World's smallest detached house to get makeover

THE world's smallest detached house is to get a makeover.

Renovation work is due to start on Thimble Hall, in the village of Youlgreave, near Chesterfield, which has just two rooms measuring 8ft 1in by 7ft.

The Grade II listed building will be used to house a collection of thimbles and be open to tourists.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The 18th century one-up, one-down home has a ladder for a staircase and lacks running water, a bathroom and a kitchen. A Guinness World Records certificate names it as the world’s smallest detached house.

In 1999 Thimble Hall was put up for sale with a guide price of 5,000 to 15,000, but sold for 39,500. Bids came in by telephone from Hong Kong, Athens and New York. Even showbiz paranormalist Uri Geller was interested but the property was bought by Bruno Frederick, head of the Chesterfield-based ice cream firm.