Mortgage Less
No Gray Areas
When we call Theodore Roosevelt the greatest president the United States ever had, we bet you will agree with us. If you don’t, you should know that we’re ready to fight you for it. There were several things he knew about conquering challenges. As a kid, he had asthma and became a hero during the Spanish-American War. If that doesn’t speak for itself, then we don’t know what does!
No Gray Areas
Wise Words
He’d just know what to say to Cal and Claire. He said that daring to do mighty things is better than living in the “gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat,” even if you sometimes fail. We’re pretty sure these two go-getters will live by the wise words of the former POTUS. They have never given up when faced with setbacks during the process.
Wise Words
Good Luck
There may not be a direct line to destiny, but we are sure that their huge gamble would pay off big time if there were justice in this world. In uniting these two lovers from different parts of the world, fate had a part. They are now in a third country, where they were hoping to start a new chapter of their life together, even though it took a very different turn than they had expected.
Good Luck
Nothing Is In Their Way
While the work is still ongoing, which will last for quite a while, we’re just going to keep our fingers crossed for them. We hope they will never lose their optimism and work hard to deal with their “happy accident.” But we’re not too worried about these two; we have to admit. They seem to know what they want, and nothing stops them when they are determined!
Nothing Is In Their Way
Remaining Positive
We do not doubt that, over the course, they had many frustrating moments. It is probably also very tiring. We hope they keep their spirits up, at any rate. Luckily, so far, they’ve been very optimistic.
Remaining Positive
Things Will Get Better
With more than its fair share of challenges, it could be a lot of hard work. The truck bottomed out from the weight of the bricks at one point, for one thing. We are sure, however, that they can make it through this challenge. Their plans will come along, slowly but surely.
Things Will Get Better
Good Riddance
The house, because it is so old, is falling apart. They also needed to get rid of a lot of junk. To discard various dirty, gross, and moldy items, they took many trips to the dump. Before they drove over to the dump, the couple had to refill the truck to its full capacity. No matter how much they tried to rescue them, most of the items they found in the house can no longer be used.
Good Riddance
Stay Safe
It’s important to make sure you prioritize safety when you work on a project of this magnitude. When it comes to renovations, several things can pose some sort of danger or harm.
Stay Safe
Caution
This is why you have to make sure that you wear the right attire and gear before you get to work. When you are at a construction site, you might breathe in soot, dust, mold, and chemicals. You have to keep your face mask on because of this.
Caution
Down and Dirty
On top of that, it is also important for the couple to be aware that if they want to ensure that the renovation project will succeed, they will have to get down and dirty. To ensure that their hands are safe from dirt and wounds, it is a good thing that they can buy work gloves.
Down and Dirty
To Social Media
They also decided to post a photo on Instagram and talk about how excited they were to get a new pair. They admitted, however, that the gloves would likely last no longer than an hour.
To Social Media
Breaks They Deserve
Although they both have a huge task ahead of them, their dreams of turning the old and rotting manor into the home of their dreams have not been abandoned. It is a good thing that they have not lost hope at all.
Breaks They Deserve
A Bit Of Zen
We are also glad to hear that they make sure that the two of them take as many breaks as they need. They also go out and sometimes have fun with their buddies. They are also making sure to put some fun into their schedule! They are still working on the project at the moment.
A Bit Of Zen
Let There Be Light
After all, this meant they wouldn’t have to work by candlelight when it got dark. This was fantastic because it had previously been risky and inconvenient for them. It also meant they could charge the tools at home rather than go to the neighbor’s shed to get power. During the hot summer months, they could also plug in a fan!
Let There Be Light
Removing the Floorboards
We want you to get a sense of the manor’s structural problems. To give you an idea, let’s look at the living room floors. Be prepared for their sorry state! The floorboards in one room on the top floor of Jameswood Villa were so rotted out that they crumbled whenever someone touched them. Imagine someone standing on top of them!
Removing the Floorboards
Safety First
Of course, this was extremely risky. Claire decided to leave them all together for this reason. Although it would be costly and time-consuming, safety is paramount. The floorboards should have been missing than for someone to fall without warning. She did it all by herself because it was an equal opportunity project!
Safety First
Afraid Of Heights
“Because I’m not a fan of heights, I’ve kept my feet firmly planted to the ground oiling all our scaffolding bits while Cal and Yuji built the towers,” Claire captioned the photo on Instagram. But there was another challenge in store for Claire when it came to the manor’s exterior and scaffolding. She needed to overcome her fear of heights, and she was eager to do so.
Afraid Of Heights
Conquering A Fear
She eventually overcame her fear and assisted Cal and their friends in erecting scaffolding around the house. We’re so proud of her for overcoming her fear and volunteering! She put safety first, which is why she invested in a safety harness before starting work. Cal decided to take a tea break because the couple was nearly finished installing the scaffolding.
Conquering A Fear
Ceiling Pushing the Wall
Do you have any idea why scaffolding was so crucial to this project? When you consider this example, you can begin to appreciate how significant it is. The house’s front wall, as you can see, had seen better days in the past. The bay window in the front was in bad shape. It was on the verge of collapsing.
