I bought an abandoned house – everyone said we'd made a mistake, the jungle of ivy is just the beginning

The Sun

09-07-2025

A COUPLE has bought a house that was abandoned 16 years ago, despite being warned it was a huge mistake.
Bekah and her partner got the keys to their first home, they knew they'd taken on a big job, but nothing quite prepared them for the full-blown jungle waiting outside.
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The property, left abandoned since 2009, had been completely overtaken by ivy, weeds, and years of neglect.
From a driveway you couldn't park on to a mystery green mass growing through the house, it looked less like a dream home and more like something out of a horror film.
But instead of running for the hills, Bekah grabbed her phone and started filming.
Posting under her new TikTok page @BekahBuilds, she's documenting every step of reviving the derelict house 'on a first-time buyer budget'.
Her first video has already racked up thousands of views and comments from fans cheering her on.
In the now-viral clip, Bekah gives viewers a tour of the wild garden, complete with tangled ivy climbing up the walls and trees literally growing into the roof.
She said: 'You couldn't even see the windows at first."
She calls it "cute cottage vibes" but worries "it's just taking over.'
As she pans across the overgrown mess, she reveals the full extent of the problem, which includes fence panels missing in action and so much greenery they had to call in the professionals to tackle day one.
Bekah says she got a quote for the garden clearance. trimming back the ivy, removing overgrowth from the roof, tidying the weeds, and clearing access to the fence.
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The massive job is going to set her back £500 as she was told it would be a full day's work by two people.
Bekah asked her followers if they thought it was reasonable, captioning the video: 'It's a huge job, should we have done it ourselves?'
To some, that might sound steep but Bekah's fans claimed she'd landed herself a sweet bargain.
One user said: 'That's a great price. Imagine the work."
Another added:. '£500? That's literally a steal! Take it!'.
A third said: '£500 is amazing, go for it."
Despite the wild start, Bekah's not backing down.
With just three videos on her account so far, she's already gained 43,000 followers, all eager to watch her bring the forgotten home back to life and learn a thing or two about renovation on a budget.
From ivy invasions to fence fiascos, it's already shaping up to be a makeover story worth sticking around for.
And judging by the state of that driveway, it's only just getting started.
Meanwhile, Bekah's home wasn't the only questionable home on the property market this year.
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Elsewhere, a couple have revealed that they ditched life in Bournemouth and moved to Bulgaria.
Rather than breaking the bank each month on a costly mortgage in the UK, Lewis and his wife Jordan purchased a huge property for £7,000.
Not only is the house massive, but it even came with 1.5 acres of land too.
But social media users were left totally divided by the couple's home - while many thought it was 'beautiful,' whilst some trolls questioned their desire to live in Bulgaria.
What is English Ivy?
English Ivy, scientifically known as Hedera helix, is a versatile and hardy evergreen vine commonly found in gardens, landscapes, and indoor settings.
Originating from Europe and Western Asia, it is widely appreciated for its lush, green foliage and ability to cover walls, trellises, and ground surfaces.
Key Characteristics:
Foliage: English Ivy has glossy, dark green leaves that can be lobed or unlobed, depending on the variety and maturity of the plant.
Growth Habit: This plant is a vigorous climber, using aerial rootlets to attach itself to surfaces. It can also spread along the ground, creating dense mats of foliage.
Flowers and Fruits: Although not commonly noticed, English Ivy produces small, greenish-yellow flowers in late summer to early fall. These are followed by black or dark purple berries, which are toxic to humans but provide food for birds.
Uses:
Ground Cover: Ideal for preventing soil erosion and covering large areas with minimal maintenance.
Climbing Vine: Perfect for adding greenery to walls, fences, and trellises, providing both aesthetic appeal and privacy.
Indoor Plant: Popular as a houseplant due to its adaptability to low light conditions and ease of care.
Care Tips:
Light: Thrives in partial to full shade but can tolerate some sun, especially in cooler climates.
Water: Prefers moist, well-drained soil but is relatively drought-tolerant once established.
Pruning: Regular pruning helps control its growth and prevents it from becoming invasive.
Soil: Adaptable to a variety of soil types, though it prefers slightly alkaline to neutral pH levels.
Cautions:
Invasiveness: In some regions, English Ivy is considered invasive due to its aggressive growth habit. It can outcompete native plants and damage structures if not properly managed.
Toxicity: All parts of the plant contain compounds that can be toxic if ingested by humans and pets. Handling the plant may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.