The narrowest houses in the United Kingdom
Sometime throughout life depending on our circumstances, most of us think about the size of our house and whether it is adequate for our needs. For example, a young couple may feel that they require a larger house or apartment when they decide to start a family, or, if a business has grown then perhaps a bigger house with a study or work room is needed. On the other hand, as we get older and our children have "flown the nest", we may think about downsizing. Some people buy the oddest of properties. These are some houses that have earned the title of "narrowest houses in the United Kingdom." The properties featured have no room to swing a mouse, let alone a cat!!
Formerly a donkey cart shed, this property has been converted into a terraced home. From the front of the house to the back, it measures 21 feet and is 6 foot wide. Amazingly this supermodel thin house has an entrance hall, shower room and kitchen all on the ground floor. There is a tiny living area on the first floor leading up to a bedroom in the eaves! Around thirteen years ago, a couple bought this house for £8000 and spent a further £15000 renovating it to rent out. Apparently no heating costs are involved as it is sandwiched between two houses which provide warmth and insulation.
In Millport, on the North Ayrshire coast, you will find The Wedge which is aptly named as it is shaped like a wedge of cheese. The house is around 22 feet in length and measures 11 feet at its widest point. The width of the front of the house is just under 4 feet (the width of the front door). It has been a tourist attraction in Millport for many years and has been used as a rented holiday home in the past. Downstairs there is a small porch with a kitchen and lounge, whilst upstairs houses the shower room and bedroom. Prior to the house being sold in 2001 for an undisclosed sum (asking price was £27000) the previous owners had rented the property out for 20 years. The Wedge is named in the Guinness Book of Records for having the narrowest recorded frontage in the world. Never again will I moan about the size of my 2 bedroom apartment!
Built around 1899, this skinny house has been sandwiched between two other houses. The house measures 4' 10" wide at the front. Although the property widens out a bit at the rear, it has officially earned the title of the "narrowest occupied domestic residence in Britain." Hard to believe that this was once just a small gap between two properties. Not so much compact and bijou, but cramped and claustrophobic!
Although this two bedroomed property measures a measly 66 inches wide, it has five floors - lower ground, ground, 1st, 2nd and 3rd floors. It was put on the market in December 2009 with a price tag of £549,950! If I had this sort of cash to spend on a property, I would certainly be looking for something much more spacious!
Positioned on the quayside in Conwy, North Wales, this little red house is the smallest house in Great Britain. As well as being vertically challenged, it is only 1.8 metres wide. The house was originally built as a fishermans cottage, but is now a tourist attraction which is open to the public for six months of the year. At one time, a gentleman of 6' 3" lived here! It has one bedroom and kitchen with a small shower room.
Advantages of having a small property
I suppose the advantage of having a narrow house is cost of decorating and furnishing would be very minimal. Judging by the width of these homes, the problem would be actually getting the furniture inside. It gives a whole new meaning to "flat packed" furniture.
