EXCLUSIVE: Is This Britain's Skinniest House? Mother Says 6-Foot Wide £300k Terrace is Her 'Dream Home' - But Admits It Comes With an 'Absolute Nightmare'
In a charming corner of Gravesend, Kent, stands a property that defies conventional notions of residential architecture. This diminutive terrace, measuring just 6 feet wide, has captured the imagination of locals and visitors alike, earning it the informal title of "Britain's skinniest house."
For the past 12 years, this unique abode has been the dream home of Kim Giles, a 42-year-old costume designer. Tucked away in a conservation area, the unassuming façade of the property gives little clue to its extraordinary dimensions. However, a glance at the side profile reveals the true nature of this remarkable structure.
"When I first came to visit, someone said, 'Oh, you won't believe how thin it is,'" Kim recounts, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "And when I got here, I was still wondering, then I saw it from the side and I was like, 'Wow. It's incredible.'"
Despite its diminutive size, the four-floor terrace has managed to capture the hearts of both its occupants and passing onlookers. "It's very quirky, and that matches my personality really," Kim says with a smile. "It fits well."
The allure of the property extends beyond its owners, with property enthusiasts and curious tourists regularly stopping to snap photographs of the distinctive structure. "The interest it attracts always surprises me," Kim admits. "It's quite funny."
While the exterior may be a source of fascination, the interior presents its own unique set of challenges. Furnishing the narrow spaces requires meticulous planning and a penchant for problem-solving. "There's just no way of doing it normally like an ordinary house," Kim explains. "It means we have to be a bit pickier, I guess. But it's a small price to pay for such a lovely property."
The winding staircase only adds to the logistical hurdles, with most furniture requiring flat-packing and on-site assembly. "We did once try and get a sofa inside normally, but it was just a total nightmare," Kim recounts. "We nearly gave up. Other things have had to go through the window."
Despite these occasional setbacks, Kim has found creative ways to make the space her own, filling it with personal touches and treasured possessions. "There's plenty of space for things, though," she assures. "We get used to it."
The property's unique charm has not gone unnoticed by the local community. Michael Tittley, a 45-year-old plumber, has long been captivated by the sight of the diminutive terrace. "It feels like something you'd maybe see abroad, in like a European city," he muses. "Not Gravesend. I am glad it has been kept the way it is. It would be a shame for it to change at all."
For Kim, the decision to call this extraordinary house her home was an easy one, and she has no plans to leave anytime soon. "I could not imagine living anywhere else," she declares. "It's just perfect."
As the sun sets over the quaint streets of Gravesend, the slender terrace stands as a testament to the power of embracing the unconventional. For Kim Giles, this diminutive dwelling is not just a roof over her head – it is a dream come true, a perfect fit for her quirky spirit, and a source of endless fascination for all who behold it.
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