Battered dolls house bought in Newark is transformed thanks to community project
A battered dolls house bought at a second hand shop has been transformed thanks to a creative community project.
Emily Hatton, of Newark, purchased the old dolls house for a bargain price of just £20 but, the longer she had it, the more she thought 'what am I going to do with this?'
Having learned from a friend of Caudwell House in Southwell — a facility providing short breaks for young people with physical disabilities and associated illnesses — she asked if they would like it as a gift.
"I just think it's amazing what they do for the children there — it really pulls at my heart strings," Emily said.
"I then started to go a bit mad with it."
With it being so beaten up, Emily stripped it back completely, painted the whole thing and made some minor fixes — including filling its broken window sills.
New wallpaper was applied and carpets laid down, with little hand made pictures dotted around the place.
She said: "I started to get everyone on board with the project.
"There have been so many people and companies that have donated to the project — paints, wallpaper and even carpets. It's been brilliant.
"It must have taken about three months to get it done."
With the dolls house being such a success, Emily's partner bought another.
"This one wasn't painted and the thought behind it was the kids could decorate it themselves," she added.
"I've been making my own little pieces of furniture for the second house."
The two dolls houses have been placed in Caudwell House's art rooms for the children to decorate and enjoy.
Emily would like to thank Michael Large, Hannah Senior and Sandra and David Hardy who all helped with transport and decorating.
She would like to thank the following businesses that made donations: Crafty Betty, Wood & Toys, Stag Pine, Toymaster, Poundstretcher, Barnbygate Second Hand Shop, Wilson Carpets, The Range, The Painted Elephant, Kube Technology and Homebase.
Caudwell House welcomes children from three to four (if at school or a special needs nursery) to 19 years.
To find out more about their services, call 01636 813170.
