Elly Wroath, a 26-year-old from Surrey, embarked on an ambitious renovation project for her cottage dating back to 1890. In the course of her renovations, she discovered a remarkable find hidden behind a boarded fireplace that has intrigued both her and the online community.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Woman-Uncovers-Mysterious-Victorian-Range-Hidden-Behind-Fireplace-in-Her-136-Year-Old-Cottage-102626-f7de8a1c926f461eb2f99b9285ac018c.jpg)
Wroath had already removed half of the boards covering the old fireplace when she began to feel disheartened. Initial explorations revealed little more than a large mound of debris that led her to question whether there was anything of value left to uncover. Concerned about the potential for rats to be lurking in the space, she enlisted the help of her boyfriend to remove the remainder of the boards.
The moment he lifted the last of the boards, instead of rodents, Wroath was greeted by the sight of what appeared to be an original Victorian cooking range. “At first, I thought it was just another fireplace,” she reflected. However, it quickly became clear that this was an extraordinary discovery, a piece of history concealed within the very walls of her home.
Wroath’s renovation timeline was not without its challenges, having purchased the cottage for £415,000. The property had been left in a state of disrepair, lacking heating, featuring a crumbling roof, and with a staircase that was barely functional. Wroath, who had a background in renovations thanks to her father’s career in property development, was determined to transform the neglected space into a home that reflected her vision.
She documented her find on TikTok, where viewers caught a glimpse of the hidden treasure. The short clip was accompanied by a text overlay that read, “POV: you open up a boarded fireplace in your 1890 cottage and find THIS hiding behind it.” The post sparked excitement among viewers, many of whom speculated that the item could be an AGA cooker.
Despite the speculation, Wroath is yet to determine the exact identity and age of the cooking range. She is eager to consult a blacksmith to assist with its removal and potential restoration, which would also provide insights into the range’s past. “A few people suggested it was an AGA, but I still haven’t confirmed what it really is,” she admitted.
While unsure of the monetary value of the find, Wroath is hesitant to part with it. She envisions repurposing the range in a creative way, possibly transforming it into a pizza oven for her garden. This unique idea could offer both functionality and a nostalgic touch to her outdoor space.
Wroath’s renovation has not been merely about uncovering hidden gems. The process has also involved dealing with frustrating setbacks, including discovering gutters that led to nowhere, extensive digging in the garden, and a variety of obstacles throughout the house. Despite these challenges, she remains committed to reviving the cottage’s character and charm.
In addition to the hidden range, Wroath has also maintained some original features of the property, such as a fireplace in one of the bedrooms. She is dedicated to preserving these elements as she reconstructs the rest of the home. “I’m still piecing together the cottage’s history,” she noted, striving to retain its essence amid the renovations.
As she works towards making the original section of the cottage livable by Christmas, Wroath’s vision is clear. The future of the discovered range remains uncertain, reliant on what she learns about it through restoration efforts. However, her desire is to give it a new life rather than see it leave her beloved home. “I’d love to keep it and give it a new lease of life,” she expressed, embodying the spirit of renovation and heritage preservation that her project represents.
About the Author