Ceiling Pushing the Wall
About To Collapse
This could lead to the sandstone wall collapsing as well. It’s a scary situation for two twenty-somethings to be in. It’s a good thing they had a whole crew of friends to assist them! Initially, the crew assumed it was because the house was sinking. They discovered, however, that the timbers were pushing it out.
About To Collapse
Old School
Cal and Claire would be reminded now and then that they were still a long way from finishing the project. They used to have a washing machine on the site, as well as the electricity to run it, but it couldn’t handle the Scottish mud that got on everyone’s gloves and work clothes.
Old School
Nothing Is Off Limits
Claire had thought outside the box and decided to follow in her ancestors’ footsteps. She washed her clothes in the stream! She would hang them out in the sun after soaking them there.
Nothing Is Off Limits
A Brilliant Idea
Cal has also demonstrated his ability to think quickly on his feet. Because the manor was not yet habitable, it did not have a kitchen to prepare their meals. He came up with a solution to the problem. He got some scaffolding pieces and built an outdoor kitchen instead of doing their cooking in the caravan.
A Brilliant Idea
Making Moves
After clearing a new path to the house, they enlisted a neighbor’s assistance to tow the caravan. It was relocated to the opposite side of the villa. Later on, they moved it to the top of the yard to see deer and horses roaming the fields.
Making Moves
No More Camping, Please
They also took kitchen units from the house and used them to store their kitchenware. This setup has served them well, even though it is not traditional. Even so, we’re sure they’ll be sick of camping by the end of it all! It can’t be fun to cook dinner outside on a cold rainy day.
No More Camping, Please
A Great View
They initially decided to park the caravan directly in front of the manor because they had no other options. This was inconvenient because each passing truck shook the ground. It was also right next to the front wall that had collapsed.
A Great View
Scaring Crows
Because Jameswood Villa had been abandoned for so long, nature was just beginning to reclaim it when they arrived. You wouldn’t believe what they saw…animals and bugs were all over the place! When it came to this, crows were by far the most problematic. The birds had chosen Jameswood Villa as their new home.
Scaring Crows
Bye Bye Birdie
Claire was a huge fan of all animals on the planet, but she was frustrated by the nesting crows, making it difficult for her to work. They sat down and brainstormed ways to keep them away from the project. They tried every trick in the book to keep them out of the house. However, we don’t think this scarecrow, which Claire’s father made, worked out very well.
Bye Bye Birdie
Hello Summer
Cal and Claire had an amazing stream of friends visiting from the UK and other parts of the world as spring turned into summer. On the other hand, their friends did not show up to watch the lovebirds get to work. In fact, many of them decided to devote a significant amount of time to assist them with the project.
Hello Summer
Thank You
Cal and Claire were grateful for the extra assistance and wanted to express their gratitude to their friends. We believe they have repaid them in the best possible way! They made every effort to make their accommodations as pleasant as possible. Look at how beautiful this tent turned out! In that oasis, they’ll undoubtedly sleep soundly.
Thank You
Live Updates
Claire wrote about it on their blog, “I’ve said it before, but I’ll repeat it, I’m REALLY enjoying the carpentry on this project! I get to learn a LOT of new skills and use powerful tools… Oh, and it sure does beat digging muddy trenches and knocking down dusty old plaster walls. Jameswood restoration isn’t always fun and games, but this part sure is!”
Live Updates
Thanks To Great Friends
Claire goes on to say, “With plenty of friends from around the world coming to help us, we’ve had enough hands on deck to work on the house…while also working on making living conditions a bit better here on site!”
Thanks To Great Friends
Progress Is Key
Claire wrote a blog post in May to keep everyone up to date on all of their recent accomplishments. The post wasn’t all fun and games, though; it described the difficult work that went into their journey.
Progress Is Key
Becoming A Home
Part of what she wrote said, “The improvements have been well worth the work! It’s so nice to have a nice space to hang out in. This area truly had become the centerpiece of our living space here at Jameswood.”
Becoming A Home
A Different Perspective
As they spent nearly all of their free time they had on the project, it was quite tough to estimate just how far along they really were. But, they needed to put things into perspective. As they were fully committed and involved, seeing things from a different angle was not so easy. Would it be better to ask someone else?
A Different Perspective
Sigh Of Relief
In addition to forming a complete list of all that they had already achieved, the blog post gave quite a lot of detail about the overall progress. It was however very clear that they were far from being finished, yet it was great to see just how far they had come. It was important for them to be proud of their accomplishment.
Sigh Of Relief
Impressive Improvement
A close friend of theirs who came to visit was actually quite shocked by the fact that they had already managed to install electricity. She said, “although they still have quite a while to go, they have certainly come so far. We want to wish them all the best for their future Jameswood renovation”.
