WHEN you’re a teeny height of 5”1, it’s not often you have to duck down to enter a building.
But that’s exactly what I found myself doing, as I stepped into the smallest house in Great Britain.
Nestled at the end of a terrace in Conwy, North Wales, the tiny home has a floor space of just 10ft by 5.9ft – meaning it’s as wide as a Ford Focus.
There’s just enough room inside this cosy house for a fireplace, stove, and ladder up to a bedroom with a single bed – but no bathroom.
There’s certainly no space for a television, but that hasn’t stopped the TV licensing inspectors from knocking on owner Jan Tyley’s door.
The 58-year-old solicitor’s great-great grandfather, Robert Jones, bought the house for just £20 in 1891.
And the Grade II listed building has been passed down the family ever since.
“When I was little, it just seemed like it was part of family life,” Jan says. “But since I inherited it from my cousin Margaret in 2015, it’s been quite a boast.
“When I tell people I own it, they react either with astonishment, or actually, quite a lot of people say, ‘Oh, I’ve been there. I know that.’
“The other question I get is, ‘What’s the second smallest house in the country?’ The answer to which I have absolutely no idea!”
The Smallest House, also known as Quay House, was built in the 16th century between two already-standing rows of cottages.
The terraced houses had a space in the middle, left for one of Conwy Castle’s towers.
Jan says: “It’s believed someone built the house here during the night, thanks to a rule that says if you can build a house after sunset and have smoke coming out of the chimney by sunrise, you can claim the plot as your own.
“It only took a front and a roof to make it into a property.”
While it’s not known who built the house, Jan has gone back through the census and found there have been many couples living together in the house.
“When they did, they used to lower the trapdoor, up there, down and roll out a mattress to cover the whole floor, which is about the same size as a double bed,” she adds.
Jan says the very maximum amount of people who can fit into the house comfortably is six, but there used to actually be a mum, dad and four children living in the tiny house.
“The kids used to sleep on hammocks hung between the beams upstairs,” she says. “It’s absolutely crazy.”
The last person to live here was a local fisherman called Richard Jones, who, amazingly, was 6”3.
He was a sitting tenant when Jan’s great-great grandfather bought the property, occupying it until May 1900, when the building was condemned as being unfit for human habitation and he was forced to move out.
Due to none of them having a toilet, the tiny house – along with the row of cottages to its left – were all about to be knocked down.
“But my great-great grandfather, having only owned it for nine years, was sitting in the pub bemoaning his fate to his friends, when one of his friends, the editor of the local newspaper, Roger Dawson, said, ‘Well, it might be the smallest in the country!’” says Jan.
Roger and Richard went ahead and put adverts in papers across the country, asking people to send details of their small houses, before travelling around Great Britain measuring them all.
Indeed, Quay House in Conwy was the smallest, and they appealed to the council who agreed to leave it standing, as long as no one lived in it.
It’s been open as a tourist attraction ever since.
Jan says: “When my Auntie Lissy had it, she used to live next door, and she had a sign in the window saying, ‘Anybody who want to see inside the smallest house, come and knock on the door.’
“So she would jump up from tea or dinner and open up the house so people could see inside.
“So it wasn’t quite the same tourist attraction back then as it is now.”
These days, it’s open seven days a week, from 10am to 4pm, and receives around 50-60,000 visitors a year.
That’s, in part, thanks to Jan’s relative Margaret, who she inherited the house from.
Jan explains: “When it was lived in, and up until the 1970s, it was creamy-white outside, but it was Margaret who chose to paint it red.
“She thought it would stand out, and red is a very Welsh colour, and, indeed, it was Margaret, too, who brought in the tradition of the ladies on the door wearing Welsh costumes.”
And last year, Jan moved from Oxford to Saint Asaph, 25 minutes away from the house, so she could check on it more regularly.
She says: “There’s always rolling maintenance we have to do.
“Unfortunately, with the back wall being part of an ancient monument, it’s not the driest of environments.”
Sadly, Jan also has to deal with thieves.
She says: “The most bizarre thing – we used to have the Bible on the bed upstairs.
