Tom and Jean Cheetham moved into their home in 1938. It was the first home that they owned and it was located in Sydney, Australia. They continued to live in the home for 76 years and at the ages of 103 on 100, they moved into a nursing home. They are one of Australia’s oldest couples.
Auctioneers and buyers stepped inside of the house but when they did so, they felt as if they were stepping into a time warp. The visitors were shocked by the home because it was untouched for all of the years they lived in it. It was neat and tidy on the inside, and is still featured the original decor. That included the appliances, carpets and everything in the nooks and crannies.
The home sold for $1.6 million to an anonymous female buyer. That was far higher than the original sales price but that price wasn’t revealed through public records.
The Cheetham’s have six grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. The sale was bittersweet for the five generational family.
Tom took on most of the housework as Jean grew more frail over the years. He also loved to garden. Right up until the day they moved out, he was still mowing the lawn.
You can see their story through the pictures below.
In 1938, Australian couple Tom and Jean Cheetham moved here, their first and only home. Here they remained for 76 years, raising a family and creating long-lasting memories.
On the left: The Cheethams on their wedding day in 1938. On the right: The Cheethams in their “time warp home” just before moving out in 2014.
When auctioneers and hopeful buyers stepped inside the house, they felt like they were stepping into a time warp! The home remained completely un-renovated and agents said the rooms were kept in their original condition.
Tom and Jean’s son said his parents took out a loan to pay for the mortgage, and it probably took them at least 20 years to pay it off. They didn’t mind, because they loved it so much!
Much to the delight of new visitors, the kitchen was still in its original condition. A lot of local residents wanted to come and explore the home, simply because it’s been held in the Cheetham family for so long.
The home was one of only a few unrenovated properties in the Australian neighborhood, an area in high demand. I personally wouldn’t change a thing!
When asked to give love advice, Tom only said that it seems like couples don’t stay together anymore. As his wife grew more frail, Tom took on the housework and the gardening. Together, the couple moved into a retirement home before finally leaving their beloved house.
The sweet couple pictured relaxing on their couch just weeks before moving out.
The Cheethmas put a garage under the front of the home and filled in the small veranda outside. Other than that, the workshed in the backyard was one of the few things the couple added to the home since moving in.
People came out in droves to watch the home’s auction in 2014. After a quick-fire succession of 22 bids, the home sold to an anonymous female buyer.
Via: Little Things
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