When you think of dream homes, a tiny two-room cottage might not be the first image that comes to mind.
But for two brothers in Castle Donington, Leicestershire, this unusually narrow house—just 8 feet wide—holds memories, charm, and a hopeful future.
Kev and David Ault recently inherited this pocket-sized property from their late aunt Beverley, who lived there for 20 years.
After her passing, they decided it was time to let it go—not for profit, but to give the quaint cottage a new lease on life.
Inheriting More Than Just Bricks and Mortar
Beverley Ballard, their beloved aunt, was a woman full of character with a taste for dark humor and an eye for the quirky.
She became quite reclusive later in life, rarely allowing anyone into her home—even close family.
Despite that, her nephews fondly remember her for her independence, sharp wit, and love of Monty Python, South Park, and murder mysteries.
After Beverley passed away in February 2024 at the age of 68, Kev and David were left with a unique challenge: what to do with a house that, while small and in need of repair, had so much heart?
Exploring the Quaint, Compact Layout
The cottage sits on Hillside, just a short walk from Castle Donington’s shops, pubs, and cafes.
Inside, it’s got just enough space for a front room, a modest kitchen, a steep staircase, one upstairs bedroom, and a small bathroom. Yes, it’s snug—and yes, it definitely needs some TLC—but the potential is clear.
From the outside, the property blends right into its terraced row.
Inside, though, the personality shines.
Kev even joked while standing in the living room that he could almost touch both walls at the same time.
At nearly six feet tall, he barely clears the low ceiling beams.
It’s Not About the Money—It’s About the Memories
While the house has been offered to developers, the brothers turned down a £70,000 offer.
They’re not chasing a big payday.
Their hope?
That someone will fall in love with the property and bring it back to life.
The listing through SDL Property Auctions starts at £59,000—a steal compared to the £291,000 average home price in Castle Donington.
Yes, it needs modernisation.
The fixtures are dated, and the floors feel a bit like you’re on a boat.
But for a handy buyer or creative soul, it could be a perfect project.
A Peek Into Beverley’s Life
Beverley bought the home in 2005 with her husband Ian, known as “Basil” after the cheeky TV fox Basil Brush.
They picked it up for just under £30,000.
After Ian passed away, Beverley withdrew from visitors but continued to enjoy quiet pleasures—jigsaws, word searches, and her favorite whisky.
In fact, a half-full bottle of Bell’s whisky still sits on the old drinks trolley in the lounge, a keepsake her nephews plan to hold on to.
What the Future Might Hold for the Tiny House
With a shared garden and two small outbuildings—one featuring a non-functional toilet—the house isn’t just quirky; it’s also packed with potential.
SDL Auctions notes it could bring in around £9,000 per year in rental income, making it a smart choice for landlords or first-time buyers looking for a one-of-a-kind home.
Even though it needs some upgrades to meet modern building standards (like installing a bannister on those steep
stairs), the structure has good bones—and charm in spades.
Holding On to the Sentimental Bits
While most of the furniture and items were donated to charity, one thing won’t be going with the house: a cuddly Basil Brush toy, stored lovingly in a suitcase.
It belonged to Beverley’s late husband and will stay with the family as a memento of the couple’s time in the home.
Final Thoughts
In a housing market where everything feels mass-produced and overpriced, this little slice of history stands out.
It’s not just a house—it’s a story, a memory, and a fresh start waiting to happen.
Kev summed it up best: “It’s tiny, but it’s got character—and that makes it special.