“We’ve got railings up there, because obviously we can’t have thousands of people walking on the floor, and, somehow, somebody managed to get it from the far end of the bed out. Goodness knows how.
“So now we don’t put a Bible on the bed!”
Of course, Jan doesn’t actually live in the house – and has no plans to.
“I couldn’t,” she laughs. “I like my creature comforts too much!”
But she has absolutely no plans to sell it.
“Amazingly, we get people offering to buy it for £20 now, but I say no!” she laughs.
Instead, she’s already lining up her youngest son, who is 22, as the heir to the smallest house.
“He’s very, very keen on taking it on in years to come,” she says.
“He actually deputised for me last week, while I was on holiday, and he knows exactly what he’s doing.”
By Jonathan Rolande
Property expert Jonathan Rolande told Fabulous: The reason we are seeing more creative ways of finding a home: super-high property prices and rents. Younger people are remaining in the family home later in life to avoid paying high prices and to save for a deposit. With increasingly busy lives, staying within a larger family group makes sense, chores such as gardening and housework can be shared.
Garages are rarely used for their intended purpose as cars are far more reliable and less prone to rust and so are perfectly happy outside. On the other hand, the amount of property space per person has been shrinking – converting a garage can make great sense.
Things to consider. (the boring stuff)
Usually easier than building from scratch but still a lot to do to turn a garage in to a habitable space.
You’ll need to check if you need planning (more likely to be required if the garage is detached).
Building Regulations stipulate many things to make homes safe and secure. Consider
Walls, are they cavity?
Roof height
Windows
How will you get plumbing, electrics and drainage connected
Insulation – it will be cold!
Fire safety
Damp proofing
Also consider if, by converting, you are adding or deducting value from the main home. Garages can add value in busy urban areas where parking is limited.
MANCHESTER UNITED have held “secret talks” with “a number of managers” leaving Erik ten Hag’s future in doubt, reports say.
The Dutchman held onto his job this summer after the Old Trafford hierarchy, headed up by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, decided to hand him a new deal.
But that was only after interviewing a potential replacement, including Thomas Tuchel, who has since taken over as England boss.
According to the Daily Mail, United are back in the market scoping out a possible successor to Ten Hag.
It is claimed chief executive Omar Berrada already travelled to Spain for talks with Barcelona manager Xavi.
Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, ex-Borussia Dortmund coach Edin Terzic and Brentford’s Thomas Frank are also said to be on a four-man shortlist.
Gareth Southgate – who stepped down as Three Lions manager after Euro 2024 – and out-of-work Graham Potter are also linked.
United are 12th in the Premier League table going into their trip to West Ham this Sunday.
And Ten Hag’s side have failed to win any of their first three Europa League ties following a draw with Fenerbahce in Istanbul.
The ex-Ajax boss has consistently insisted that he is on the same page as United’s leadership team of Berrada, sporting director Dan Ashworth and technical director Jason Wilcox.
Man Utd legend Paul Scholes insisted he is yet to see any improvements under Erik ten Hag's side this season.
He said: “I think they have played in spells where they’ve looked okay. They have missed a lot of chances as well.
“But I think league position tells you everything. And I’m talking about both leagues, 11th in the Premier League, 21st in the Europa League.
“There’s been no improvement. I think that’s the biggest disappointment with two and a little bit years in, a lot of money has been spent and we’re not seeing improvement.
“You’d like to think by now they’re up there challenging them. The top three teams I know Liverpool, City and Arsenal are ahead of most other teams.
“You’d like to see them getting even a little bit closer to that, but it doesn’t feel like it…”
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But billionaire Ineos owner Ratcliffe refuses to give Ten Hag his public backing.
And United’s co-owners are weighing up their options again amid concern over the lack of progress after another £200million was spent on transfers.
Ten Hag brought in Leny Yoro, Manuel Ugarte, Matthijs de Ligt, Joshua Zirkzee and Noussair Mazraou this summer.
But United legend Paul Scholes claimed he is yet to see any improvements following a 1-1 draw at Fenerbahce.
