They say that we are the sum of our decisions. Although things work out for some of us, others are not so fortunate. In any case, both the bad and the good define the person we become. Don’t worry if you still don’t know who you are or what you want to be; you’ll figure it out eventually. The smallest decisions may appear insignificant at the time, but they can have significant and long-term consequences in our lives. We might be able to persuade you of this after reading about this young couple who ended up buying a Scottish manor by accident.
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This Young Couple Purchased A Mansion By Accident, And Here’s Why
Making Mistakes
Claire Segeren and Cal Hunter are young people who are in love with each other. When Claire decided to take a year off from medical school, they spent the entire year together. They decided to buy a house at an auction, but not before researching and visiting the properties. Cal then proceeded to make an offer on their desired property. He won the auction and was given a 120-year-old manor instead!
Making Mistakes
Wrong Bid
Even though neither of them was Scottish, they were looking to buy an apartment in Pollokshields, Glasgow. They knew there would be a lot of work because the property had been damaged by fire. They estimated that it would take six months to fix it, but it was well worth the wait. Claire went home for a visit when Cal stopped by the auction house.
Wrong Bid
Big Accident
He made an offer on the property and was overjoyed when he was successful in his bid of £ 30,000. However, when he realized that the house he had bid on was being sold in three lots, his joy turned to panic! He has another property; it turns out. It was a 120-year-old mansion in Dunoon, Scotland.
Big Accident
Taking It Well
Cal realized he’d made a mistake when he heard “all sales are final.” He took a deep breath and dialed his girlfriend’s number in Canada, visiting her family. Imagine simply telling your girlfriend that you paid $39,400 for a house you didn’t want. Surprisingly, she did not become enraged.
Taking It Well
It Could Be Worse
They decided to renovate the house they bought because the amount of money they spent on a property was not excessive. It wouldn’t be a problem, she assured him. Cal’s father was right next to her when she called, and he agreed with her. “What’s the worst that could happen?” he asked. They were about to discover exactly what their new property had in store for them.
It Could Be Worse
Fixer Upper
Cal discovered the manor’s name at the auction: Jameswood Villa. It was said to necessitate “full upgrading throughout.” He came across a Google Streetview image from 2010. Even though the location was no longer in its prime, these two were up for a challenge.
Fixer Upper
Ideal, But Not Ideal
Claire was Canadian, and Cal was English because they had to look up Dunoon on the map to figure out where their new home was. They were relieved to learn that Glasgow was not far away. Claire was planning to go to medical school at Glasgow University, so this was ideal for them. The shock had worn off, and the young couple was feeling quite upbeat about the situation.
Ideal, But Not Ideal
Misleading Advertisement
Both of them were cautiously optimistic about their new initiative. Cal traveled to Dunoon to inspect the property they had purchased at the auction. They were met with disappointment as soon as they arrived at the area, as the photo was extremely outdated.
Misleading Advertisement
Rotten To The Core
Meanwhile, the roof arrived, complete with gaping holes. It was clear that no one had lived in the manor for the past twenty years, as most of the timber had rotted away. Aside from that, they knew they’d have to replace the plumbing and electrics. Their new “derelict house” was not supposed to be as dangerous and run-down as it turned out to be.
Rotten To The Core
Bad Shape
Furthermore, the “leaning, crumbling front wall” was angled so that it was concealed, indicating major structural issues. They later discovered that the house was sinking into the ground. There was no doubt about how difficult this location would be.
Bad Shape
Optimistic and Determined
Despite the obstacles, Cal and Claire were not about to give up. They traveled throughout England and came across many abandoned buildings. They were eager to turn it into a lovely home. Even though James wood appeared to be more difficult to flip than they had hoped, the challenge did not deter them. They were ecstatic about it! These two are quite the daring couple!
Optimistic and Determined
A Wake-Up Call
They were given a rude awakening when they realized they didn’t have the funds to complete the project. They knew they’d have to get creative to fund this venture. Not only would they have to do the renovations themselves, but they would also have to change their way of life. In addition to doing all of the work, they would have to stop paying rent or mortgage.
A Wake-Up Call
The Caravan Life
If they wanted to do this, they had to give up many things and go all-in. That’s exactly what they’ve done. They both rolled up their sleeves and got to work. They planned to be homeless for the project’s duration, so they rented a caravan and parked it in the property’s garden.
The Caravan Life
Manageable Issues
Since this problem has not yet been resolved, the caravan will serve as their home, despite its lack of electricity and running water. They could get by using candles and asking their neighbors for permission to use their oven and shower.
Manageable Issues
Adventurous Couple
“Determined to make life an adventure,” these two young people said. It appears that they have exactly what they desire! They were more than willing to take a chance on the hand in front of them. After all, fate was the one who brought them together.
