{"id":71627,"date":"2026-06-27T11:04:52","date_gmt":"2026-06-27T11:04:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/71627\/"},"modified":"2026-06-27T11:04:52","modified_gmt":"2026-06-27T11:04:52","slug":"what-i-own-we-left-london-for-our-850000-brighton-home-then-we-found-asbestos","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/71627\/","title":{"rendered":"What I Own: We left London for our \u00a3850,000 Brighton home \u2014 then we found asbestos"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\"Frederique
\n\t\tThis weekend, we\u2019re in Brighton chatting to Frederique (Picture: Andrew Hasson)<\/p>\n

Welcome back to\u00a0What I Own<\/a>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Metro\u2019s property series where we speak to homeowners about getting on the ladder.<\/p>\n

When Frederique Etienney-Pope and her husband found out they were expecting their third child in 2020, they knew they were ready to leave London.<\/p>\n

At the time, they were living in a small flat in Brixton, and while they loved everything the city had to offer, they wanted to move closer to the sea.<\/p>\n

The pair ended up taking the plunge and buying a five-bedroom home for \u00a3850,000 down in Brighton, but the move has been far from stress-free.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s what Frederique had to say about her property journey\u2026<\/p>\n

Tell us about yourself!<\/p>\n

I used to work in a publishing company, and I recently got into interior design. I live with my husband and our three children, who are 12, 11, and five. We like to travel when we can, spend time at the beach and visit concerts and exhibitions.<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\tReady to start your homebuying journey?\t\t\t<\/p>\n

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I\u2019m originally from France<\/a> but I moved to the UK 23 years ago. I now spend more time in the UK than in France. I came to study and I ended up staying.<\/p>\n

We were in Brixton<\/a> for four years and loved it. But then the second lockdown arrived, and as we were expecting our third child, we decided to leave London in December 2020 for more space, and to be closer to my husband\u2019s family in Sussex.<\/p>\n

Whereabouts is your property? What do you think of the area?<\/p>\n

We love it here. We really wanted to move to Brighton because my husband went to Sussex University so was familiar with the area. It felt like a smaller version of London somehow, being by the sea. We were really specific about being quite central in Brighton.<\/p>\n

There are a lot of people in Hove, but that didn\u2019t really fit us because you have to drive everywhere. From our house, you can walk to the station in 10 minutes, and it\u2019s not far from the Lanes.<\/p>\n

Nearby, Berry and Sons, an antique store in Seven Dials, is one of my absolute favourites. It\u2019s very well-priced and always full of treasures. I also love the\u00a0North Lane Bazaar\u00a0and\u00a0Snoopers Paradise. You truly never know what you are going to find there.<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tFrederique used to work in publishing (Picture: Andrew Hasson)
\nHow much does your property cost?<\/p>\n

It cost \u00a3850,000. It was during a time of a big exodus from the capital. People were leaving London for Brighton, and it was extremely competitive.<\/p>\n

We would do eight or 10 viewings a day, because you had to already have an offer on your house to be taken seriously by estate agents. They were overwhelmed by the number of people moving at the time.<\/p>\n

How much was your deposit?<\/p>\n

We had 40%, because we sold our previous home so we had equity. We bought that one for \u00a3350,000 and we sold it for \u00a3575,000.<\/p>\n

What is the monthly cost of living<\/a> here now, both mortgage and bills?<\/p>\n

The mortgage is around \u00a32,100 per month. We have a five-year term. The bills in the winter are horrible, around \u00a3400 for gas and electricity every two months. The insulation isn\u2019t great. <\/p>\n

\t\t\"Frederique
\n\t\t\u2026but she transitioned to interior design (Picture: Andrew Hasson)<\/p>\n

It\u2019s an old Edwardian property, so a lot of the windows are original sash windows. You\u2019re losing a lot of the heat. Right now, it\u2019s gone down to \u00a3140 per month.<\/p>\n

Council tax is around \u00a3300, and then the water is around \u00a350 per month.<\/p>\n