He said: “I think they have played in spells where they’ve looked okay. They have missed a lot of chances as well.
“But I think league position tells you everything. And I’m talking about both leagues, 11th in the Premier League, 21st in the Europa League.
“There’s been no improvement. I think that’s the biggest disappointment with two and a little bit years in, a lot of money has been spent and we’re not seeing improvement.
“You’d like to think by now they’re up there challenging them. The top three teams I know Liverpool, City and Arsenal are ahead of most other teams.
“You’d like to see them getting even a little bit closer to that, but it doesn’t feel like it.
“I do actually think on Saturday they got closer to having the best team out, which has been a while.
“I think Luke Shaw still needs to come into that. They’ve got the young lad Leny Yoro who will probably come into that.
“Mainoo back into midfield and I thought there were signs, second half especially, that they scored two really good goals which excited you. So look fingers crossed they can go on and improve.”
CORONATION Street’s Nick Tilsey makes a shock decision about Toyah Battersby as Leanne hits rock bottom.
Life has been hard for Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson) after she was sucked in by Rowan and his cult, The Institute.
The brainwashed Bistro co-owner couldn’t see the impact Rowan was having on her relationship with fiancé Nick (Ben Price) or her sister Toyah (Georgia Taylor).
Nick and Toyah tried everything to help her but Leanne wouldn’t listen to them because she was entranced by Rowan.
However, as Nick continued to feel pushed out by Leanne he grew closer to Toyah.
Nick and Toyah then embarked on a secret affair. But their betrayal soon came out and Leanne was left devastated.
The sisters have found a way to work through the shocking betrayal, with Toyah telling Nick that she wants a relationship her sister rather than him.
However in upcoming Coronation Street scenes, Nick makes a shocking decision that could change all that.
With Nick out, Toyah calls round to the flat – which Leanne recently moved out of – to keep an eye on Sam. Initially hostile, Sam softens when Toyah apologises to him.
Nick then arrives home to find them making models together and he is hugely impressed at how Toyah’s managed to win Sam round.
When Nick declares he still loves her, Toyah pulls him in for a kiss.
Later, Leanne tells Nick she can’t face being front-of-house at the Bistro after The Institute fall out and suggests he hire someone.
Nick offers Toyah the job of bistro manager, telling Toyah they make a great team and it would get Leanne used to seeing them together.
How will Leanne react? Can Toyah and Nick really rekindle their relationship?
LOVE triangles are a fundamental part of soap-land, but which ones have become the most iconic?
EASTENDERS
Bradley/Stacey/Max: Stacey Slater began an affair with boyfriend Bradley Branning’s dad Max in 2007.
Despite their romps, Stacey still married Bradley, but their deceit came out in an iconic Christmas Day episode that year.
Grant/Sharon/Phil: Heading even further back in Walford history, EastEnders fans were gripped in the 90s as Sharon Watts had a one-night stand with her brother-in-law Phil Mitchell.
Sharon confided in best friend Michelle Fowler – not realising it was caught on tape – and her husband Grant eventually found out and played it in front of everyone at the Queen Vic.
Syed/Amira/Christian: Syed Masood was engaged to Amira before realising he had feelings for another man, Christian, which he confessed to him on his wedding day.
A devout Muslim, Syed refused to admit his true sexuality and went ahead and married Amira anyway, but when they returned, the two men started an affair before being caught in the act by Amira.
CORONATION STREET
Shelley/Peter/Lucy: Peter Barlow took the concept of a love triangle and ran with it in Coronation Street – extending it to bigamy.
He was in a relationship with Shelley Unwin but started dating Lucy Richards, and quickly married her after she fell pregnant with his son, Simon.
But it didn’t stop him also marrying Shelley, but he was eventually caught when Lucy turned up in Weatherfield and the two women confronted him.
Ken/Deidre/Mike: Back in 1982, Deirdre Barlow started sleeping with her husband’s nemesis Mike Baldwin in secret, before confessing all a year later.
When Mike turned up at the marital home, Deirdre was being throttled by her husband who then kicked her out, but years later they reconciled.
