To request that the current owners send me a bit of my grandparents' old house?

[CrazyPlaqueLady]

The house that my grandfather designed and built after the war, and in which I spent a huge proportion of my own childhood and have very very happy memories of, is going to be demolished, to make way for a new development of houses. I'm a bit sad about this, obviously, but there we go, life moves on, people need houses etc etc.

However, I know that there is a small metal plaque at the front of the house which my grandfather had engraved with his and my grandmother's initials and the date they moved in. I remember it very clearly from my childhood and I know it's still there.

All that side of my family are dead, including my mum, there is no-one left and soon the house we all spent so many happy times in will be gone too. I have photos obviously but it would really be meaningful to have something 'solid' and unique.

WIBU to write to the current owners and ask them if they would be willing to remove the plaque and send it to me, when they move out? I wouldn't chase them for it, just write once and if there's no response or it's a 'no' I would absolutely respect that. Or would this be a ridiculous request in the first place?

Definitely ask. It’s not of any value to them, after all.

Personally I would offer to pay for it, rather than ask for a freebie.

Of course you can ask. But they are under no obligation to say yes.

If they are elderly - would it be appropriate to ask if you could go and remove it for them. I’m assuming this plaque is high up?

I don't live in the area anymore although would make a trip if that's what they preferred. I would love to have one last look around, it was such a lovely house, but that might be a step too far I guess.

I'm heartened to know you don't all think I'm bonkers (actually feeling a bit choked up, haha)

Same here :) I think any decent person would send it to you.

The current owners of my mum's house let us keep some of the door furniture well after we'd sold it to them. We just asked and said yes.

oh absolutely ask!

I think anyone who received such a request would be delighted to oblige 🙂

Then get writing, a proper handwritten letter always gets more attention!! Offer to remove it, offer to pay postage etc if they would prefer to remove it themselves and include a prepaid envelope and telephone number so they can contact you.

good luck!!

I'd definitely do it!

My stepdad is building some new houses & kept a picture from the 1800s house that was demolished to make way because it was a shame to let it get thrown away

Oooh do it and let us know how you get on
It would be a lovely thing to have

Would it be hard to remove?

I'd probably rather offer to fetch it myself.

Shy bairns get nowt as they say. Absolutely no harm in asking. I'd happily do this for someone me.

You should be expecting to go and remove it yourself, OP. Or pay someone to remove it.

You shouldn't be asking the current owner to, especially if elderly.

Sorry meant to say I would definitely send postage, prepaid jiffy bag etc. I was just a bit worried because I think it is an elderly person who lives there and I wouldn't want to stress them out at all.

You are very lovely! Could you offer to pick it up? Or is the house far?

I don’t see how that could ever be unreasonable!
I hope you get it.

Go for it.

Does he care? Will he commit

Right now, I feel he’s messing a round
cant get a straight answer out of him.

frustrating-playing house with no commitment towards me. Absolutely aghast

dont know what to do. He says he cares but negates my feelings and respects my stance and take but refuses to acknowledge my emotions and admits I make efforts but won’t set a date.

Oh. I’m on another thread?

Hope they say yes, OP. I think most people would.

Definitely do that and let us know how you get on.

Do you live close enough to offer to remove it for them? If the current owner is elderly she may not feel able to do so.

Write yes, and If you can get to the site go and explain to the foreman. Leave it to him to arrange. They are usually decent blokes.

Most people would accommodate that if they could.

I think most people are kinder than is generally acknowledged. I had a half finished quilt for my son, made by my mum, who died suddenly.

I asked on a quilting group if anyone could finish it, asked potential cost etc. and someone offered and refused payment! I was so grateful and sent her some chocolates through the post. We were complete strangers! So kind.

Not bonkers at all and in their shoes I'd do it happily.

Without wishing to see rude, but by the time you've solicited advice from us on MN, you could have contacted the vendors and sorted it out. It's a perfectly reasonable request and no sane person would refuse. It's a 'no brainier'