Ashley Jackson moved to Manchester from Texas in 2022 and is now house-hunting with her British husband, however she is now openly baffled by UK house buying quirks
An American woman living in the UK has shared the three aspects that “baffle” her about purchasing a property in England. Ashley Jackson relocated to Manchester from Texas in 2022 and is currently house-hunting alongside her British husband.
But the 42-year-old says certain peculiarities she’s encountered in English properties have left her completely bewildered. Ashley, who frequently posts about UK vs US cultural differences online, confessed she and her spouse are “learning as they go” throughout the purchasing process.
In a viral post on TikTok, she disclosed the three aspects she simply cannot comprehend. One photograph displayed a lounge featuring a fireplace and mantelpiece.
Across the image, Ashley penned: “Is this a real fireplace? Is it the original? Why is it so far out, if so? If not, is there a real fireplace back there? Why cover it up? And how easy can I remove it?”
Another picture captured an odd boxed-in feature upstairs – presumably concealing the staircase. Clearly puzzled, she questioned: “What the heck do people do with this space with the box?”
However, her greatest cultural shock occurred in the kitchen upon discovering there wasn’t a dishwasher. She said: “I do not want to hand-wash all the dishes.
“Nor does my husband. I’m in my 40s, I’m not adjusting on this. The sellers’ estate agent said it wouldn’t be a problem to have the plumbing moved around and have it installed, any truth/tips on this?”
The post swiftly triggered discussion online, with Brits racing to clarify the peculiar features. One user commented: “You can definitely move things around in the kitchen to accommodate a dishwasher.
“It should be relatively simple to do – ask a plumber for advice. There’s probably a fire or a back boiler behind that faux fireplace, rip it out and see. The ‘box’ is hiding the head of the staircase so is wasted space really, but you can pretty it up with cushions to make a reading nook or make it functional with storage.”
Another viewer remarked: “You’re in England. Get used to doing the dishes manually.” One person commented: “Get a bed built onto the box.. with half onto the box and half off.. It’s a fake fire, but maybe an original fireplace behind it.”
Another person remarked: “A dishwasher is essential! I’m English, 70 and have had a dishwasher for at least 45 years.”
And one viewer noted: “I am with you I can’t stand washing up and it makes me feel [queasy emoji]. Greasy water.
“Looks like a fabulous house and 1950s builds have great proportions! Hope you are very happy there!”
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