During the renovation of their 165-year-old Victorian house in England, this young couple stumbled upon a trove of historical artifacts that left the online world in awe.
In March, Milly and her 27-year-old boyfriend, Louis, took on the challenge of revamping the South Wales property, which had sat empty for five years. Little did they know they would uncover such fascinating relics.
For the past four months, Milly and Louis have been hard at work renovating the seven-bedroom Belgrave Villa. Their renovation journey started with a viral video showcasing their initial discoveries, capturing the attention of millions online.
Finding hidden doors, beams, and other character features, the couple shared their progress on Instagram under the handle @belgravevilla. One of their videos showcasing the unearthed wonders has amassed over 30 million views.
In a later post, the couple excitedly showcased antique discoveries, including a World War II helmet insert, an 1800s polish, and a Christmas card from 1921 found tucked away in the house.
Unveiling their plan to transform the historical property into their home, Milly and Louis delved deeper into the villa’s past. Built in 1859, the house has served various purposes over the years, including as a doctors’ surgery and a bishops’ residence.
Amidst their renovation efforts, the couple unearthed an array of well-preserved objects, even stumbling upon a cellar and an old barn within the property.
One intriguing discovery was a certificate of authenticity for a piece of Christ’s cross, found in a cabinet by Milly. While the cross itself was missing, the certificate remains a remarkable find.
Amidst these exciting finds, the couple also uncovered a crucial piece of history—a World War II helmet belonging to Dr. Cornelius Patrick Robinson, the former owner of the house, tucked away behind a hidden doorway.
Sharing their journey on social media, the couple has been overwhelmed by the positive responses and support from the online community.
Milly expressed gratitude, saying, “We’re thrilled that others are as captivated by our adventure as we are. The encouragement and advice we’ve received have been invaluable.”
Continuing to unravel the history of their home, Milly and Louis remain dedicated to minimizing renovation costs while breathing new life into the once-dilapidated Belgrave Villa.
Milly humorously mentioned her learning curve in renovation compared to Louis’ experience, showcasing a blend of enthusiasm and determination in their project.