June 8th 2024.
Welcome to Wales, dear reader! It's lovely to have you here. Today, we're diving into the world of homeownership with our series, "What I Own," where we chat with homeowners about their experiences in the property market.
Last week, we had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Muhommed Patel and Dr. George Thomas Wood, who shared their story of finding their forever home in Hertfordshire for their blended family. This week, we're off to the breathtaking countryside of Wales to meet Mok O'Keeffe and his husband, who own a charming "baby castle" nestled in the picturesque Brecon Beacons.
Let's hear what Mok has to say about their property journey...
First, tell us a bit about yourself! Mok is an LGBTQ+ historian, currently working on his PhD studies that focus on the country house as a refuge for LGBTQ+ individuals. You can find him sharing his love for hidden history and his life in rural Wales on social media as @gayaristo. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, Mok is passionate about shedding light on the often-ignored history of his community, which has been predominantly written by straight, white men. He's happily married to his husband Joe, who is a personal trainer, and together they live with their two adorable dogs, Percy and Chaucer, in their dream home - a baby castle in the stunning Brecon Beacons National Park.
So, where exactly is your property located and what do you think of the area? Mok and Joe's house is situated just outside Abergavenny, in the beautiful Monmouthshire region of Wales. Fun fact - Joe is Welsh, and Mok has been visiting Wales for the past twelve years, often spending summers here as a child. So when the couple decided to make their move three years ago, it was an easy decision to make this idyllic place their forever home.
Abergavenny is a bustling town with a lot to offer, including an incredible food festival, various community activities, and plenty of independent shops. The charming high street is always buzzing with coffee shops, a department store, an independent bookshop, and several bakeries. And let's not forget the breathtaking views of the Skirrid Mountain, which stands tall behind their house. Living in a dark sky park means there are no street lights, allowing Mok and Joe to enjoy the magical starry nights. Not to mention, Joe loves hiking and running, so the surrounding countryside is perfect for him.
Oh, and have you seen their gorgeous wisteria? It's a sight to behold! Mok adds that there's always something happening in the area, like the recent flower festival at the church, which was simply glorious. And with a huge orchard nearby, the couple often bumps into the vicar or their lovely neighbors while taking their dogs for a walk. The inclusive nature of the community is evident with Abergavenny hosting its own Pride event on the grounds of St. Mary's Priory.
Now, let's talk about the property itself. Mok and Joe moved in just a few months ago, in June 2021. And what about the cost? Well, this "baby castle" came with a hefty price tag of £965,000, but Mok bought it outright. Even though they don't have a mortgage, the costs of running an old house can add up, with little insulation and fuel and electricity bills in the thousands.
But it's all worth it for the couple, who have made this place feel like home with their personal touches. Mok has inherited furniture and art from his parents and grandparents, which can be found in every room. They also have family photos and memories scattered throughout the house. And with two acres of garden, Mok loves growing flowers that he can use to decorate their home, making every family dinner even more special.
When asked about their interior decor style, Mok shares his love for the arts and crafts movement, with lots of William Morris fabric and wallpaper adorning the walls. And since their home was built in the 16th century, their furniture and decor reflect the period. As an expert in country houses, Mok's study has also inspired some of the interior design choices.
When it comes to their favorite room in the house, Mok and Joe both agree on the snug off the main kitchen. It's the perfect spot to relax with their dogs while Joe prepares a delicious vegan meal. And with working from home becoming the norm, the couple has converted a bedroom into an office, with plans to do the same with another bedroom. They also have a separate guest accommodation in the turret, which comes in handy when family comes to visit.
As for future plans, Mok and Joe have no intention of leaving their dream home. They are content with living here for the rest of their lives, and Mok even jokes that he'll leave this place in a box. But that doesn't mean there aren't any changes happening - Mok has big plans for their paddock, which he wants to turn into a topiary garden with a maze!
Of course, owning an old house comes with its own set of challenges, but Mok and Joe are more than happy to tackle them. And when it comes to buying a home, Mok's advice is to not get caught up in the seller's lifestyle and instead focus on how you want to live in the space.
And with that, we come to the end of our tour. Thank you for joining us on this journey through Mok and Joe's charming "baby castle" in rural Wales. We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did! And who knows, maybe one day you'll have a story to share with us too. Until then, happy house hunting!
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