Adventurous Couple
How They Met
We’re sure you’re curious about how this Englishman and this Canadian first met. Their first encounter took place in the French Alps, according to reports. They met and got along swimmingly during the ski season. They then became a couple, went on a road trip across Europe, and spent the summer in Canada. As the saying goes, the rest is history!
How They Met
Their Own Blog
The couple decided to start a blog and an Instagram page to keep track of their renovation progress. It was a difficult renovation, which added to the couple’s enjoyment of documenting their journey.
Their Own Blog
What Have We Done?
As a joke about “what have we done?” the two chose the witty title “What Have We Dunoon?” This is a clever take on how the project began and where their property was located. Isn’t that hilarious wordplay?
What Have We Done
100K Followers
They post regularly so that their followers and fans can join them in celebrating the little things like installing the electrical grid or taking care of the plumbing. And, of course, there are tea breaks! They are, after all, in the United Kingdom. The couple recently shared this photo on Instagram, thanking their followers for helping them reach the 100-follower mark!
100K Followers
Their Schedule
As previously stated, the two had no choice but to put their entire selves into the project. They did enlist the assistance of a few of their friends. They received assistance, for example, in cleaning up the dirt on the sidewalk.
Their Schedule
Making It Work
They continued to take this assignment for granted because they had so many other things to do. It was wonderful that their friend was glad to help them. Claire has been working full-time on the project, while Cal works part-time as a carpenter to supplement their income.
Making It Work
Setbacks Left and Right
There was no doubt that the task they were taking on was significant due to the amount of work needed. Since the beginning of the project in November 2018, the two have run into several issues. “Finding a new problem seems to be a daily occurrence,” Cal continued.
Setbacks Left and Right
DIY Installations
When the work van got stuck in the mud, the two of them decided to build a driveway themselves. They had to dig up the water supply to find it, which proved to be more difficult than anticipated. The search for a cable that would allow them to power the grid took five months!
DIY Installations
Like A Paradox
They had one more issue that would pique the interest of writer Joseph Heller. The manor needed a new roof because the current one has enough holes to pass for a Swiss cheese slice. However, they were unaware that there was a problem.
Like A Paradox
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The Community
It was fortunate that they were never truly alone in the project. Their friends were not the only ones who came to their assistance. Cal and Claire support the local community in town as well! We discussed how some of the young couple’s neighbors thought they could share their showers and ovens with them. However, there were other ways they could help.
The Community
Stuck In A Rut
The walls did not appear strong enough to support a new roof because they were far too rickety. They needed to repair the walls, but without a roof, the rain would just come down and ruin them all over again. “It’s like a huge catch-22 jigsaw puzzle,” Cal described the situation.
Stuck In A Rut
GoFundMe
Cal said, “We’ve been overwhelmed by the kindness of the people of Dunoon.” Although some thought they were crazy for doing this, the residents have always been encouraging and supportive. What a wonderful community surrounds them! Claire and Cal created a GoFundMe page to raise funds for their project, to which family, friends, and even strangers can contribute.
GoFundMe
Support From Near And Far
Many others have contacted Claire and Cal through their blog. Their followers were always there for these two, offering technical advice and pointing them in the right direction for materials. If that wasn’t enough, the emigrating couple also met many people who helped them with their renovation. Daily, 4-5 friends show up to help in any way they can.
Support From Near And Far
Eco-Friendly Project
Cal and Claire wanted to make this renovation project as environmentally friendly as possible, in addition to their practical financial concerns. In that sense, they have chosen to use reclaimed building materials. They are willing to recycle wood, floorboards, kitchen cabinets, and anything else you can think of! Whatever they can get their hands on, they’ll use!
Eco-Friendly Project
A Test
The fixer-upper of Jameswoods Villa was going to teach these lovebirds more than just some useful skills. Claire thought it was also a way to put their relationship to the test. After all, what could they lose if they lived in a caravan on the construction site? This was her line of reasoning. She was a perpetual optimist who always saw the bright side of things. Claire admitted, “It’s a long way off, but it is there.”
A Test
Their End Goal
Everything, especially the end goal, should be meticulously planned whenever you begin a project of this scale. After all, you need to finalize what you’ll be working on so that no time is wasted. This was fortunately not a problem for the young couple.
Their End Goal
Big Future Plans
When they put down their tools, they both expected the property to be completely renovated. They also intend to convert it into three separate apartments. They intend to sell two of them, use the proceeds to pay off their debts, and then live in the remaining unit.
