to think of letting them know about their extension....

[cozietoesie]

Many many moons ago, my great aunt and uncle built a house in what was then a small Highland village but is now a dead posh holiday retreat. Great Aunty had this apparently appalling tomcat (they didn't neuter up there in those days) who sprayed on every surface known to man. She loved him dearly and Great Uncle said she could keep him only if he lived outside - so they built 'the shed' for him. (The extension.)

I was up there recently and the house is all whitewashed and beautiful. Ditto the shed.

I don't know whether I should write to the new owners letting them know. I hate to think of history dying - but maybe they wouldn't want to know about it?

I think if you care about this sort of thing then you should maybe write a small book/booklet about the village history. Family historians find this sort of info really interesting because it gives a human dimension to all those dates and places.

Not too sure if I would write to the owner though. An incontinent cat is a big of a negative in my book, rather than a fascinating anecdote.

Have you done your family history because this is just the sort of thing that future generations may have more of an interest in? I would certainly write it down for them to read.

Photos are very valuable, local history group will appreciate those I think.

go on send a letter with what you know of the history of the house,

It wasn't kirkmichael was it?

Now here's a story that I haven't told.

My maternal Grandad lived in part of a double cottage near the village green that had a 'two holer privy' - one for them and one for 'her next door'. Grandad and his mate (both naughty boys) decided one afternoon to put their cockerel down into the pit - and 'her next door' went in, lifted the privy lid, sat down- and 'WHOOPSADAISY!'

He was unrepentant at 80 when he told me the tale.

We received a packet of history about our house from the nephew of the gentleman who lived (and died!) in our house after we moved in. We really enjoyed it, but it was "proper" history (ie details of how the house was used in the war) and not family stories. We are like that though, and bought an old house becasue we wanted a house that had been lived in and was full of stories. That said I think even a letter like MaxPepsi wrote would be charming - DO NOT mention the spraying but simply saying GU didn't want the cat in the house would suffice.

The worst that happens is they think you are a nutter. Best case is they may love the house a little more for your stories.

Well, it's not 'history' is it? People build extensions for all kinds of reasons. Would you feel the same way if your Great Uncle had said your Great Aunty could only have a new fandangled fridge if it was kept in the 'shed' (extension). Sorry, I sense you feel very emotional at the moment, but this really is something and nothing.

The road built by hand, on the other hand, is probably interesting to the local historical society if they don't already know about it.

Why not write to them explaining that you were recently in the area and saw their house where your Great Aunty lived. It brought back fond memories of the house and if they would be interested in knowing anything about the previous owners and the history of the house, then to get in touch with you.

I think people are probably right - and I'm genuinely grateful for the perspective. It's a family thing for me - I'll write things up for the kids and they can do with them what they will. Getting them down on paper before I go is the important thing for me.

Cozie - do send a copy for local history group. I have found lovely family details that way.