RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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0 Share Newsweek is a Trust Project member See more of our trusted coverage when you search. Prefer Newsweek on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search. A couple who bought a 1950s fixer-upper late last year hit the "floor lottery" during renovations, uncovering original parquet flooring hidden beneath decades-old carpeting across their entire downstairs.
The London homeowners described the property as the "worst house on the best street," but took a chance on the building despite green carpeting and dated wallpaper. Joe Brawn, one of the homeowners, told Newsweek that the couple first discovered well-maintained parquet in the living room several months ago, but only recently realized the historic flooring extended throughout the lower level.
"We had no idea when we bought the house," Brawn said.
The couple has documented their renovation journey on Instagram under the account @hillendhousereno. In a recent video, they peeled back a corner of the carpet to reveal the geometric wood underneath.
"Cannot believe what was under these 70-year-old carpets," they said, adding: "Cannot believe anyone would ever want to cover these up."
Parquet flooring originated in 16th-century France, featuring small blocks of wood arranged in geometric patterns. The style gained popularity in European palaces before declining in the 1930s as wall-to-wall carpeting became widespread, leaving many historic floors buried for generations.
A professional floor restorer is scheduled to assess the parquet, though Brawn noted the couple still faces decisions regarding the final finish.
"A lot of work is needed to restore this beautiful parquet, but it will be so worth it," the homeowners said.
Restoring vintage parquet can involve significant expense depending on the wood's condition. Zoopla, a United Kingdom-based property platform, advises setting aside 10 percent to 15 percent of a renovation budget for unforeseen costs—a recommendation that may prove crucial for a project of this scale.
Despite the upcoming labor, the couple plans to preserve the historic detail rather than replace it.
"We saw the potential and now the work begins," the couple said.
Contact Newsweek editors for this story: Rebecca Flood and Anthony Murray .
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