Maria/Aidan/Eva: In 2017, Aidan Connor started sleeping with girlfriend Eva Price’s best friend, Maria Connor.
Eva eventually found out and she decided to take revenge by faking a pregnancy, spending his money and planned to confront him on their wedding day.
But she had a change of heart when a remorseful Aidan confessed, and decided to marry him anyway, only for Maria to arrive and expose her fake pregnancy.
EMMERDALE
Ross/Debbie/Pete: Debbie Dingle found herself torn between two brothers, Ross and Pete Barton in 2015 in Emmerdale.
She eventually decided to marry Pete but yet again, a soap wedding day was ruined when the groom learned of his bride’s betrayal via a recording played at the wedding.
Chrissie/Robert/Aaron: Robert Sugden was married to Chrissie White and all seemed well – until he began a steamy affair with Aaron Dingle.
Robert’s ex Katie Sugden almost exposed the affair – but fell to her death before she had the chance.
However, a guilty Aaron eventually cracked and told Chrissie about the affair – after which she announced it to the whole pub.
ANDY Carroll and new girlfriend Lou Teasdale made their first public appearance together last night, as they dressed up for Halloween.
Their outing comes after The Sun exclusively revealed last month how Andy, 35, and ex-wife Billi Mucklow, 36, had secretly split in July.
Earlier this month, it was revealed that Andy had moved on with Lou, and last night they ventured out for their first showbiz bash together.
The new celebrity couple looked loved up as they posed for photos outside the Hallozeem bash in London.
Andy was dressed as Taylor Swift‘s boyfriend Travis Kelce, but it was unclear who Lou was meant to be – although she could have been trying to emulate the superstar singer.
After the party had ended, they were seen holding hands and heading home together.
The new couple have been inseparable ever since The Sun revealed how they had got together, following his split from wife Billi.
The pair recently jetted off on their first holiday together and couldn’t keep their hands off each other as they lounged around in the sun in Mallorca.
Back home, his ex-wife Billi Mucklow appeared to take a cryptic swipe at Andy whilst he was off on vacation with his new girlfriend.
She took to her Instagram story to share a sweet snap with her kids at home.
The former Towie star and the youngsters looked cosy as they posed for a selfie together in their pyjamas.
Billi and Andy share three kids Alro, eight, Wolf, five, and Marvel, three.
Footballer Andy is also dad to Emilie Rose, 14, and Lucas, 13,
Billi captioned the post: “I love you so much.”
The exes started dating in 2013 and got engaged the following year.
In a statement, Andy said: “Billi and I have privately separated earlier this year and we are underway with our divorce proceedings.
“It has been a hard few months for our family and we continue to move forward amicably for our children.
“It has been a hard few months for our family and we continue to move forward amicably for our children.”
A source said: “Andy and Billi care about each other a lot and have made some great memories together, but decided it was best for the family if they went their separate ways having grown apart.
“They’re still focusing on the kids and being the best parents they can be and being respectful of each other.
“They want the process to be straightforward for everyone involved. Andy has been throwing himself into his football.”
It was reported that Billi felt “blindsided” by him dating Lou so soon after their separation.
A source has now told the Mail: “It was a shock for Billi, given they only split months previously.
“It left her blindsided initially but he’s single now, so he can do what he wants.
“But what she doesn’t want to do is cause any fallouts between herself and Andy for the sake of the kids.”
Lou split from ex Jay Morton in January last year.
Billi and Andy were together for 11 years and wed at the Four Seasons Hotel in Hampshire in 2022.
However that almost didn’t happen after a photograph from Andy’s stag do in Dubai showed him in bed with two women.
Billi shot to fame on ITVBe‘s Towie.
She appeared on the show between 2011 and 2013.
MAYA Jama looked incredible in a backless white satin gown the Fashion Trust Arabia in Marrakech.
The Love Island host, 30, recently jetted off to Morocco and attended the awards ceremony on Thursday night.
Maya wowed in a figure-hugging dress for the sixth annual event, held at El Badi Palace, and hosted by Angela Bassett and Ahmed Helmy.
