**Young Homeowner Takes on Major Renovation of Historic Surrey Cottage**
In an ambitious undertaking, 26-year-old Elly Wroath has taken on the challenge of renovating a dilapidated Victorian cottage in Surrey, England, which dates back to 1890. Having purchased the property for £415,000—approximately $555,000—despite its need for extensive repairs, Wroath is intent on transforming it into a warm and inviting home.
The cottage, which was sold without any heating, featured a roof in urgent need of repair and a staircase that was far from safe. Wroath, who works as a sales negotiator, originally became enamoured with the town while renting in the area and felt a strong desire to establish her own roots there. “Despite all the issues, I loved its character and could imagine making it into a home,” she explained.
Originally listed at £450,000, Wroath managed to negotiate a discount of £35,000, making the purchase more manageable given the extensive work required. A recent TikTok video featuring her renovation project, dubbed “The Alma Project,” provides a comedic yet honest overview of the property’s condition, revealing features such as a garden that was jokingly described as “accessible by sight” and a kitchen referred to as such “purely for legal reasons.”
Determined to restore the building to its former glory, Wroath is working diligently alongside her family, builders, and specialists. Having grown up around renovation projects due to her father’s work as a property developer, she views this as an opportunity to apply what she has learned. “I want to be involved as much as I can, both to learn and because there’s something very satisfying about working on your own home,” she shared.
The process has not been without its hurdles. Wroath has encountered numerous unexpected complications, including ill-functioning drainage and rampant weeds growing within the walls. To cope with these challenges, she has strived to adhere closely to her renovation budget of £100,000 (approximately $134,000). To date, she has spent roughly £23,000 (around $31,000) and is mindful of her growing total investment, which is now nearing £438,000.
Despite the amount of work still pending, substantial changes have already been accomplished. Wroath has removed walls and the old staircase, raised ceilings, and stripped back much of the interior. She understands that while some of the original features may be too damaged to restore, it is essential to retain the charm that initially captured her heart. Among the elements she is keen to preserve is a fireplace from the original bedroom, which she hopes will contribute to a warm and cosy atmosphere complemented by an inviting kitchen and snug.
As the renovation progresses, Wroath’s immediate goal is to make the original part of the cottage livable before Christmas. This ambitious timeline means focusing on securing a bedroom and a bathroom while further work continues elsewhere in the property. “I’m particularly excited about the prospect of moving in after months of demolition,” she remarked.
Wroath has developed a newfound appreciation for the realities of homeownership through the renovation. After dealing with everything from structural repairs to drainage issues, she believes that simply having a functioning bathroom will be a luxury. The experience has not only taught her practical skills but has also cemented her passion for being directly involved in her home’s transformation.
Although the road ahead remains long, the vision of settling into her newly renovated cottage with her dog, Pickle, keeps Wroath motivated. “Mostly, I’m looking forward to that feeling of ‘this is actually mine,’” she concluded, as she gears up for the next phase of her exciting renovation journey.
As Elly Wroath continues her ambitious project, her story serves as an inspiring reminder of the dedication and passion that goes into making a house a home, despite the trials of a significant renovation.
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