David sits in his new chair preparing to do some concreteing. It's been pointed out by some inadequate moron as a reason for not buying his house. It's been on the market for over a year and we cannot get a buyer.

Why not?

Well, virtually everyone we encounter either cannot or will not buy a property that's not absolutely sparklingly perfect in case they (heaven help us) have to do some DIY. Of course that's scary.

Interestingly every new or newish house I've ever been inside has far more wrong with it than this lovely Victorian cottage in the heart of Ascot village. What I particularly hate about new houses is the way you can hear the conversations of your neighbours through the walls....oh and the total lack of garden...oh and the fact that most don't have adequate parking for today's two car households.....need I go on?

I don't think so. Well, we love the house so we're going to start spending a bit more time there ourselves....how wonderful to be able to walk to a dozen fabulous restaurants, several pubs, the racecourse and the station. How wonderful to be able to sit out in the garden in privacy and comfort.

Oh and the concreteing? A tub of concrete mix costs £3.99 - all you do is add water, mix and apply - the whole job took less than half an hour. Hard isn't it.