How I would have liked to have lived in the Merchant Venturer times, when men were men and built houses that were houses! I have been to see one such house today that has been converted into seven flats. I suspect that the original owner might have been turning in his grave when he knew what had happened to his truly magnificent house just off The Downs. It was beautifully designed with generous features and stonework, including 'Corinthian' columned entrance porch. It was converted a few years ago and has been fairly well maintained, but when it was last scaffolded to re-decorate last year, no one sought fit to inspect the roof, which needs the ridge, hip and verges all re-pointing, so scaffolding will have to be erected again. Hey ho! It's off to work we go...   more »