Having finally regained possession after an on-off battle lasting about 6 years and costing every last bit hard won savings and the forced sale of most of the tools of my trade and so on, and so on, this is what the place looks like as of this morning. That stepladder had been propped over the lobby door, St Trinian style, presumably in the hope it would crash down onto my head, and the chair seats have been taken out. But as you can see, that’s not the worst of it.

There was an inkling the house would be like this, the neighbours, the nice local bobbies and the engineer who was finally and at long last admitted to do the gas inspection had given fair warning. But still, it’s quite a shock.

Lots of work to do now, then.

Click through for a slideshow or follow this link. It’s Flash so you won’t see it on your phone or iPad, sorry.

I need a job to help pay for all this. Any and all suggestions gratefully received.