House untouched by time goes up for sale - complete with the fixtures, fittings and even wallpaper from last time it was renovated in 1952
- The home in Stockton-on-Tees was bought by Robert and Freda Close
- They redecorated it to the highest standard but then never updated it
- The house is now a unique vision of the 1950s, thanks to its decor
- It is up for sale for £235,000 after Mrs Close died at the age of 97
When Robert and Freda Close renovated their new home, they were keen to bring it up to the most modern standards possible.
The couple installed cutting-edge technology which made their house the envy of the neighbourhood, and decorated it in a bold and contemporary style.
But the home is no longer quite so up-to-date - because 63 years later, the same decor and furniture that was put in place by the Closes remains intact.
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Untouched: This house in Stockton-on-Tees looks exactly like it did when it was renovated in 1952
Modern: Freda and Robert Close decorated their home in bold colours which were fashionable at the time
Bedroom: The wallpaper put up by the couple has not been changed for more than six decades
For sale: The house has now gone on the market for £235,000 after Mrs Close died at the age of 97
Now the house in Stockton-on-Tees is up for sale for the first time since 1952, after Mrs Close died at the age of 97.
The home has virtually become a timewarp, retaining the Fifties look with old-fashioned wallpaper and very few modern gadgets.
Because the furniture was such a high standard, it has stood the test of time and is still as sturdy as it was when the Closes bought it.
The couple moved in with their children Peter, Jean and David, and lived there together until Mr Close died aged 84 in 1999, after which Mrs Close lived in the house alone.
Hallway: The moment you walk in to the house it is apparent that it is stuck in time
Comfortable: The house has four bedrooms, and was occupied by Mr and Mrs Close as well as their three children
Dining room: As well as a sturdy table and chairs, the room boasts an old-fashioned upright piano
Functional: The bathroom is distinctly outdated but would have been the height of fashion in 1952
The family have now put the four-bedroom house, with its substantial garden, up for sale for £235,000 - and say they hope another family will love it as much as they did.
Peter Close, 69, who lives in France where he owns a vineyard, said: 'We moved to Allendale Road when I was seven. We always thought that it was the nicest house in the road.
'It was built by a John Lewis in 1909 and he lived in it until he died, and then his wife took over the property until she died.
'My father bought it in 1952 - so it has only had two owners in all that time.'
Well-made: Some of the fittings and fixtures date back to the early 20th century but are still in good condition
Sideboard: The china in the cupboard also seems to date back several decades
Up-to-date: The central heating system installed by Mr Close was apparently one of the earliest in Stockton
The property has three reception rooms, a kitchen and laundry room, four bedrooms, an en-suite shower room and bathroom with separate toilet.
Mr Close, a construction manager, and Mrs Close, a teacher, kept the house meticulously tidy, but loved the decor so much that they never bothered updating it.
Peter said: 'The original owner had used the best of materials - the mahogany picture rails and skirtings are all still there and are some of the features of the house.
'My father also installed one of the first central heating systems in Stockton and so the old radiators are the type that you will see in stately homes and also very much a feature.
Memories: Mr and Mrs Close's children are keen to find another family who will cherish the house
Elegant: The highly unusual nature of the house could attract buyers keen on an authentic Fifties feel
Bright: The style of the carpet on the stairs and landing is bold but somewhat out-of-date
'The carpets, the wallpaper, everything is 50s - even the built-in furniture. They both went for quality in the beginning.'
He added: 'We had a very happy childhood growing up. There is a huge garden which includes an orchard and in all sits in around a quarter of an acre.
'It's just superb for kids to play in and I think that will be the appeal - as well as having four bedrooms.
'When it is sold it will belong to someone else but my memories will always be as it is now.'
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