What was the process of getting a mortgage like for you?<\/p>\n

It was relatively easy, because we were in a good position. We\u2019d sold our house and we had quite a bit of equity, but the first time we bought was tricky because we were both self-employed. <\/p>\n

How did you find the property? What made you choose it?<\/p>\n

It was the location. We saw a lot of potential in this one, but it needed lots of work. It had been a student house so it was mismatched. You had to use your imagination.<\/p>\n

We really like old properties with lots of light, character, and high ceilings. When you\u2019ve seen ten or 15, you know after a while when you walk into somewhere, you can feel.<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tShe\u2019s lived in the UK for more than 20 years (Picture: Andrew Hasson)
\nHow did you get into interior design? How long have you been doing it for?<\/p>\n

It\u2019s relatively new; I\u2019ve been doing it for two years. I\u2019m starting to do some commercial property, which was a jump.<\/p>\n

I had a small furnishing business where I used to upcycle and revamp furniture. It started from there, by staging furniture and just buying old pieces and mixing them together.<\/p>\n

With our first house, we had to renovate, and I really enjoyed it. We then did this property, and I just thought it\u2019d be great to do it for a living.<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tThe family previously lived in Brixton (Picture: Andrew Hasson)
\nWhat would you say is the main inspiration for your interior design style?<\/p>\n

I really like old vintage pieces, and bringing history back into our home. I like to mix dark and bright colours. I can\u2019t live in a white or beige house; it just doesn\u2019t fit my character, which is loud and busy.<\/p>\n

We need colour to boost our energy levels. My style is bold, eclectic, and often inspired by places we\u2019ve been, just bringing memories in. All the rooms they talk to us, and we don\u2019t really follow trends. When it\u2019s yours, it\u2019s like a hug, rather than being a home that pleases everyone.<\/p>\n

The children picked the colours for their bedrooms, and we wanted to make it work for all of us.<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Frederique
\n\t\tThey decided they wanted to be closer to family (Picture: Andrew Hasson)
\nWhat work did you have to do on the home when you first moved in?<\/p>\n

The main one was the asbestos. We realised there were some cupboards that had been covered with it where a boiler used to be, and then we found it somewhere else. At the time, I was heavily pregnant. <\/p>\n

We had to clear the house, and we were so worried it could be contaminated. We had to board all the wooden floors upstairs in case some had fallen down, because it was really crumbling. When it breaks, it just disintegrates. It was a nightmare, but we got over it.<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\t\u2026and loved the idea of living by the sea (Picture: Andrew Hasson)
\nWhat\u2019s your favourite room?<\/p>\n

My bedroom, because I really went for the colour. It\u2019s over five years old, and I still like it. It\u2019s teal, and there\u2019s some yellow with the bath, which I always wanted in my bedroom. It\u2019s a luxury.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve recently managed to finish a bigger bathroom for the five of us. I managed to put wallpaper all over the ceiling, which was difficult to do because the ceiling is curved. <\/p>\n

There\u2019s a big round bath, so I really like this room, too. It feels like a spa.<\/p>\n

Do you feel like you have enough space?<\/p>\n

Yes! I wish there were more storage, though, especially with kids.<\/p>\n

Do you have any plans to change the property?<\/p>\n

We were planning to do a kitchen extension, because it\u2019s the only room we haven\u2019t touched. But we can\u2019t justify the cost at the moment. We\u2019ve decided to park it for now and make it work with what we have, so we\u2019ve just repainted it. I got a lot of spray cans and covered all the cabinets for about \u00a335.<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Frederique
\n\t\t\u2018It felt like a smaller version of London somehow\u2019 (Picture: Andrew Hasson)
\nAre there any problems with the property you\u2019ve had to deal with?<\/p>\n

The boiler broke down numerous times. We\u2019ve got insurance now, so it\u2019ll be covered if we break down. It\u2019s one of our biggest regrets, but we\u2019ve learned. We should have replaced it the first time.<\/p>\n

The roof was leaking, and there are a few walls where the paint has lifted. We probably need to replaster a couple of walls.<\/p>\n