The TV star completed the classy look with a matching Pashmina and open toe heels.
Maya looked stunning with her hair tied back and rocked some winged eyeliner and a nude lip.
She posed up a storm with actor Lucien Laviscount backstage.
The pair were in high spirits as they smiled for the camera.
Lucien looked dapper in a black shirt, suit jacket and matching trousers.
Maya is currently enjoying a sun drenched break away in Morocco – and she’s not the only celebrity staying in her hotel.
The ITV2 star shared a snap of Emily In Paris favourite Lucien on her Instagram story.
The actor could be seen enjoying the sunshine, kicking back in a wicker chair with his feet up on the table.
Maya captioned the post: “My neighbour.”
The telly favourite said she’s travelling alone earlier this week, and enjoyed a dinner out by herself.
She joked: “I always feel like whenever your travel alone, everyone at their dinner tables are always like ‘why she alone…is she a travel blogger, is she a lone ranger, is she a runaway princess or is she an escort…”
Maya also showed off her figure in a snakeskin bikini as she danced away in the sunshine.
The former radio host has been jet setting around the world recently.
Just last week she looked fabulous in a figure-hugging black gown at the DKMS Gala in New York.
Maya was in high spirits after it was revealed that her ex has moved on, just three months after their shock split.
Last week Stormzy, 31, was snapped kissing US musician Victoria Monet, 35.
Their split statement read: “We’ve been laughing whilst drafting this because we never, ever, in a million years thought we’d be the couple announcing a break-up.
“But for the sake of clarity and, more importantly, to allow us the space and grace that’s needed for us both to be able to navigate this next bit of our lives with peace, we thought it might be best to.”
A 25-YEAR-OLD woman has confessed to cheating on her fiancé with his older brother and is now reconsidering her upcoming wedding.
She met the brothers, Hugo, 26, and Michael, 28, in middle school when she was 13.
Despite having a soft spot for both of them, Michael was the first to flirt with her.
However, the woman, who has chosen to remain anonymous, thought Michael was “too old for her,” so she decided to pursue a relationship with Hugo instead.
Fast forward to the present, she has realised that she lost feelings for Hugo “a long time ago.”
Her infidelity, she admits, was “the final push she needed to come to this realisation.”
Confused at what to do, the young woman has taken to Reddit to seek advice from others and ask people for their thoughts.
In a lengthy post, she wrote: “A little backstory on how we met: I met Hugo and his brother in middle school when I was 13.
“I got to know Michael beforehand and got along with him much better.
“He was 16 and flirted with me a lot, but I told him he was too old for me.
“He was very sad about it but said that if I later married his brother, I would still be part of the family.
“Hugo and Michael both gave me their numbers, leaving it up to me to decide which of them I wanted to get to know better.
“I chose Hugo because we didn’t have such a huge age difference as Michael and I did, although I actually wanted Michael.
“So Hugo and I got to know each other better, met more often, and got together when I was 15 and he was 16.
“We were in a relationship for years, but my heart was with Michael the whole time.
“I put it off because I didn’t want to hurt Hugo; he really does everything for me, and I can feel how much he loves me.
We talked, and eventually, one thing led to another, and we went to the toilets together
Anonymous woman, 25
“I’ve met Michael from time to time when I was at Hugo’s house or at family gatherings, and it gave me the impression that he wanted me as much as I wanted him.
“Of course, that wasn’t good at all, and I’m aware of that. I went on living like this for years, and when Hugo proposed to me in September last year, I was so relieved.
“I thought that now I would only love Hugo and forget about Michael or that he wouldn’t be as present in my mind anymore. Wrong.
“Hugo and Michael’s aunt got married for the third time last week and the whole family was there, including Michael. And that’s when it happened.
“Hugo talked to his family members all evening, and I was kind of alone.
“But that was okay with me because I already knew everyone well, and at that point, I had quite a headache from the loud music.
“So I distanced myself from the revellers and, of course, met Michael.
“He wanted to keep me company, and I agreed.