Impressive Improvement
Inspiration
Now if you’re one of the many people who think that Cal and Claire’s incredible yet accidental story is a huge inspiration for the world, we sure hope that it can possibly encourage other people around the world too. Additionally, for those who think you can’t do something, you should definitely think again! Even if it might begin as a fluke, you never know what experience could come of it and maybe even change your life. Just wait until you see this next identical story…
Inspiration
Covering Up
Real-estate agents, the sisters Carlo and Gladys Spizzirri had been waiting to look at a specific house for a very long time. After patiently waiting, the house on 148 Jane Street was about to go on the market at last. People who were interested in the property finally had the chance to see what was hiding inside all this time. All we can say right now is that what was waiting inside was very surprising, to say the least.
Covering Up
A Regular Home
You’d think that 148 Jane Street would be just like any other house in Toronto, Ontario when looking at it from the outside. The street was relatively plain and simple. It had no notable landmarks. The area didn’t have anything distinct about it either. Normal-looking homes surrounded the house, so it was easy to assume that the interior would reflect the same.
A Regular Home
Looking To Sell
Just a couple of people have gone inside this particular house. The only thing anyone knew about it otherwise was that the same people lived there for as long as they could remember. However, everything they knew about it wasn’t the whole truth. This story really started when the realtors got a call in regard to a house that the owner planned on selling. Needless to say, Carla and Gladys needed to see it for themselves first.
Looking To Sell
Just A Regular Day
It began as a rather unexciting day at the office. The pair of sisters worked together. Everyone there was busy doing what they normally did, so no one expected that day to be the game-changer it turned out to be. They simply went about their day answering the phone, showing houses, and trying to get new clients. The agency was owned by the two sisters, but they didn’t always work together. It all changed when they found out what a good team they made. One of them would look for new listings to sell while the other would talk to potential customers. They were efficient and effective.
Just A Regular Day
Surprising Event
After getting years of experience, Carla and Gladys knew just how the business worked. They were fantastic at their jobs and enjoyed what they did. They didn’t get many surprised in the real estate industry. However, there were still times when they’d be taken by surprise. This would be one of those times.
Surprising Event
The Phone Rings
It seems like even the most professional realtors aren’t immune to shock. They had no idea at the time, but here is what was going to happen: they were onto something big, only they didn’t know that yet. No one can really know what fate has in store, after all. There was silence in the office when it happened. The phone started ringing. It was a call that changed their lives forever.
The Phone Rings
A Call From A Stranger
As you’d expect, the phone rings plenty in a real estate office, so they answered just like they would any other day. However, what made them realize this phone call wasn’t the same as usual was the person on the other end of the line. It was Joyce, an older woman who was looking for someone to sell her house. She was still not sure about it.
A Call From A Stranger
A Secret
Joyce sounded hesitant as she explained her plans to sell her house. The sisters were able to tell from her tone and the way she spoke that she wasn’t too keen on the idea. However, they also saw she was very persistent. Despite everything, she would most likely end up selling the house. She told the sisters a secret they never expected to hear. It completely shifted the entire situation.
A Secret
A Different Kind Of Emotion
Many people who sell their house think that it’s a step in the right direction. For this reason, people seem happy when they call real estate offices. To them, it’s a mark of a brand-new beginning. However, Joyce didn’t seem to be excited about the idea of selling her house.
A Different Kind Of Emotion
Hiding Something
It’s common for realtors to have somewhat of a sixth sense when talking to their clients. Both of the sisters were able to tell that the person speaking to them was keeping a secret. Maybe it was something that would make selling the place harder. They already had previous experiences with unpleasant things during their careers. They were well aware that it could damage the process of selling a house.
Hiding Something
Challenge Accepted
Joyce wasn’t trying to hide any of the typical homeowner problems. She didn’t lie about serious things like black mold or a water heater that doesn’t work. This secret was bigger than that. We hope you’re ready to find out the truth about her home. Carla and Gladys stuck to their guns and decided to take on the challenge.
Challenge Accepted
No Way To Prepare
The two are confident they would be able to list just about anything. They always did a great job in the industry and are always on the lookout for new opportunities. Despite all the experience they already had, they weren’t prepared for what was about to happen.
No Way To Prepare
Something New
After spending a good few years in the business, they thought they had seen everything there was to see. They already handled many things that would make ordinary people throw in the towel. However, they were more than capable of dealing with anything. At least, that’s what they thought before they were to this house. They had been trying to come up with ideas of what they would find in Joyce’s house. While their ideas were pretty crazy, it wasn’t something they imagined at all. Before we get to that, let’s talk about what happened when they got to the property first.
Something New
Low Expectations
The sisters had three years of experience in the real estate industry already, so they knew Toronto extremely well. They were known for buying and selling properties in the most popular neighborhoods in the city. Aside from being experts, they had the background to back it up as well. Every once in a while, they would snag a property that needed minimal work and it would practically sell itself without their help. Do you think that was the case this time? They were about to find out. However, they weren’t keeping their hopes up. Joyce didn’t sound too excited about selling the property, but the only way to find out why was to go and see it in person.
Low Expectations
Moving On
When Joyce first called the real estate agents, she told them something very surprising. It was going to affect the property as well as the sale itself. She hinted that they were about to find something surprising the minute they’d walk through the front door. What on earth was she talking about?
Moving On