What are your plans for the future? Do you plan to stay here long-term?<\/p>\n

I don\u2019t want to move. It was so stressful. I\u2019m still recovering, but maybe we\u2019ll move back to France one day.<\/p>\n

Shall we take a look around?<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tThey live around 10 minutes from the train station (Picture: Andrew Hasson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tThey always wanted to live in the centre (Picture: Andrew Hasson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tThey\u2019d love to fit a new kitchen in the future (Picture: Andrew Hasson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tThey bought their home for \u00a3850,000 (Picture: Andrew Hasson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tAt the time, lots of people were moving down to Brighton (Picture: Andrew Hasson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tThey would view 10 properties a day when they were looking (Picture: Andrew Hasson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tThey put down a 40% deposit (Picture: Andrew Hasson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\t\u2026as they had equity from their previous home (Picture: Andrew Hasson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tThey sold their Brixton home for \u00a3575,000 (Picture: Andrew Hasson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tWhy hello there (Picture: Andrew Hasson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tThey pay around \u00a32,100 per month for the mortgage (Picture: Andrew Hasson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tThe bills in the winter cost much more (Picture: Andrew Hasson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\t\u2026as the home has old sash windows (Picture: Andrew Hasson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tThey saw lots of potential in the home when they first viewed (Picture: Andrew Hasson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tIt was previously a student house (Picture: Andrew Hasson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tFrederique used to upcycle furniture (Picture: Andrew Hasson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\t\u2026which is what led her towards interior design (Picture: Andrew Hasson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tEach of her children has their own bedroom (Picture: Andrew Hasson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tWe\u2019re enjoying this funky wall pattern (Picture: Andrew Hasson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tFrederique started buying and mixing old pieces together (Picture: Andrew Hasson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tShe\u2019s a big fan of old vintage pieces (Picture: Andrew Hasson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tThe children picked the colours for their own bedrooms (Picture: Andrew Hasson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tLook at these tiny boots (Picture: Andrew Hasson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tFrederique wishes the house had more storage (Picture: Andrew Hasson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tThey have five bedrooms (Picture: Andrew Hasson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tColour is an important element of her interior design style (Picture: Andrew Hasson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tFrederique\u2019s favourite room is her bedroom (Picture: Andrew Hasson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tIt\u2019s the classic toothbrush shot (Picture: Andrew Hasson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tWhen they moved in, they realised there was asbestos (Picture: Andrew Hasson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tSo for the first month, they had to live with family (Picture: Andrew Hasson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tI love you, in French (Picture: Andrew Hasson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tFancy a bubble bath? (Picture: Andrew Hasson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tThis is some beautiful detailing (Picture: Andrew Hasson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tThey\u2019ve had a few issues with the boiler (Picture: Andrew Hasson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\t\u2026but they\u2019ve now got insurance (Picture: Andrew Hasson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tWe\u2019re enjoying this lamp (Picture: Andrew Hasson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tFrederique hopes they never have to move again (Picture: Andrew Hasson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tWe\u2019re enjoying the natural light in here (Picture: Andrew Hasson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tBonjour (Picture: Andrew Hasson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tThe blue and gold are gorgeous together (Picture: Andrew Hasson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Brighton,
\n\t\tPlants always brighten up a space (Picture: Andrew Hasson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tA garden is always welcome (Picture: Andrew Hasson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\t\u2026particularly in this weather (Picture: Andrew Hasson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\tOne day, Frederique would consider moving back to France (Picture: Andrew Hasson)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Inside
\n\t\t\u2026but for now, she\u2019s happy where she is (Picture: Andrew Hasson)<\/p>\n

Do you have a story you\u2019d like to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@metro.co.uk<\/p>\n

Arrow
\nMORE: The \u2018lovely\u2019 commuter town 36 minutes from London with homes \u00a3300,000 cheaper<\/a><\/p>\n

Arrow
\nMORE: The \u2018beautiful\u2019 yet underrated South London postcode with \u00a340,000 discounts<\/a><\/p>\n

Arrow
\nMORE: What I Own: I flipped my \u00a31,000,000 Essex home \u2014 it used to be a doctor\u2019s surgery<\/a><\/p>\n


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