Michael and I want to be together and finally be happy after all these years
Anonymous woman, 25
“We talked, and eventually, one thing led to another, and we went to the toilets together. By the way, we were both still sober when I cheated, so we really wanted it.
“Writing this, I realise how messed up everything is.
“After Michael and I had sex, we were both very shocked at first. I said that it was not a mistake but exactly what I had wanted for years – him.
“Michael confessed his love to me and told me how frustrating it was for him over the years, knowing that his brother was with the woman he loved.
“Michael and I want to be together and finally be happy after all these years.
“I haven’t told Hugo anything about my infidelity yet, and neither has Michael.
“Michael and I are now considering cancelling the wedding and gently telling Hugo.
“I don’t want to leave him standing at the altar and say no in front of the whole family.
Private Investigator Aaron Bond from BondRees revealed four warning signs your partner might be cheating.
They start to take their phone everywhere with them
In close relationships, it’s normal to know each other’s passwords and use each other’s phones, if their phone habits change then they may be hiding something.
Aaron says: “If your partner starts changing their passwords, starts taking their phone everywhere with them, even around the house or they become defensive when you ask to use their phone it could be a sign of them not being faithful.”
“You should also look at how they place their phone down when not in use. If they face the phone with the screen facing down, then they could be hiding something.”
They start telling you less about their day
When partners cheat they can start to avoid you, this could be down to them feeling guilty or because it makes it easier for them to lie to you.
“If you feel like your partner has suddenly begun to avoid you and they don’t want to do things with you any more or they stop telling you about their day then this is another red flag.”
“Partners often avoid their spouses or tell them less about their day because cheating can be tough, remembering all of your lies is impossible and it’s an easy way to get caught out,” says Aaron.
Their libido changes
Your partner’s libido can change for a range of reasons so it may not be a sure sign of cheating but it can be a red flag according to Aaron.
Aaron says: “Cheaters often have less sex at home because they are cheating, but on occasions, they may also have more sex at home, this is because they feel guilty and use this increase in sex to hide their cheating. You may also find that your partner will start to introduce new things into your sex life that weren’t there before.”
They become negative towards you
Cheaters know that cheating is wrong and to them, it will feel good, this can cause tension and anxiety within themselves which they will need to justify.
“To get rid of the tension they feel inside they will try to convince themselves that you are the problem and they will become critical of you out of nowhere. Maybe you haven’t walked the dog that day, put the dishes away or read a book to your children before bedtime. A small problem like this can now feel like a big deal and if you experience this your partner could be cheating,” warns Aaron.
“I would like to spare him that humiliation. It’s bad enough that I cheated on him with his brother.
“I’ve finally realised that I haven’t had any feelings for Hugo for a long time. I don’t want to continue with my life like this anymore. It’s not fair to Hugo either.
“So my question now is: How can Michael and I tell Hugo? How do I tell Hugo that I love Michael?
“What are Michael and I supposed to do, and what are we going to do about the wedding now? I don’t want to marry Hugo.
You and Michael are absolutely awful human beings. You deserve everything that’s coming to you.
Reddit comment
“Can the wedding take place and instead I marry Michael? Would something like that work?
“I’m pretty desperate right now because I finally want to be with Michael, but I don’t want to cheat on Hugo again.”
Her post naturally gained a lot of attention, with many people rushing to the comments section to share their thoughts.
Many couldn’t believe that she was even considering if the wedding could take place.
Others called her “stupid” for being in such a situation.
One wrote: “You and Michael are absolutely awful human beings. You deserve everything that’s coming to you.
“Do you seriously think you could just swap him in for Hugo at the wedding and there’ll be no backlash?
“I’d be shocked if anyone in the family even thinks about you or Michael after this. I hope it was worth it, because your relationship with Michael will crash and burn.
“He’s not as great a guy as you think he is, and you’re terrible yourself. You two cheaters deserve each other.”
Another added: “There is no “gently” telling Hugo that his fiancée cheated on him with his brother.
“This is the worst nightmare territory and will likely rip their family apart for a good long while.”
A third said: “That’s the family gathering at Christmas ruined then.”
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