Simple pleasures for our Sheila

Last updated 09:21, Saturday, 12 July 2008

TO be honest Sadie and Simon got right on my nerves – and the more they exasperated Location, Location, Location (C4) presenters Phil Spencer and Kirstie Allsopp with picky demands and nose-curling rejections of properties in Bath, the more nerve-endings screamed at the remote.

Can’t please everyone: Kirstie Allsopp and Phil Spencer

Sheila, on the other hand... well how could you not root for Sheila’s happiness?

Sheila had been looking to downsize in Carlisle. With her two kids about to fly the nest, she no longer needed the bother and expense of her three-bed semi and she wanted to be closer to her work at the Cumberland Infirmary.

A practical sort, Sheila. Too polite to sneer and turn up her nose at other people’s houses.

All she wanted was a sunny garden or yard, enough room for herself and maybe short-term for her kids, should they come home on occasion – with washing, hunger, broken hearts. Like kids do.

The house-hunt was ages ago, of course. This week, Kirstie and Phil returned to Bath to catch up with Sadie and Simon who’d moved into the home they’d loved – in spite of it not being for sale. They’d loved it so much, they’d gutted it and altered its character and form completely.

Nerve endings yelled yet louder.

And Sheila? Well, she was happy as a homebird.

Problems selling her larger house had held up the move somewhat but even so, she was snug as a bug in Colville Street, Denton Holme, enjoying an extra hour in bed before leaving for work and – if she’s wise – thanking lucky stars she’s a long way from Sadie and Simon in Bath.