13 September 2023 , 11:19
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A couple who bought a 120-year-old derelict mansion by accident have now started to take holiday bookings after they gave it a dramatic makeover.
Cal Hunter, 26, from Hull and Claire Segeren, from Toronto, were hoping to lay their hands on a cut-price city centre flat in Glasgow for £30,000 - but ended up getting something quite different after a lot numbers mix-up four years ago. After Cal accidentally bid on the wrong unit, they were instead given Jameswood Villa - an uninhabitable property in the coastal town of Dunoon, West Scotland. The couple then decided they would take it on as a sustainable project and ignored expert advice to demolish the house, despite having just £10,000 in the bank and no experience with renovation work.
The pair were determined to work on the derelict property (Sunday Mail)
Cal and Claire spent four years on transforming the home (Collect)They decided to live in a caravan in the grounds while they undertook the first challenges, which included clearing the huge amounts of debris in the building and making the structure secure by raising the roof. In July, the couple confirmed their house had finally been signed off by inspectors - ending four years of hard work, reports the Daily Record.
Cal and Claire have now started the next stage of their journey by opening it up as quiet villa resort - and have spoken of their excitement as they finally begin accepting guests. In a post on their Instagram page 'whathavewedunoon', Claire said: "We're open for business! Visit jameswoodvilla.co.uk to book a stay. This is what Cal and I have been working towards for years. We can't thank you all enough for your support throughout our journey. Jameswood would be nowhere near as special a space, had it not been for you joining us on our adventure.
The couple completely transformed the rundown bathroom (Collect)
They purchased the mansion in Dunoon by mistake (Collect)"We can't wait to share Jameswood with all of you, and for you to see how special this quiet corner of Scotland is. We have wholeheartedly fallen in love with this area, and we know you will too. It's time to fill these walls with new memories - and we'd love for you to join us in doing so."
London flat for rent for £1,400 a month with bed tucked away in kitchen cupboard
Each apartment in the villa has two bedrooms, and accommodates four guests - plus any "furry friends". Inflatable kayaks were also be made available for free to all guests to allow them to bring a bit of adventure to their stay. The apartments can be booked for £125 a night, with a requirement of a minimum two-night stay.
Signing off their message to fans, the couple wrote: "We've had a photographer come and take photos of our two holiday rentals - we just couldn't do the space justice ourselves. We are looking forward to sharing them with you, when they become available! "Thank you again, for joining us in restoring Jameswood Villa. We can't wait to share our next adventure with you!"