I downsized by splitting home in two
KEN Hill could not bear to leave the historic rambling former mill that has been his dream home for half a lifetime.
But after the death of his wife Jean he found himself rattling around alone in the property’s 10 rooms.
So he decided to downsize – by carving the property in half.
Ken, 82, said: “I converted the house into two, two-bedroom flats and I live in one and have let out the other.
“I am still among friends and neighbours I have known for years, though it was a complex procedure.
“I had to employ an architect, divide water, electricity and gas services, install new staircases, get planning permission and listed building consent and find and manage builders.”
A garage entrance was split so Mr Hill, formerly his local council’s press officer, now has a wide street entrance leading to a 45ft long garage space and, upstairs, over a further two storeys, a large kitchen, sitting room, office and two bedrooms.
The other flat has a normal door next to his and has equally spacious accommodation, with two bedrooms, a large kitchen, living room and a rooftop patio overlooking the Great Ouse river, in King’s Lynn, Norfolk.
He leases the second flat to two tenants who love it so much they are considering buying their half.
Mr Hill fell in love with the former feed Ken Hill in the book-lined living room of his flat in the converted mill in King’s Lynn mill in the historic old quarter of King’s Lynn when he moved there from London in the Seventies.
The quirky three-storey building with a warehouse and former stables, in a line of period houses close to the quay, was derelict.
Ken said: “I used to come here from work and eat my sandwiches at lunchtime dreaming about what I would do with it.”
He bought the property, which dates back to the 1500s, for just £5,300 in 1975 and after four years of alterations was able to move in with Jean and their two children. Now he plans never to leave it.
Mr Hill has always had an eye for a bargain, which has helped him fund work on the mill.
He said “The property money down the years.
“But in 1961 I bought an old car for £135 and some 50 years later I sold it for £41,000... it was a Lagonda.” has needed