Sister-in-Law’s locked room

[TerracottaDream]

A couple of years ago brother was let down by a babysitter so I volunteered. Niece and nephew went to bed I made a cup of tea and went to go in the front room but the room was locked. I realised that I had never been in that room and that evening was the first time I had been upstairs. No issues but when they came back sister-in-law hoped I had been comfortable. I mentioned the front room and she said visitors were not allowed in there. I imagined it was because it was messy. I made a little joke and forgot about it.
Been a few times since then. We always sit in the kitchen. Went over for lunch over Christmas holidays sat in kitchen (a very nice one with sofas) had a lovely meal and brother suggests we move into other room again SiL says guests aren’t allowed, again I make a little joke about being used to mess.
Today I texted to say I would drop off niece’s birthday present and leave it in porch but when I got there brother was in well we went in front room- it’s like something out of the bloody Ideal Home Show!!! She clearly didn’t want me and DH in there (even when our kids aren’t with us) !
I am really pissed off( yes I know it’s her fucking house!!!) my friend and I just met accidentally in Starbucks and she is pissing herself laughing at me. AIBU?

Your SIL wants a nice room for her own use in her own house? Good for her.

It used to be quite common to keep a room for 'best'. I haven't seen it in years though.

I’ve always known it that the posh room is strictly for visitors and not the mere mortals who actually live there

I guess if the kitchen area is comfy enough for visitors they can keep the lounge private for themselves. I would love that!

I can't get over someone reminding their DH that guests aren't allowed in a room, in front of the guests!? What was your DBs reaction?
Is it a big house? It sounds lovely tbf

Bit rude not to let you in when you’re babysitting as a favour.

My friend laughed her head off at me so I must be unreasonable but I am really pissed off.

I was waiting for a sex room.
Disappointed.

Are your children prone to making a mess and breaking things? Obviously you’re going to say no they’re little angels but I bet it’s something to do with that.

Really odd not to use the room with guests, especially family. Understand not taking any old random caller if the kitchen does have seating.

Agree, MrsTerryP., I haven’t seen it for years. My grandparents did this back in the 1950’s. The front parlour was only used if the vicar (or royalty!) turned up, and the family squeezed into the back kitchen, round the coal fired range. It was such a waste of usable space in a tiny terrace house with an outside netty, too.

You are pissed off?

Get a grip. Sounds like she doesnt let anyone in there.

I thought this was going to be much more exciting.

I was thinking a S&M dungeon 😂

I also thought there was going to be some sort of sex room, disappointing it's just a naice front room. Personally I'd quite like my own front room where children and straight home from work mucky dp weren't allowed in.

So thy use it themselves but not for guests?

Disappointed she hasn’t locked a secret twin in there or something.

I’m not sure why you’re pissed off but she sounds crackers.

I am really pissed off

Why? People can do what they like with their own house, regardless of whether other people think it’s weird or take it personally.

Gutted at lack of sex dungeon

Why are you pissed off? I don't get it

If you had been perched on plastic stools in the kitchen then fair enough, but you appear to have been perfectly comfortable so what's the problem?

Honestly, I think it says as much about you as it does her -- you were fine with being kept out of a room if you thought it was too messy for visitors, with all your 'little jokes' but now you're fuming because in fact it's too good to be shared with visitors, and not a joke in sight.

Also gutted at lack of sex dungeon or Sex Bear (ref for very old MNetters)

I have a relative who does this in her 3 bed mid terrace! It's bonkers how 2 grown adults prefer to sit on garden or computer chairs in bedrooms instead of a nice comfy sofa.

I like this idea of a locked best room although it says something about maybe a strict upbringing for your poor SIL?

I would be asking your brother to spill all he knows about her family and upbringing to find out why she does this.

I thought this was going to be much more exciting. I was thinking a S&M dungeon

Me too!

It's a bit Hyacinth Bucket, and old-fashioned, but not that interesting.

In the past a front room might be kept pristine for guests and not for everyday use.
SIL is doing the opposite - reserving the room for her own use and excluding guests.
It's her house so she can do as she likes!