Big Future Plans
A Happy Accident
As you can see, perspective is crucial. It would have been easy to lose hope as soon as they realized they had paid for the wrong house. We can all agree that it was a huge mistake. Cal and Claire, on the other hand, chose to view the incident as a “happy accident.” Since time cannot be reversed, why not make the most of it?
A Happy Accident
No Need To Dwell
Even though it wasn’t what they had in mind, they knew that life was one big adventure. That’s how they dealt with it, and we’re grateful for that. They didn’t want to stay in despair when they could still turn things around. We’re not sure we’d be able to do what these two young adults did, and we’re sure many others feel the same way! Cal and Claire take on everything in life with a smile and a determined mind!
No Need To Dwell
Calculating Risks
Like everything else in life, one must weigh the risks and benefits. The project’s risks were immediately apparent from the start. Who knows, maybe they lost their hard-earned money when they bought it. Furthermore, the renovation may cause them to lose even more. It was, to say the least, a huge risk.
Calculating Risks
Mortgage-Less
However, they believed that the positives outweigh the negatives in this situation. They would not only learn a lot along the way, but they would also grow closer as a couple. Not only that, but they’d be able to call themselves homeowners while still in their twenties. They wouldn’t even have to pay their mortgage! It would be a tremendous achievement.
Mortgage Less
No Gray Areas
We’re confident you’ll agree with us when we call Theodore Roosevelt the greatest president the United States has ever had. If you don’t, be aware that we are prepared to fight for it. He had a few tricks up his sleeve when it came to overcoming obstacles. He had asthma as a child and went on to become a hero during the Spanish-American War. If that doesn’t speak for itself, we don’t know what will!
No Gray Areas
Wise Words
He’d just have to figure out what to say to Cal and Claire. He once said that it is preferable to risk great things, even if you occasionally fail than to live in power. “gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat.” We’re confident that these two doers will follow in the footsteps of the former POTUS. When they’ve had setbacks along the way, they’ve never given up.
Wise Words
Good Luck
Although there may not be a direct line to fate, we are confident that their huge gamble would pay off handsomely if there were justice in the world. Fate played a role in bringing these two lovers from different parts of the world together. They’ve now arrived in a third country, where they hoped to begin a new chapter of their lives together, even though it has taken a very different path than they had anticipated.
Good Luck
Nothing Is In Their Way
We’ll just keep our fingers crossed for them while the work is still going on, which will take a long time. We hope they never lose their optimism and work hard to deal with their “happy accident,” but we have to admit, we’re not too concerned about these two. They appear to know exactly what they want, and nothing seems to be able to stop them when they are determined!
Nothing Is In Their Way
Remaining Positive
We’re sure they had a lot of frustrating moments along the way. It’s also likely to be exhausting. At the very least, we hope they keep their spirits up. Fortunately, they’ve been upbeat so far and aren’t letting any setbacks get them down!
Remaining Positive
Things Will Get Better
It could be a lot of hard work, with more than its fair share of obstacles. For one thing, the truck sank under the weight of the bricks at one point. We are confident, however, that they will succeed in overcoming this obstacle. Their plans will be implemented gradually but steadily.
Things Will Get Better
Good Riddance
Since it is so old, the house is falling apart. They also had a lot of garbage to get rid of. They made numerous trips to the dump to dispose of various filthy, gross, and moldy items. The couple had to fill up the truck to its maximum capacity before heading to the dump. Despite their best efforts, most of the items they discovered in the house are no longer usable.
Good Riddance
Stay Safe
It’s important to remember that your safety should always come first when working on a project of this magnitude (or any project, for that matter). Numerous factors can cause danger or harm, particularly when it comes to renovations.
Stay Safe
Caution
This is why you must ensure that you are dressed appropriately before going to work. You may inhale soot, dust, mold, and chemicals while working on a construction site. Because of this, you must keep your face mask on.
Caution
Down and Dirty
Furthermore, the couple must be aware that if they want the renovation project to succeed, they must be willing to get their hands dirty. Fortunately, they can buy work gloves to protect their hands from dirt and wounds.
Down and Dirty
To Social Media
They were so happy with their new pair of gloves that they went on Instagram and posted about how much they love them. The couple did mention, however, that the new pair of gloves would only last an hour.
To Social Media
Breaks They Deserve
Despite the enormity of the task ahead of them, the couple was adamant about seeing it through and not giving up on their dream of transforming the rotting old manor into the home of their dreams. It’s a good sign that they haven’t given up hope, no matter what they’ve been through.
Breaks They Deserve
A Bit Of Zen
We’re also glad to hear that they make sure the two of them get as much rest as they require. They also go out and have a good time with their friends. They also make it a point to include some fun in their schedule! At the moment, they are still working on the project.
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A Bit Of Zen
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