Because of my age we rent nowadays. Moved into this place nearly 6 years ago. It belongs to an old gentleman farmer who is a long standing friend of my wife. When we moved in it was a bit of a shambles, (needed decorating, old fashioned style light fittings hanging too low from the ceilings so you had to walk around them or bang your head, garden completely overgrown etc), so we asked if we could do a few bits and pieces. 6 months later he comes around with his grandson who helps him run the business and they thought they had come to the wrong house! The lights had been changed for modern ones, the whole house had been decorated in neutral pastel shades and the garden totally re-vamped but retained a few of the original features and all hedges been trimmed and shaped to manageable sizes. They now give us free range to do what we want, (within reason and we always ask first), and we are still paying the same rent. We treat it like it is our own and they appreciate this. Used to get a 'house check' every 12 months but 2 years ago when I reminded them it was over due they simply said they wouldn't bother as they knew it would be fine. We still look after it so if they do come for one they will be proved right.
