For Estelle Bilson, a love of bygone eras isn't just a hobby—it's the foundation of her home. The author, broadcaster, and designer lives with her husband in a uniquely converted former corner shop in South Manchester, a property that tells a story of personal history, creative DIY, and savvy second-hand shopping.
From Humble Beginnings to a Vintage Sanctuary
The couple's property journey began in 2003, when Estelle's husband purchased the two-and-a-half-bedroom ex-shop for £78,500 with a minimal 1% deposit, aided by his mother who had saved his rent money. Estelle herself moved in over a decade later in 2015, bringing her retro flair to the space. Today, their combined mortgage and household bills—including council tax, utilities, and streaming services—total around £960 per month.
Estelle is no stranger to the property ladder, having bought her first home in Bedfordshire at age 22 for £34,000 while earning just £12,000 a year. "Everything is relative," she notes, reflecting on the challenges of getting on the housing ladder then and now.
Curating a Home with Mid-Century Flair
The home's interior is a bold homage to mid-century design, a passion shared by both Estelle and her husband. Most furniture is preloved, sourced from weekly car boot sale raids. Estelle is a dedicated DIYer, having tackled everything from painting and decorating to fitting carpets and rewiring lights.
Significant improvements have been made over the years, including new windows, patio doors, rewiring, and plastering. A standout project is the kitchen, installed in 2024 after Estelle salvaged the original 1976 units from a house in North Manchester that was slated for demolition.
"Our home is quintessentially us," she says, citing the sets of Mad Men as a key inspiration. Her favourite room is the bathroom, which features a brown ombre French suite bought for £20 on eBay and styled to echo the glamour of Studio 54 or the 70s London store Big Biba.
Practical Wisdom for Home Buyers
Living in a 120-year-old property comes with constant maintenance, like recently having the chimney repointed to tackle damp. While they love their community and the area's independent shops, Estelle admits they crave more space, particularly a garage for her finds and a utility room.
Drawing from her experience, Estelle offers blunt advice for prospective buyers: "Buy the worst house you can find in the best area." She urges against trying to achieve perfection immediately, recommending living in a space to understand its light before making costly decorative decisions. For her north-west facing living room, warm burgundy proved a better choice than cool blues.
While the couple have no immediate plans to move, they dream of eventually relocating to the South West. For now, their creatively curated ex-corner shop in Manchester remains a testament to the power of patience, personal style, and preloved treasures.
