The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Home is where the heart is for 90-year-old Stuart
HOME BIRD: Dundee man marks milestone birthday in house he has lived in all his life
I don’t understand people who move when they don’t need to. Good memories surround me here
A Dundee man celebrated his 90th birthday yesterday in the home where he has lived all his life.
Stuart Bannerman’s three-bedroom West End home was built in 1927, just a year before he was born.
Little has changed in the 91-year-old house, with noticeable features including prominent dark brown mahogany wood throughout.
The entire home, including the front and back gardens, cost a grand total of just £1,247 to build.
It will likely now be worth more than 200 times the amount it cost to build but Stuart has “never for even a second considered selling”.
He said: “You could barely get a holiday these days for the price the house cost.
“I’ve still got a copy of the bill, which has a breakdown of costs for things such as the plumbing and the masonry.
“None of these cost much more than a few hundred pounds back then.
“Have I ever thought about moving? Why would I? I have everything I need here.
“It’s a nice area, there’s a bus stop outside that takes me to Dobbies, and over the years I have always been able to get to work easily.”
Every one of the few dozen paintings that line the walls of the house is by Stuart, who has spent his working life as an artist, graphic designer and art teacher.
His family often visit him and he has many friends who live nearby.
Over his entire life, only two years of it have been spent living away from the property, after he was conscripted to the RAF in 1946.
“I’ve always been in love with this house” he said.
“Although that doesn’t mean I don’t like to get away.
“I’ve been to practically every country in Europe. The only place I haven’t been is Portugal.
“I think holidaying is behind me now but it was always great coming home here.
“I don’t know anyone else who has lived in the same home for such a long time. I don’t understand people who move when they don’t need to. Good memories surround me here.
“I read somewhere that on average a person moves home around eight times in their lives. I guess I’m different to most.”